Recent spy shots of the 2011 Ford Explorer showed a ‘ute cobbled with Taurus X parts, but it appears as though the two crossovers have more in common than just a few body panels. Ford will produce the next-generation Explorer at its Chicago plant, the same facility that made the Taurus X up until February of this year.
According to Chicago Breaking News, Ford has officially agreed with the United Auto Workers to produce the 2011 Explorer at the Chicago plant. Production should begin by next year, as long as worsening economic conditions don’t force Ford to change its plans.
The news also confirms the next Explorer will ride on the same D3 platform that underpins the all-new Ford Taurus, which will also be built at the Chicago plant. That means the Explorer should come equipped with a 3.5L V6, while the Taurus SHO’s 3.5L EcoBoost motor will likely be optional.
