Explorer Sport Trac: Nothing Else Like It
7 January 2000
Explorer Sport Trac: Nothing Else Like It LOS ANGELES, Jan. 6 -- "It is all about versatility and
innovation. There is nothing else like it. The new Ford Explorer Sport Trac
is a sport utility vehicle for people who live the SUV lifestyle. They like
the comforts of the interior space, but there are days they wish they had more
cargo room to haul a muddy mountain bike or pick up a load of top soil for the
yard. But these people would never own a pickup truck -- they just don't need
one. Sport Trac is the perfect answer to balance the needs of these
customers."
- Jim O'Connor, President, Ford Division
Ford is introducing the first sport utility vehicle with an open cargo
area for added flexibility in the type of gear and stuff it can haul.
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac is an all-new type of sport utility vehicle
(SUV), based on the best-selling Ford Explorer, which builds on Ford's
tradition of tough trucks with innovations designed to delight customers.
Explorer Sport Trac combines the best features of Explorer with more
cargo-carrying versatility. At the same time, Sport Trac is designed to
project an adventurous image with a bold styling, inside and out, and improved
ride and handling -- something compact pickups with crew cab configurations
cannot match.
The 2001 Explorer Sport Trac features several innovations, including:
* The first vehicle with a composite cargo area
* A cargo cage that increases cargo area length and a lockable, hard
tonneau cover
* The first power rear window in a truck or SUV
* A segment exclusive weatherproof 12-volt powerpoint in the open cargo
area
* A standard center console that includes a removable soft-pack
Customer-led Development
The Explorer Sport Trac is similar to the Adrenalin concept vehicle that
Ford introduced in 1996. Due to the overwhelmingly positive reaction to the
concept, Ford moved to bring a production version to market.
"It was such a runaway hit, we actually had to pull it off the show
circuit because we were afraid the competition would see the crowds gathering
around and react with a version of their own," said O'Connor.
Sport Trac's versatility is no accident. Ford engineers spent several
hundred hours with SUV and pickup truck owners to better understand how they
use the vehicles and to anticipate their future needs.
The customer research paid off, as a unique customer emerged with a set of
needs not being met by anything currently on the market. A clear message came
from SUV owners, who were the most enthusiastic about the need for an added
open cargo area.
"Customer input was the driver of this program," says Steve Ross, Explorer
Sport Trac chief program engineer. "A lot of SUV customers told us they loved
the roominess, but they wanted a little more versatility to carry more stuff."
Armed with customer feedback, the development team turned to the Explorer
platform as the ideal starting point.
Chassis Engineered for Ride Comfort
Explorer Sport Trac is based on the four-door Explorer, with the frame
lengthened 14.25 inches. Sport Trac's frame also is 40 percent laterally
stiffer than Explorer's, with larger brake rotors and a specially tuned
suspension.
The added lateral stiffness -- which makes the vehicle more agile on and
off the road -- was achieved through additional gussets on the vehicle's
longitudinal beams, as well as a new tubular crossmember and thicker frame
side rails.
Ford engineers also worked to reduce unwanted road and engine vibration
from reaching occupants. This was achieved by using urethane body mounts --
another Ford first on an SUV -- rather than the typical solid rubber ones.
The result is quiet, confident handling and a more balanced ride. Even
with such refinement, Explorer Sport Trac's rugged SUV roots were never
compromised, making off-road travel just as confidence-inspiring.
Two different types of wheels are available on Explorer Sport Trac. A 15-
inch silver-painted styled steel wheel with a new P235/75R-15 all-season
Firestone radial tire specifically engineered for Explorer Sport Trac and
Explorer Sport is standard on 4x2 models. On 4x4 models, an all-terrain
version of this tire is standard.
An all-terrain P255/70R-16 Firestone fitted to a 16-inch bright cast
aluminum, five-spoke wheel is optional on both 4x2 and 4x4 models. The Sport
Trac's full-size spare tire, located under the rear of the vehicle, comes
mounted on a steel wheel.
Powerful Performance
Explorer Sport Trac's 4.0-liter single overhead cam (SOHC) V-6 engine has
refined power for all driving conditions. Rated at 205 horsepower, the engine
is designed to meet Ford's tough truck durability requirements but still be
quiet and smooth enough to cruise comfortably to a concert or while towing a
pair of jet skis.
Explorer Sport Trac's powertrain meets California's Low Emission Vehicle
(LEV) standards -- as do all Ford SUVs in the U.S.
Explorer Sport Trac's four-wheel-drive system can be shifted while the
vehicle is moving, thanks to an electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case with
automatic locking hubs.
Three drivetrain modes can be selected: 2WD for normal driving on clear,
dry roads; 4WD HIGH, for slippery surfaces at higher speeds; and 4WD LOW for
heavy snow or deep mud and when driving speeds are lower.
Sporty, Functional Exterior Design
Sport Trac's exterior is clean and purposeful, yet rugged. Its aggressive
"power-dome" hood flows into a honeycomb platinum-color grille flanked by
vertical air intakes. The two-tone front bumper fascia flows into new
sculptured, flared front fenders.
The upper portion of the bumper is color-keyed to the sheet metal with the
lower portion molded in a medium titanium accent color.
Integrated into openings in the bumpers are new optional fog lamps and a
pair of black tow hooks (standard on 4x4, optional on 4x2) that add to
Explorer Sport Trac's athletic appearance.
Also available as a factory-installed option are step bars that run the
length of the cab. The step area of the bar is covered with a skid-resistant
coating for increased safety while entering or exiting the vehicle.
Aggressive-looking black roof rails are standard on Sport Trac and give
the vehicle a more active appearance. When fitted with optional cross bars --
available through Ford dealerships -- the rack has a load capacity of 100
pounds.
Cargo Capability Unmatched in a Compact SUV
The 2001 Explorer Sport Trac is the industry's first vehicle to have an
all-composite open cargo area. Made of sheet molded composite (SMC) plastic,
the open cargo area will never rust and can handle whatever owners throw in it
or at it. It even survived Ford's own "Rock, Rake and Weight tests."
Sport Trac is designed to be just as comfortable carrying groceries and
six sets of golf clubs in its composite open cargo area as it is hauling
mountain bikes or 4-by-8-foot sheets of plywood for weekend do-it-yourselfers.
The innovative cargo area provides 29.6 cubic feet of space and is 20
percent lighter than a steel box, which helps ride and handling and fuel
economy.
Located in the cargo area is a 12-volt powerpoint that allows customers to
power such items as power tools, electric refrigerators or mobile telephones
from the rear of the vehicle -- ideal for those using Explorer Sport Trac for
camping and other outdoor activities. Ten cargo hooks -- six on the outside
rail and four on the inside of the cargo area -- help keep goods in place.
Also available are a lockable two-piece hard tonneau cover, cargo area
divider and stainless steel cargo cage.
The tonneau cover folds from the front or the rear, allowing customers to
access cargo from the front or rear. The cover protects cargo from weather
and locks to keep valuables safe and secure.
An industry-leading innovation is Explorer Sport Trac's tubular stainless
steel "cargo cage," which adds more versatility to the cargo area.
The cargo cage provides 22.6 inches of added cargo room by allowing cargo
to be secured with the tailgate lowered. The cargo cage locks in place on the
open tailgate providing a lateral and longitudinal barrier.
When rotated and stored into the cargo area, the cargo cage also provides
a divider of the cargo area to control movement of small items stored in the
cargo area.
Cargo also can be managed through the use of a plastic divider, an
accessory available from Ford dealers. The divider has latch pins that pop
into holes in the cargo area, dividing the cargo area into two compartments.
Spacious, Innovative Interior
Explorer Sport Trac offers a dynamic interior, not just in appearance but
in the quality of materials used and the overall attention to detail.
Versatility is the key to the interior design of Explorer Sport Trac. The
flooring is made of a washable, textured composite rubber, covered with Berber
carpet floor mats. In addition to supporting an active lifestyle, the
composite flooring also reduces cabin noise.
Seating is designed to comfortably accommodate five adults. Up front, new
bucket seats, which are more rugged, durable and easy to clean, were created
specifically for Explorer Sport Trac.
The instrument panel takes on a bold new look, with white gauge faces and
titanium accents on the instrument panel and door handles.
For the active lifestyles of Explorer Sport Trac buyers, a removable soft
pack bag is stowed under the hinged center armrest. The bag can be slung on
the shoulder to carry snacks, CDs or bottled water. When stored in the
vehicle, the bag serves as the storage area of the center floor console.
Standard on Explorer Sport Trac is an AM/FM stereo with a single CD player
and four premium speakers.
An 80-watt AM/FM stereo with a six-disc, in-dash CD player is available (a
new Pioneer(TM) 290-watt AM/FM stereo will be available in fall 2000). When
the Leather Comfort Group is ordered, rear seat occupants receive a console
with independent climate and audio controls, two headphone jacks and two
cupholders.
A control knob for the standard power rear window -- another industry
first -- is located on the instrument panel. The window is one-touch up and
down, and features an anti-pinch sensor.
Comprehensive Safety and Security
Like all Ford vehicles, safety on the Explorer Sport Trac was a priority
throughout its development. Extensive computer modeling was used to support
the overall design of the vehicle for crash safety.
Structural "crumple zones" are designed to help protect the passenger
compartment during a frontal crash, while side door beams help protect
occupants in certain side impacts.
In addition to the vehicle's inherent safety qualities, features include
height-adjustable, load-limiting shoulder belts for both the driver and
passenger seating positions. The height-adjuster allows occupants of
different heights to position the belt in the most comfortable position.
The load-limiting feature incorporates an energy management system that
reduces deceleration forces on an occupant during a frontal crash. Front-seat
occupants are further protected with Second-Generation dual air bags.
Standard anti-lock brakes (ABS) further enhance safety by providing the
driver with an improved sense of control.
All Explorer Sport Tracs also come equipped with Ford's Belt-Minder(TM)
system, designed to remind drivers to buckle up. Child safety seat tether
anchors are provided at all three locations in the rear seat.
Explorer Sport Trac also features SecuriLock(TM), a passive anti-theft
system that prevents the vehicle from being started unless a special ignition
key containing an embedded transponder with the proper code is inserted in the
ignition.
Continuing to Lead the SUV Market
Explorer Sport Trac is the logical evolution of Ford's dominance in sport
utility vehicles. Sport Trac's blend of utility and versatility, with style
and technology, is designed to appeal to a customer with a unique set of
vehicle needs:
* Those that like the comfort, safety, and image of sport utility
vehicles
* Customers who want a vehicle with styling that turns heads
* People who need a vehicle with true off-road capability and room to
seat five adults
* Those hauling dirty gear such as wood, gardening supplies, trees,
shrubs or fishing gear, who don't like messing up their carpeted SUV
Manufacturing
Explorer Sport Trac is built at Ford's Louisville, Ky., assembly plant -
along with the 4-door Explorer and 2-door Explorer Sport. Sport Trac goes on
sale in late January 2000.
