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2008 Ford Explorer America Concept

The Explorer is a very important vehicle for Ford in North America. It may

The success of the Explorer is paramount to Ford. They've been doing a lot of thinking, and here is the result. (Photo: Ford)

not hold the same weight on the sales charts as say, the F-150, but at one point in time it was the industry standard for midsize SUVs, and up until it was recently dethroned by the Honda CR-V it was the best-selling SUV in the United States. To be the leader in a market like the midsize SUV segment is paramount, especially for Ford that has relied so much on truck and SUV sales for overall profitability.

On the other hand, delivering a product that people want to buy and a product that is not just fit for consumers' needs, but the environment's needs is also of great importance. This is where Ford's new Explorer America concept steps in; previewing what may be in store for one of the segment's most popular vehicles.

With a name like Explorer, you can't help but think of the whole outdoorsy thing; a “brave new world” and all that sort of enthusiasm for conquering new grounds. As a concept vehicle, the Explorer America does a pretty good job of capturing that spirit, which incidentally feels like it's on the same page as last year's Airstream concept. I had a chance to see the Explorer America Concept up close and in person during a preview program Ford put on in Dearborn late last year, and it's roughly the

It's no minivan, but second-row of sliding doors make for easy access to the second and third rows. (Photo: Ford)

same size as the production Explorer currently is, but it looks slightly wider and sturdier. The Explorer America is also a familiar sort of shape, not dissimilar to the current SUV, although with its chiseled and champhered edges it has a more precise, almost industrial-like finish to it, a sort of camping knife with wheels if you will. Of course, what would a Ford be without that brazen three-bar chrome grille?

But it's the process involved to get inside that just might be the boldest move this concept makes, especially if climbing into the rear. While most automakers are shunting minivans to the side to make way for cooler crossovers, Ford has brought back the minivan's most dominant character trait, side sliding rear doors. Say what? It's true. While side sliders are much more convenient to use, as minivan owners will attest, who wants to bet that these don't make it to production? Bold moves maybe, but Ford just doesn't have the guts to do something so radical to an SUV... or does it? I know some folks that would be more inclined to buy it if they did.

Inside, the Explorer Concept America has seating for six, each occupant held in place by a “floating” style bucket seat that folds and slides forward for easier access to the second row, while the heavens above stream in through a full-length panoramic glass panel. The highlight of the cabin has got to be the glowing neon green globe that sits embedded in the top of the dashboard. It in turn provides cartographic maps in full 3D, and it integrates with the vehicle's navigation system. Yes, it may be little more than a showpiece, but you have to admit that the concept is kind of cool.

While this clever “Lewis and Clark” style wrapping inside

Brown and white gives an earthy yet modern ambience, which is illuminated with some mighty bright neon green LEDs. Note the globe on the dash. (Photo: Ford)

and out will draw crowds into Ford's showrooms if this concept is ever built, those interested will more than likely to be captivated by the substantial changes that have been made under the skin. Because fuel economy is vital to keeping SUVs popular here in North America, Ford has exacted every effort into making the Explorer America as fuel efficient as possible. The concept finally moves away from the Explorer's truck roots to a more car-like unibody platform. Sure, the Explorer may have grown over the years, gaining a third row and fully-independent front and rear suspension setups, but ditching the body-on-frame platform will be the first major change, which alone is expected to save hundreds of pounds.

Weight loss has a snowballing effect. Lose the heavy frame and you don't need such a big engine. With a smaller engine, you don't need such heavy duty brakes. Lighter brakes means you have less unsprung mass which means you can use smaller shock absorbers and springs, etc, etc.

But getting back to talk of engines, Ford is getting very smart about downsizing and it's taking some pretty big steps with its EcoBoost series of engines. Instead of the big 4.0-liter Cologne V6 or the 4.6-liter Modular V8

The Explorer America isn't really shaped much differently from the current SUV. (Photo: Ford)

, Ford will be thinking small with something along the lines of a 2.0-liter inline-four with direct injection and a turbocharger, creating an impressive 275 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. This would be supplemented by a 3.0-liter V6 with direct injection and a turbo that would make in the 340 horsepower range. These changes would allow Ford to net between 20- and 30-percent better fuel economy over the current SUV, without detracting from or compromising performance. This gasoline engine would be mated to Ford's six-speed automatic transmission, enhancing performance and fuel economy again. The idea of consumers being able to move a vehicle traditionally powered by a V8 engine by a much smaller four-cylinder one is daunting, but over time people should adjust, especially if fuel prices continue to go up.

But the one thing we have to ask is what the end result of these changes will be? If they proceed, Ford will indeed end up with a more fuel efficient machine, one that is friendlier to the environment and one that will live to see another generation. However, wouldn't that make the

No body on frame, no big V8... the Explorer is changing. (Photo: Ford)

Explorer less of a sport utility vehicle and more of a crossover? Ford already is a leader in the crossover marketplace with some very good vehicles like the Edge, the Taurus X, and the up and coming Flex. And although the Explorer would certainly have its own unique character and capabilities that would give the brand four crossover vehicles in the mid- to full-size arena, which as far as manufacturers go is a record number.

All of this movement to lighter overall weight means that the Explorer may not be any less capable as a people-moving machine at the end of the day, but what of its utility as a true SUV? Will Ford also choose to ditch the Explorer's low-range gearing for a car-like all wheel drive system? Will the production Explorer have much in the way of ground clearance, or towing capacity now that these changes are on their way? Although it may be true that only a small percentage of owners take their Explorers off-roading, such changes would fundamentally change the vehicle's core character and therefore leave these loyal buyers disenfranchised, looking somewhere else for their next SUV.

Nobody said survival was easy, but if the Explorer can adapt quickly enough and in the right ways, then another generation of sales leadership will be its reward.

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