2008 Ford Sport Trac Adrenalin Preview

Introduction

Ford introduced the Explorer Sport Trac in 2000 as a 2001 model. Based on the Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle, this "sport utility truck" featured a short bed and a second seating row. The second-generation Sport Trac was released as a 2007 model, and for 2008, Sport Trac adds the Adrenalin, a stylized model with what Ford calls an "aftermarket look."

The Ford Sport Trac Adrenalin concept vehicle was originally shown at the 2005 New York Auto Show. That vehicle featured a lowered look, a supercharged 390-hp 5.4-liter V-8 engine and 21-inch wheels, giving it a performance personality. The production version will have a lowered appearance and 20-inch wheels, but will not offer a high-horsepower V-8 engine.

Model LineupThe 2008 Ford Sport Trac Adrenalin will be offered as a single model with a starting price of $30,495, including a $720 destination charge. Standard features will include air conditioning, cloth upholstery, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM radio with CD player, theft-deterrent system, fog lights, and P255/50R20 Pirelli tires on 10-spoke polished alloy wheels. Leather upholstery, as well as many of the options offered on standard Explorer Sport Tracs, will be available.

Hardware

Like other Explorer Sport Tracs, two engines will be offered in the Adrenalin model. The base 4.0-liter V-6 engine makes 210 hp at 5100 rpm and 254 lb.-ft. of torque at 3700 rpm. The available 4.6-liter V-8 engine produces 292 hp at 5750 rpm and 300 lb.-ft. of torque at 3950 rpm. Rear-wheel drive will be standard, and AWD will be optional-a first for the Sport Trac.

Design

On the outside, every body panel will be unique from the beltline down. The front and rear fascias drop 3.5 inches lower, the fenders lose their wheel lip moldings, the front fenders get functional vents behind the front wheels, and running boards with black rubber step pads are integrated into the body sides. Up front, the exclusive grille is larger in , painted black, and has a crosshatch pattern. At the back, a dual-tipped chrome exhaust tip juts out from the rear fascia.

The body modifications make the vehicle look lower, but no suspension work is done to physically lower the vehicle. The 49.6-inch long by 61.4-inch wide bed will be unchanged from the standard Sport Trac. Four colors will be offered: Colorado Red, Black, White Suede and Silver Birch Metallic.

Inside, the Adrenalin will be offered in only Charcoal Black with a Stone Gray headliner and custom floor mats sporting the Adrenalin logo.

Safety

Like other Explorer Sport Trac models, the Adrenalin's standard safety features will include dual-stage front air bags, head-protecting curtain side air bags, tire-pressure monitor, anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control, and Ford's AdvanceTrac electronic stability control system. The only safety option will be rear obstacle detection.

In the Explorer Sport Trac, AdvanceTrac comes with Roll Stability Control. This electronic system collects data on roll rate, steering angle, lateral G-force, yaw rate and vehicle speed to determine if there is the possibility of a rollover. To prevent a rollover, it adjusts engine torque and uses the ABS to apply brakes to individual wheels.

Learn More About the 2008 Explorer Sport Trac