The 2011 Explorer has been spied testing in a more crossover-like form and its new car-ness was hinted at by last year's Ford Explorer America concept. Ford has also confirmed Chicago's Torrence Avenue assembly plant will receive a new product, but hasn't identified it. Now it appears Ford has committed to producing the 2011 Explorer there in a deal with the UAW.

The Taurus X will be discontinued this Spring, replaced by the more successfully styled Ford Flex, which is built in Oakville Ontario. This leaves capacity available in Chicago for the Explorer.

The Ford Explorer America concept showcased a range of fuel-efficient EcoBoost (newspeak for turbocharged) engines, including, "a 4-cylinder 2-liter engine with EcoBoost technology delivering 275 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque or, as a premium engine, 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." It's expected the 2011 Explorer will use those powerplants. [via Chicago Breaking News]

Thanks for the tip, Jon!