The news that the Explorer is moving to a car-based platform -- specifically, the same platform on which the Lincoln MKS sedan, Ford Taurus sedan and Ford Flex crossover are based -- is hardly new. The big news today, though, is the extent to which the once-heavy SUV has lightened up. Ford said today that the upcoming Explorer equipped with the optional two-liter EcoBoost I4 engine (the other option is a V6) will be 30 percent more fuel-efficient than the current V6-equipped Explorer. That puts the smaller Explorer in the range of 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway.

Both the EcoBoost- and V6-equipped new Explorers will be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission for increased fuel efficiency, and play host to a number of weight-reduction tricks by Ford engineers. From Automotive News:
"Ford engineers used lighter and stronger high-strength steels such as boron to add durability and reduce weight on the new Explorer. Other weight-saving moves include an aluminum hood and a one-piece composite front bolster -- the radiator support between engine and grille -- that is 65 percent lighter, Ford said."

Another, more macro weight-saving move? Not offering a heavy V8.