Probably another good idea that was a little ahead of its time, requiring too much complexity to make it work reliably and at reasonable cost. Back then motor-generators were not all that powerful for their size and weight, making it necessary to incorporate the planetary transmission part of the system. The concept itself of series-parallel hybrid though was not bad.
The motor-generators were rated at only 110 HP each IIRC which isn’t enough power for a heavy pickup, particularly if loaded and or towing, to operate in series mode, other than in slow traffic. IMO a very similar concept is made to work in a far simpler manner, by Honda as one example, because the primary drive motor connected to the wheels is roughly twice as powerful in a vehicle about half the weight. The higher electric-motor power density allows the planetary transmission to be eliminated, simplifying and lowering costs of the entire system. There’s enough power to drive like an EV, and second M-G only requires a clutch or two. I give GM credit for thinking big and taking risks like with EV1, which helped improve electrification technologies, though it can also lead to financial disaster.
I think it's Ford just cheapening out. They can now put a single glass piece in instead of all the mechanical hardware, channels, power, etc. needed to have an openable sunroof. I'm guessing they won't even put a shade either (like Mach E).
As I said above, many other companies are doing this too, so it's not just Ford, but it sucks to have it, then take it away.
The only "positive" I could see from this is that perhaps they'll be able to make the opening larger since they don't have to have those mechanical parts anymore?
Infiniti's head honcho apparently thinks it will. 😄 Here is what he wrote yesterday:
Gratitude. Momentum. Progress. Thank you to the INFINITI Motor Company team & retailers for the focus and determination that powered us through Q2. Because of your dedication, we achieved the best first-half ever for QX80 and continued to see strong, steady demand for QX60—clear proof of what’s possible when we stay aligned and focused on our priorities. We’re not just improving the present—we’re accelerating the future. And as we head into the second half of the year with the new 2026 INFINITI QX60 being available, we’re doing so with real momentum. There’s no stopping us. Let’s keep going.
Eh, it's not bad looking, but I've always liked Navigator better. The GM triplets do look more athletic. I actually like the Escalade IQ's looks too.
I think it stems back to Ford dropping the ball on the 3rd gen Navigator with weird styling, and then they hung it (and Expy) out to dry for way too long before finally redesigning it. The 18 was a massive step forward, and sales have gone up, but they set themselves back years ago and haven't recovered yet (vs. Escalade). Obviously there are other factors like factory space and whatnot that were pointed out above, but still...
It has a fixed glass roof, which is what many automakers are going toward, unfortunately.
Come on man, re-read the sentence you quoted. No it doesn't......
2026 Ford Explorer is losing its Panoramic Vista Roof, replacing it with the optional Panoramic Fixed Glass Roof. As a reminder, the Panoramic Vista Roof offers a moonroof component, meaning it can be partially opened.
the sentence you quoted is reminding you that the panoramic vista roof - which Explorer is losing (i.e. discontinued) - had the ability to open it. The vista roof is now being replaced by a fixed glass roof option.