Scheduled for debut at the 2008 Detroit Motor Show, the Ford Explorer America Concept reflects the changes in the SUV market in the last 15 years.

"In the 1990s, customers were drawn by SUVs aligned with people’s adventurous, more rugged lifestyles.

"Today’s consumers are more discerning, demanding products that are capable and flexible – but more intelligently executed."

The powertrain includes a 4-cylinder 2-liters engine with EcoBoost technology delivering 275 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque and a 3.5-liter V-6 delivering about 340 hp.

Depending on engine selection, fuel-efficiency will improve by 20 to 30 percent versus today’s V-6 Explorer.

The EcoBoost technologies package will be available in a luxury vehicle next year.

Technical highlights include a six-speed transmission and the migration from body-on-frame to unibody construction, which reduces weight and allows for better driving dynamics.

The smaller engine allowed for secondary weight savings, for a total reduction of 150 pounds (about 90 kg).

Design

The Explorer America concept features a modern, muscular design language that reflects today’s active lifestyles.

The exterior design is characterized by elements such as its integrated three-bar grille, defined power dome hood, wrap-around rear glass panel window and sliding rear door.

Peter Horbury, vice president of design, says he hopes people will see the Explorer America and say they recognize it. His objective was to recreate the name plate without repeating it.

"There is value in names that we have the Mustang should look like a Mustang regardless of what year it is and I think it is wise that the Explorer can be identified as an Explorer just by looking at it."

Interior

The interior is characterized by a number of intelligent features, including: single-touch stackable, sliding seats that allow for convenient access to the second row; a work table with seats deploy from the tailgate; and a three-dimensional compass and navigation unit with a topographical map built right into the instrument panel.

It is an interpretation of a traditional yachting compass, displaying real time global positioning, 3D landscape, 3D weather forecasting from live Dopplers, 3D traffic visualization, destinations, urban and country terrain, by way of projected holographic imagery and "intelligent forecasting".

The six seats are wrapped in a combination of brown leather paired with ballistic fabric stitched in contrasting green stitching.

(Source: Ford)