We've known for some time that a next-generation Ford Explorer is coming, but now we know exactly when we'll get to see it – and it's coming sooner than we thought. Ford will lift the wraps off the redesigned Explorer at a standalone event on January 9, one week before the 2019 Detroit Auto Show kicks off. The SUV will be shown at the Ford Field stadium, home of the NFL's Detroit Lions. This is a wise decision, as it will give the new Explorer more exposure than it would get at a crowded motor show.

The next-generation Explorer was designed on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared by the luxurious Lincoln Aviator that debuted at the LA Auto Show last month. All-wheel drive will be optional.

We also have a good idea what the new Explorer will look like as Ford has already released some shadowy teaser images of the Explorer Police Interceptor, which is "the fastest police vehicle in America," showing a more rakish profile, sharper headlights, and sculpted LED fog lights.

A leaked order guide suggests the police version will be offered with a 3.3-liter V6, 3.3-liter V6 hybrid, and a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6. All three will be paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. The regular 2020 Explorer, on the other hand, will be available with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, the same 3.3-liter V6 with or without hybrid components, and a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. Performance specifications are being kept under wraps, but a high-performance Explorer ST will be part of the line-up, which will likely use the twin-turbo V6.

The 2020 Explorer will be built at Ford's Chicago assembly plant and should hit showrooms in the first half of 2019. After its debut, we'll likely get a better look at the full-size SUV at the Detroit Auto Show, where the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 will also debut.