Monday, 07 January 2008 00:00
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Concepts
 The Ford Explorer America concept showcases a new kind of utility for the vehicle customers have known and loved for years: even better fuel efficiency. “Customers are smart. They value vehicles – the more efficient, the better,” said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president of Marketing and Communications. “Ford gets it. “Innovative technologies can transform people’s favorite vehicles. Look at SYNC, the Ford system that connects people and their favorite portable devices, including media players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, while in their vehicles.” Technologies and engineering innovations help Explorer America concept deliver an approximately 20 to 30 percent fuel-economy improvement, depending on engine selection, while providing room for six and their gear as well as moderate towing and off-roading capabilities. This smarter utility concept simplifies Ford Motor Company’s systems approach for delivering sustainable vehicles, specifically demonstrating: - A powertrain lineup that includes a 4-cylinder 2-liter engine with EcoBoost technology delivering 275 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque or, as a premium engine, a 3.5-liter V-6 delivering about 340 hp. Depending on engine selection, fuel-efficiency will improve by 20 to 30 percent versus today’s V-6 Explorer
- Migration from current body-on-frame to unibody construction, reducing weight and delivering superior driving dynamics
- A fuel-efficient 6-speed transmission with auto shift control, allowing the driver to select and hold a lower gear with just the turn of a dial when conditions warrant it
- A weight reduction of 150 pounds for the V-6 version thanks to its downsized – yet superior performing – engine, as well as more lightweight materials, suspension and chassis components
- Fuel-saving electric power assisted steering (EPAS) and other engine actions that deliver a fuel savings benefit of about 5 percent. Between 80 to 90 percent of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles will have EPAS by 2012
In addition to its fuel-efficient powertrain and technologies, the Explorer America concept addresses how the SUV market has changed in the past 15 years. In the 1990s, customers were drawn by SUVs aligned with people’s adventurous, more rugged lifestyles. Today’s consumers are more discerning, demanding products that are capable and flexible – but more intelligently executed. The Explorer America concept looks the part, too, with a modern, muscular design language that belies its ability to harness today’s active lifestyles. Its integrated three-bar grille, defined power dome hood, wrap-around rear glass panel window and sliding rear door give the appearance that this concept is ready for modern Lewis-and-Clark types to explore, from their own neighborhoods to the trail head. Inside, intelligent features abound, including: single-touch stackable, sliding seats that allow for convenient access to the second row; a work table with seats deploy from the tailgate; and a three-dimensional compass and navigation unit with a topographical map built right into the instrument panel.
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 14 April 2009 15:36 )
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Saturday, 28 January 2006 14:36
Models -
Concepts
 Ford jolts the performance world with a shot of Adrenalin - the Ford Sport Trac Adrenalin teaser is the world's first high-performance sport-utility truck (SUT).
Adrenalin showcases Ford's plans to produce in 2007 the first sport truck offering the combination of uncompromised utility, four-passenger capability and true performance. Along with the Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 - which will go on sale in 2006 - Adrenalin will continue SVT's product momentum that has been growing since the introduction of the acclaimed Ford GT super car in 2004.
"We're looking to take Ford performance to an entirely new market segment with the Sport Trac Adrenalin," says Steve Lyons, vice president, Ford Motor Company and president, Ford Division. "Adrenalin is designed to offer a unique combination of performance and functionality never before offered in the 'go-fast' market."
Adrenalin marries the best attributes of two breakthrough Ford vehicles - Ford SVT F-150 Lightning and Ford Explorer Sport Trac - to answer enthusiast demands for performance and multi-functional utility. In addition, it offers class-leading technologies, including all-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic transmission and Ford's industry-leading AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™.
"We have a very clear view of what we want to do to retain Ford's leadership in performance vehicles," says Phil Martens group vice president, Product Creation. "This includes looking beyond traditional SVT products for opportunities with unique performance attributes, such as all-wheel-drive."
With a supercharged, 390-horsepower V-8, the first six-speed automatic ever featured in an SVT vehicle and an SVT-tuned fully independent suspension, Adrenalin promises the acceleration, agility and utility that made the legendary Ford SVT F-150 Lightning the best-selling, longest-running performance truck ever.
Adrenalin also builds on the multi-functional personality of the original Explorer Sport Trac, which created the SUT market when it debuted in 2000. It offers four full-sized doors, four bolstered bucket seats, and a four-foot composite box with 30 percent more cargo capacity than the current Explorer Sport Trac.
"New SVT programs will draw heavily on our experiences developing the Ford GT, as well as from our racing experience," says Martens. "By bringing SVT into the mainstream of product development, SVT products like the Adrenalin will benefit from parallel development with the conventional model plan."
Design builds on the performance-focused Ford Sport Trac concept
The Sport Trac Adrenalin follows the Ford Explorer Sport Trac concept, which debuted at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. In fact, the Explorer Sport Trac concept's "slammed" appearance and large wheels and tires foreshadowed what SVT had in mind with the high-performance Adrenalin.
"We really wanted to draw attention to the increased power of the Explorer Sport Trac," says Chelsia Lau, Explorer Sport Trac chief designer. "The result is a truck that's bold, aggressive and speaks loudly."
Adrenalin exterior features bold red paint that instantly communicates its performance mission, while discreet SVT badging on the wheels will catch the eye of discerning enthusiasts. Stylized front and rear fascias, an aggressive "black chrome" grille and grille surround with matching headlamp bezels and SVT signature fog lamps helped communicate the supercharged performance latent in the Adrenalin.
"Evolving the design into the Sport Trac Adrenalin was a natural progression," says Doug Gaffka, design director, Ford SVT vehicles. "Adrenalin further explores the high-performance possibilities of the Sport Trac concept, using the design vocabulary of SVT."
Inside, four comfortable bucket seats feature supportive thigh and chest bolstering. Unique red leather seat inserts match red leather interior door trim panels, adding to the Adrenalin's sporting flair. The instrument panel houses easy-to-read, white-faced instruments, an SVT design hallmark. A navigation system is also included, a first for an SVT-badged vehicle.
Power for the track, power to tow
The Sport Trac Adrenalin delivers searing acceleration with its 4.6-liter, 32-valve DOHC V-8 powertrain. A Roots-type supercharger and water-to-air intercooler boost output to a whopping 390 horsepower and 390 pounds-feet of torque.
Making the most of the power is a six-speed automatic transmission - the first for any SVT vehicle. The six-speed automatic has proven capable of heavy-duty use, contributing to the projected 6000-pound towing capacities of the Sport Trac Adrenalin.
Adrenalin is hundreds of pounds lighter than other sport trucks built off full-size pickups. The resulting power-to-weight ratio ensures impressive acceleration under full throttle, and good fuel economy during more leisurely driving.
Addressing owners' requests, the new sport utility truck expands the multi-purpose flexibility current Explorer Sport Trac owners appreciate. More interior room is provided by stretching the current Sport Trac exterior dimensions by nearly five inches in length and two inches in width. More cargo space - 30 percent more, in fact - is created by the wider bed and taller bed rails, and the addition of a pair of lockable compartments integrated into the bed.
SVT-tuned independent suspension offers balanced, agile dynamics
Sport Trac Adrenalin also features superior driving dynamics. With a 113-inch wheelbase, and track just over 60 inches, the Adrenalin offers a more compact footprint than competitors' sport trucks. Combined with a lighter curb weight, the Adrenalin promises to improve on the nimble, composed dynamics that made the SVT F-150 Lightning famous in enthusiast ranks.
"Ford SVT has long been renowned for its 'chassis wizards' who deliver balanced, agile handling, even in the full-size F-150 pickup," says Hau Thai-Tang, director, Advanced Product Creation and SVT. "Considering its smaller dimensions, lighter weight and fully-independent suspension, the Sport Trac Adrenalin might rival the handling of some performance cars."
Adrenalin features short- and long-arm front suspension, and a trailing-blade independent rear suspension (IRS). SVT-tuned shock and spring rates, as well as upgraded front and rear stabilizer bars, are designed to provide more aggressive, more controlled driving dynamics. The independent rear suspension is tuned for ultimate control and driver feedback.
Oversized brakes at all four corners help handle the added velocity made possible by 390 horsepower. Huge, split-five-spoke 21-inch wheels - wrapped in 295/45R21 tires - allow ample airflow to keep the big binders cool during rigorous use.
Spacious seating for four, all-wheel drive and AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™
Sport Trac Adrenalin also addresses the requests of SVT Lightning enthusiasts for more seating and the option of all-wheel drive.
For the best handling and power-to-weight ratio, Lightning pickups have always been regular-cab, short-bed variants of the F-150, limiting comfortable seating capacity to two people - or three in a pinch. In addition, Lightnings have solely been equipped with rear-wheel drive, making maximum acceleration a balancing act between full throttle and excessive - if entertaining - wheelspin.
The Adrenalin evolves the fun-to-drive character of the Lightning, while addressing these requests. It features four full-sized doors, providing easy access to comfortable seating for four adults. The drivetrain is designed to accommodate rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configurations - another first for an SVT-engineered vehicle.
"In addition to providing sure footing on slick surfaces, there's a performance advantage to all-wheel drive," says Jay O'Connell, SVT chief vehicle engineer. "A longstanding problem with performance trucks was their inability to 'hook up' from a standing start without excessive wheelspin. This AWD system puts power down through all four tires, helping Adrenalin launch with impressive authority."
Driving enthusiasts weaned on rear-wheel drive performance vehicles need not fear that all the "fun" of rear drive has been dialed out. The Sport Trac Adrenalin AWD system exhibits a 60/40-torque split biased to the rear, so as weight is transferred to the back set of wheels during takeoff, engine torque is delivered right where it's needed.
In addition, the all-wheel-drive system is paired with Ford's industry-exclusive safety system, AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™. Combined, these systems provide an added measure of safety and control during slippery conditions or emergency maneuvers. As such, the Sport Trac Adrenalin offers safety and protection to match its impressive performance.
SOURCE: Ford Motor Company Press Release
Stay tuned for more Sport Trac Adrenalin coverage right here on ExplorerX
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Its immediately apparent that this will be no ordinary Sport Trac.
The 2007 production model of the SVT Sport Trac Adrenalin is sure to turn heads and leave many in the dust. It has been said that the Adrenalin will match or best outgoing Lightning models.
Engine: 4.6 liter DOHC V8
Aspiration: Supercharger w/ intercooler
Horsepower: 390
Torque: 390 lb-ft
HP/Liter: 84.8 hp per liter |
Last Updated ( Saturday, 04 March 2006 18:51 )
Saturday, 28 January 2006 14:33
Models -
Concepts
Ford definitely had something going for them with this concept, but it's pretty obvious why this never made it into production. Targeting this concept to "winter extreme sports enthusiasts" is just too narrow of a market. Extreme Sports or outdoors is one thing (and marketable), but to narrow it down to just one season made no sense (although the vehicle could certainly be used all seasons). There isn't much at all that makes this concept so far from a production Sport Trac, so "building your own" is entirely possible (easy and afforable too - less than $2,000 can get you a "replica"). Maybe that's another reason Ford scrapped this one...
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Saturday, 28 January 2006 14:30
Models -
Concepts
Every Explorer enthusiast knows that Ford really needs to come out with a SVT Explorer, or something of the sort. Ford had the right idea (just the wrong color, in my opinion) for this 2001 Ford Urban Explorer: Outfitted for the Street. Ford never produced this concept, and recently announced that there will never be any SVT Explorer, as there is "not enough demand." They obviously haven't visited ExplorerX.com!
Last Updated ( Saturday, 28 January 2006 14:31 )
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Saturday, 28 January 2006 14:11
Models -
Concepts
It was a little ahead of its time in terms of exterior and interior styling cues; unveiled in the same time period as the Hummer H2, Ford thought this could be made into a potential competitor. The H2 took off, and the demand for an "outdoors" Explorer was scrapped. Ford later came out with an Explorer NBX model ("No Boundaries") in 2004 which was designed for offroading, but that also did not last. With gas prices the way they have been and Ford's own attention shifting past an offroading Explorer, the Explorer Sportsman is yet another concept to get the axe.
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 31 January 2006 06:42 )
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ExplorerX is a dedicated Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer, Lincoln Aviator, and Saleen Explorer XP6/XP8 enthusiast community. We have focused for years on the aggressive side of Explorer customizing, and have grown into a very loyal community. While countless are shying away from SUV's, our members are spending extra cash on modifying their Explorer to become truly unique.
