Ford formally confirmed that the next-generation Explorer lineup will include a sporty ST variant, much like the recently announced Edge ST.
Expect the high-performance Explorer ST to take the place of the current Sport trim level in the Explorer hierarchy. Like the Sport, the Explorer ST is likely to be motivated by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6. Look for power to increase, however, from today’s 365-hp output, growing to almost 400 ponies.
More significantly, we anticipate the new Explorer will utilize the brand?s CD6 modular platform, which is said to accommodate front-, rear-, and all-wheel-drive powertrain setups. Rumor is that the Explorer will revert to a longitudinal engine layout and come standard with rear-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive will remain available throughout the model line and is almost certain to come standard on the ST.
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Look for the new Explorer also to breed a Lincoln variant, which is likely to resurrect the Aviator nameplate. We should know more about the Explorer and its Aviator sibling before the end of the decade.

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