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!

Schirmer said,

"Basically, it's the last call at the bar.”

Which is his nice way of saying - No one wants to go home with the Duff. Too bad.

Originally launched in 2004 as the Freestyle and Montego, the Taurus X and Sable were both renamed in 2007. Ford CEO Alan Mulally supported the name change with hopes that it would help ignite sales in the two vehicle lines, but that hasn’t been the case. The decision to kill both vehicle lines is in direct connection with the restructuring plans at Ford ever since the Ford Flex first hit the auto show floor and will pave the way for the new 2010 Ford Taurus set to debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

[via: Automotive News]

Ford CEO Alan Mulally recently said a redesign of the Taurus sedan will happen much sooner than originally planned. By sometime next year, Mulally said the next generation of the Taurus will move away from "Homer Simpson" and be more like what Ford "should have made originally." We've now learned from supplier sources that the wagon variant will not be part of this quick redesign. More importantly, sales of the Taurus X should cease within 14-18 months. We think this means the 2009 model year will be the last for the Ford once known as Freestyle. However, we won't be totally shocked if we end up getting a partial 2010 model year as the build-out of the Taurus X concludes.

Quite honestly, this move has us a little puzzled. Ford spent an F350 load of money just last year to freshen up the Ford Freestyle for the Chicago Auto Show. The Blue Oval also gave it a once-over on the face with a razor blade — or three — to give it the corporate "Hi, I'm Dave" front end. That's not normally the kind of move you make when death is knocking on the door. Strangely enough, one clue we can follow to explain this move is Mercury. As recently as the first quarter of 2006, a Mercury version of the Freestyle was planned. First, we were shown the Mercury Meta One concept at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show. Then actual prototypes started showing up during the Spring of 2006. But by late Summer of 2006, the Meta One had been deep-sixed. The business case for the Taurus X likely sunk right along with it.

Another reason for the demise of the Taurus X may be the forthcoming Ford Flex, a seven passenger vehicle Ford would much prefer consumers buy. With the Flex being an all-new program, Ford still has to pay for the vehicle development cost and from all indications, the feature-heavy model will have a higher profit margin than the less-than-optionable Taurus X.

So what Ford's done here is spend a few million bucks to refresh a vehicle only to cancel it a year into its life cycle. We're thinking there may have been better ways to spend that money. Perhaps a slightly more modern rear end for the Mustang? How about the forthcoming unibody Explorer? Haircuts for Mark Fields even? The opportunities were endless — unlike the Taurus X assembly line in less than two short years.

Why do something so seemingly stupid? Something so Homer Simpsonesque? If you're going to convince people that you're a company that's embracing change, you have to pretend to be candid. In addition to dismissing the current Taurus, Alan Mullaly and Derrick Kuzak said the next Taurus is going to be awesome. Said Mullaly: "The new Taurus that you're going to see in the next year or so is the one we should have made originally. It is just fabulous." We can't wait. [AP via MSNBC]

Ford To Debut Flex Crossover, Aiming To Redefine Minivan [CNN.com]

Related:
Flex Your Minivan Muscle, Ford! [internal]

No more Five Hundred, sayonara Freestyle. Ford unveiled its new, three-row Taurus, Taurus X (nee Freestyle) and Mercury Sable models in Chicago. Master of ceremonies was none other thanFord's Cisco "Systems" Codina, group vice president North America sales and service ampersand spong whapcaplet looseliver vendetta and prang (brush up on your Monty Python, children). The new models will hit dealerships this summer, ahead of several more years of snide comments from automotive enthusiasts. – Mike Spinelli

FORD TAURUS, TAURUS X, MERCURY SABLE RETURN AS UPGRADED 2008-MODELS DEBUT THIS SUMMER

CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2007 - Ford Motor Company today announced it is bringing back the well-known Ford Taurus name, introducing a new name - Taurus X - for its three-row crossover and returning the Mercury Sable to the lineup as upgraded 2008-model versions of all three vehicles go on sale this summer.

"Taurus has been an icon for Ford's family sedan for more than two decades, and it's time to return this powerful name to where it belongs," said Mark Fields, Ford's President of The Americas, at the Chicago Auto Show. "Consumer awareness of the Taurus name is double the Five Hundred that it's replacing, and awareness of Sable is triple that of Montego.

"By giving these vehicles the names that consumers recognize at the same time we're making significant upgrades, we're confident that even more people are going to be attracted to these great products in the future," Fields added.

The 2008-model Taurus sedan will go on sale this summer, replacing the Ford Five Hundred. The new Taurus features a Ford Fusion-inspired exterior design, a new powertrain with 60 more horsepower, a new all-wheel-drive system, more standard safety features - including standard electronic stability control - and other refinements to make it more distinctive, quieter, faster and safer.

The 2008-model Taurus X crossover will go on sale late this summer - replacing the Ford Freestyle - with the same design, powertrain and safety upgrades, as well as three row of seats, one-touch flip-and-fold second-row seating and an available power rear liftgate.

The 2008-model Mercury Sable also goes on sale this summer - replacing the Mercury Montego - with extensive design, powertrain and safety upgrades, as well as unique touches that make it a Mercury. They include Mercury's signature satin aluminum waterfall grille, jeweled projector beam headlamps, distinctive LED tail lamps and a two-tone interior trim with unique accents. Customers preferring a technical appearance can opt for Cyber Carbon - a deep, high-gloss accent resembling carbon fiber. More traditional sophistication is available from two modern wood grain accents - Guitar Maple and San Macassar.

Ford Taurus: An Automotive Icon

The Ford Taurus was a milestone in automotive design when it was introduced in 1985. It was the best-selling car in America for five straight years, starting in 1992. At its peak, Taurus posted annual sales of more than 400,000 units. When production of the original Taurus ended after 21 years on Oct. 27, 2006, nearly 7 million cars had been sold - and an estimated 3.5 million Taurus models remain on the road today

The Taurus name remains powerful today. In fact, it is one of top three most recognized Ford nameplates, behind only the F-Series and Mustang. Consumer awareness of the Taurus nameplate remains at an impressive 80 percent.

"The Ford Five Hundred has been a solid product, and it has one of the highest satisfaction rates in our lineup," said Cisco Codina, Ford's group vice president of North America Marketing, Sales and Service. "Once people discover the vehicle, nearly 60 percent end up buying a one.

"The Taurus will be even better thanks to significant upgrades - and, now, a name that people know. Going forward, we're going to cherish this iconic name with the same clarity, confidence and intensity as we do with F-Series and Mustang," Codina added.

The new Taurus X crossover builds on the strength of its namesake, while underscoring Ford's commitment to leadership in crossover vehicles. Crossovers already have surpassed SUVs in annual vehicle sales, and Ford predicts they will become the largest or second largest segment in the U.S. by the end of the decade - with sales of 3 million units.

The three-row, seven-passenger Taurus X will complement the sporty and popular two-row, five-passenger Ford Edge in the lineup. The two crossovers will be joined by yet another large Ford crossover - based on the Ford Fairlane concept vehicle - which will debut later this year and go on sale in 2008.

"The Taurus and Taurus X draw design cues from the Fusion sedan and Edge crossover. This family relationship will be a huge asset. The Fusion is an unqualified success, and the Edge is off to an even faster start than we saw for the Fusion," Codina said.

Sable Returns to Mercury

The Sable name today maintains an impressive 60 percent consumer awareness level. With the new 2008-model, Sable will offer the same differentiation that already is proving to be a success in the marketplace with the Mercury Mariner and Mercury Milan.

"Our newest Mercurys are attracting new customers and doing a great job at appealing to women," Codina said.

"The Mercury Mariner attracts more new customers today to Ford and Lincoln Mercury than any other nameplate, except the Ford Mustang. And about half of Mercury Milan customers are women, which is a higher rate than for the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry or Volkswagen Passat," Codina added.

Mercury's signature design cues - including satin aluminum accents, high contrast interiors and upscale trim and detailing - will differentiate the new Sable from the Taurus in the same way as the Mariner and Milan.

Related:
It's Sort Of Official: Introducing The Ford Taurus, Taurus X And Mercury Sable [internal]

Related:
Exclusive! Scion xD and xB Break Out From Their Embargo Box; Jalopnik Question Of The Day: Do Sponsored Reviews Compromise Objectivity? [internal]

Yup folks, it's now official. We sent our intrepid young Chi-town connection, Matt Hardigree down to snap some pictures of Mark Fields dropping a load of bull on the crowd. And hey, this time it's actually appropriate to say that — go, us! That gallery's below. There's nothing much more to say other than what the headline on the press release says, so here it is — digest at your own risk. – Ray Wert

FORD TAURUS, TAURUS X, MERCURY SABLE RETURN AS UPGRADED 2008-MODELS DEBUT THIS SUMMER

CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2007 - Ford Motor Company today announced it is bringing back the well-known Ford Taurus name, introducing a new name - Taurus X - for its three-row crossover and returning the Mercury Sable to the lineup as upgraded 2008-model versions of all three vehicles go on sale this summer.

"Taurus has been an icon for Ford's family sedan for more than two decades, and it's time to return this powerful name to where it belongs," said Mark Fields, Ford's President of The Americas, at the Chicago Auto Show. "Consumer awareness of the Taurus name is double the Five Hundred that it's replacing, and awareness of Sable is triple that of Montego.

"By giving these vehicles the names that consumers recognize at the same time we're making significant upgrades, we're confident that even more people are going to be attracted to these great products in the future," Fields added.

The 2008-model Taurus sedan will go on sale this summer, replacing the Ford Five Hundred. The new Taurus features a Ford Fusion-inspired exterior design, a new powertrain with 60 more horsepower, a new all-wheel-drive system, more standard safety features - including standard electronic stability control - and other refinements to make it more distinctive, quieter, faster and safer.

The 2008-model Taurus X crossover will go on sale late this summer - replacing the Ford Freestyle - with the same design, powertrain and safety upgrades, as well as three row of seats, one-touch flip-and-fold second-row seating and an available power rear liftgate.

The 2008-model Mercury Sable also goes on sale this summer - replacing the Mercury Montego - with extensive design, powertrain and safety upgrades, as well as unique touches that make it a Mercury. They include Mercury's signature satin aluminum waterfall grille, jeweled projector beam headlamps, distinctive LED tail lamps and a two-tone interior trim with unique accents. Customers preferring a technical appearance can opt for Cyber Carbon - a deep, high-gloss accent resembling carbon fiber. More traditional sophistication is available from two modern wood grain accents - Guitar Maple and San Macassar.

Ford Taurus: An Automotive Icon

The Ford Taurus was a milestone in automotive design when it was introduced in 1985. It was the best-selling car in America for five straight years, starting in 1992. At its peak, Taurus posted annual sales of more than 400,000 units. When production of the original Taurus ended after 21 years on Oct. 27, 2006, nearly 7 million cars had been sold - and an estimated 3.5 million Taurus models remain on the road today

The Taurus name remains powerful today. In fact, it is one of top three most recognized Ford nameplates, behind only the F-Series and Mustang. Consumer awareness of the Taurus nameplate remains at an impressive 80 percent.

"The Ford Five Hundred has been a solid product, and it has one of the highest satisfaction rates in our lineup," said Cisco Codina, Ford's group vice president of North America Marketing, Sales and Service. "Once people discover the vehicle, nearly 60 percent end up buying a one.

"The Taurus will be even better thanks to significant upgrades - and, now, a name that people know. Going forward, we're going to cherish this iconic name with the same clarity, confidence and intensity as we do with F-Series and Mustang," Codina added.

The new Taurus X crossover builds on the strength of its namesake, while underscoring Ford's commitment to leadership in crossover vehicles. Crossovers already have surpassed SUVs in annual vehicle sales, and Ford predicts they will become the largest or second largest segment in the U.S. by the end of the decade - with sales of 3 million units.

The three-row, seven-passenger Taurus X will complement the sporty and popular two-row, five-passenger Ford Edge in the lineup. The two crossovers will be joined by yet another large Ford crossover - based on the Ford Fairlane concept vehicle - which will debut later this year and go on sale in 2008.

"The Taurus and Taurus X draw design cues from the Fusion sedan and Edge crossover. This family relationship will be a huge asset. The Fusion is an unqualified success, and the Edge is off to an even faster start than we saw for the Fusion," Codina said.

Sable Returns to Mercury

The Sable name today maintains an impressive 60 percent consumer awareness level. With the new 2008-model, Sable will offer the same differentiation that already is proving to be a success in the marketplace with the Mercury Mariner and Mercury Milan.

"Our newest Mercurys are attracting new customers and doing a great job at appealing to women," Codina said.

"The Mercury Mariner attracts more new customers today to Ford and Lincoln Mercury than any other nameplate, except the Ford Mustang. And about half of Mercury Milan customers are women, which is a higher rate than for the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry or Volkswagen Passat," Codina added.

Mercury's signature design cues - including satin aluminum accents, high contrast interiors and upscale trim and detailing - will differentiate the new Sable from the Taurus in the same way as the Mariner and Milan.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 300,000 employees and more than 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.

Related:
It's Sort Of Official: Introducing The Ford Taurus, Taurus X And Mercury Sable [internal]

FORD TAURUS, TAURUS X, MERCURY SABLE RETURN AS UPGRADED 2008-MODELS DEBUT THIS SUMMER

CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2007 - Ford Motor Company today announced it is bringing back the well-known Ford Taurus name, introducing a new name - Taurus X - for its three-row crossover and returning the Mercury Sable to the lineup as upgraded 2008-model versions of all three vehicles go on sale this summer.

"Taurus has been an icon for Ford's family sedan for more than two decades, and it's time to return this powerful name to where it belongs," said Mark Fields, Ford's President of The Americas, at the Chicago Auto Show. "Consumer awareness of the Taurus name is double the Five Hundred that it's replacing, and awareness of Sable is triple that of Montego.

"By giving these vehicles the names that consumers recognize at the same time we're making significant upgrades, we're confident that even more people are going to be attracted to these great products in the future," Fields added.

The 2008-model Taurus sedan will go on sale this summer, replacing the Ford Five Hundred. The new Taurus features a Ford Fusion-inspired exterior design, a new powertrain with 60 more horsepower, a new all-wheel-drive system, more standard safety features - including standard electronic stability control - and other refinements to make it more distinctive, quieter, faster and safer.

The 2008-model Taurus X crossover will go on sale late this summer - replacing the Ford Freestyle - with the same design, powertrain and safety upgrades, as well as three row of seats, one-touch flip-and-fold second-row seating and an available power rear liftgate.

The 2008-model Mercury Sable also goes on sale this summer - replacing the Mercury Montego - with extensive design, powertrain and safety upgrades, as well as unique touches that make it a Mercury. They include Mercury's signature satin aluminum waterfall grille, jeweled projector beam headlamps, distinctive LED tail lamps and a two-tone interior trim with unique accents. Customers preferring a technical appearance can opt for Cyber Carbon - a deep, high-gloss accent resembling carbon fiber. More traditional sophistication is available from two modern wood grain accents - Guitar Maple and San Macassar.

Ford Taurus: An Automotive Icon

The Ford Taurus was a milestone in automotive design when it was introduced in 1985. It was the best-selling car in America for five straight years, starting in 1992. At its peak, Taurus posted annual sales of more than 400,000 units. When production of the original Taurus ended after 21 years on Oct. 27, 2006, nearly 7 million cars had been sold - and an estimated 3.5 million Taurus models remain on the road today

The Taurus name remains powerful today. In fact, it is one of top three most recognized Ford nameplates, behind only the F-Series and Mustang. Consumer awareness of the Taurus nameplate remains at an impressive 80 percent.

"The Ford Five Hundred has been a solid product, and it has one of the highest satisfaction rates in our lineup," said Cisco Codina, Ford's group vice president of North America Marketing, Sales and Service. "Once people discover the vehicle, nearly 60 percent end up buying a one.

"The Taurus will be even better thanks to significant upgrades - and, now, a name that people know. Going forward, we're going to cherish this iconic name with the same clarity, confidence and intensity as we do with F-Series and Mustang," Codina added.

The new Taurus X crossover builds on the strength of its namesake, while underscoring Ford's commitment to leadership in crossover vehicles. Crossovers already have surpassed SUVs in annual vehicle sales, and Ford predicts they will become the largest or second largest segment in the U.S. by the end of the decade - with sales of 3 million units.

The three-row, seven-passenger Taurus X will complement the sporty and popular two-row, five-passenger Ford Edge in the lineup. The two crossovers will be joined by yet another large Ford crossover - based on the Ford Fairlane concept vehicle - which will debut later this year and go on sale in 2008.

"The Taurus and Taurus X draw design cues from the Fusion sedan and Edge crossover. This family relationship will be a huge asset. The Fusion is an unqualified success, and the Edge is off to an even faster start than we saw for the Fusion," Codina said.

Sable Returns to Mercury

The Sable name today maintains an impressive 60 percent consumer awareness level. With the new 2008-model, Sable will offer the same differentiation that already is proving to be a success in the marketplace with the Mercury Mariner and Mercury Milan.

"Our newest Mercurys are attracting new customers and doing a great job at appealing to women," Codina said.

"The Mercury Mariner attracts more new customers today to Ford and Lincoln Mercury than any other nameplate, except the Ford Mustang. And about half of Mercury Milan customers are women, which is a higher rate than for the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry or Volkswagen Passat," Codina added.

Mercury's signature design cues - including satin aluminum accents, high contrast interiors and upscale trim and detailing - will differentiate the new Sable from the Taurus in the same way as the Mariner and Milan.

2008 Sable and 2008 Taurus X [BlueOvalForums]

Related:
You Sort of Called It: Report Says Ford Five Hundred to Be Renamed Taurus [internal]