Ford has used the Beijing Motor Show to release a
new teaser image of the 2020 Explorer. The teaser
image doesn’t reveal much it suggests the model will have a relatively smooth
front fascia with gentle curves. Moving back, we can see a relatively
short hood and a gently raked windscreen which meets a sloping roof.
The model also appears to have a roof rack and an
upward sweeping beltline. There’s pronounced wheel arches and a
relatively upright tailgate. Ford confirmed the next-generation Explorer will
be built in China and the company has previously said the model will be
launched in the United States next year. An Explorer ST will “soon follow” and
it is expected to use a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine that is shared with the
Lincoln Continental and Lincoln MKZ.
The engine produces 400 hp and 542 Nm of torque. If these figures carryover to the Explorer ST, the model
would be significantly more powerful than the current Explorer Sport which has
a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 that develops 365 hp and 474 Nm of
torque.
Besides the Explorer ST, we can expect a plug-in
hybrid variant. Details remain elusive but Ford has previously said they’re
going “all-in on hybrids” as the fuel-saving technology will be offered on
high-volume models such as the Bronco, Escape, Explorer, Mustang and F-150.
The new Explorer is expected to have a lot in common
with the Lincoln Aviator as both will ride on the CD6 platform which supports
front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive applications. Besides
the hybrid powertrain, reports have suggested the Explorer will be offered with
a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine as well as a 3.3-liter V6.
