Wednesday, February 2, 2005

Brenda Priddy & Co

Sneak Peek

2006 Ford Explorer

By Paul Lienert

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Ford Motor Co. offered a sneak preview of the redesigned 2006 Explorer that debuts this fall when it unveiled the Explorer Sport Trac concept in early January at the Detroit auto show.

The Sport Trac hinted at Explorer design changes, including a new face with restyled grille, headlamps, hood and bumper.

Mechanicals won't change dramatically, however. Ford is expected to carry over the current 4.0-liter V-6 and 4.6-liter V-8 engines and five-speed automatic transmission on the '06 Explorer.

A companion, the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer, makes its public debut next week at the Chicago Auto Show. A third Explorer-based model, the Lincoln Aviatorand will be replaced by a new car-based Aviator in model year 2007.