Ford Explorer Sport Trac

:"See also Ford Explorer for the SUV on which the Sport Trac is based"Infobox Automobile
name=Ford Sport Trac


manufacturer=Ford Motor Company
class=Mid-size pickup truck
production=2000–present
body_style=4-door pickup truck
assembly=Louisville, Kentucky, USA
layout=Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel driveInfobox Automobile generation
name=First generation


production=2000–2005
engine=4.0 L "Cologne" V6
related=Ford Explorer
Ford Ranger
Mazda B-Series
Mercury Mountaineer
transmission=5-speed "M5OD" manual
5-speed "5R55E" automatic
wheelbase= Auto in|125.9|0
length= Auto in|205.9|0
width= Auto in|71.8|0
height= Auto in|70.5|0
Auto in|70.4|0 (2003 4WD)
Auto in|70.1|0 (2001-02)Infobox Automobile generation
name=Second generation


production=2006–present
engine=4.0 L "Cologne" V6
4.6 L "24-valve Modular" V8
related=Ford Explorer
Mercury Mountaineer
transmission=5-speed "5R55E" automatic
6-speed "6R" automatic
wheelbase= Auto in|130.5|0
length= Auto in|210.2|0
width= Auto in|73.7|0
height= Auto in|72.5|0
designer = Chelsia LauThe Ford Sport Trac is a mid-size sport utility vehicle with a pickup truck bed sold mostly in North America. The Sport Trac is based on the Ford Explorer SUV and has been built by the Ford Motor Company since 2000. This pickup truck slots between the Ford Ranger and Ford F-Series in size, capability, and price. It competes with crew-cab mid-size pickups and crossovers, such as the Honda Ridgeline, and is a smaller competitor to the Chevrolet Avalanche. During the first year it sold in the US, the waiting list grew to over 3 months.

First generation (2001-2005)

The Explorer Sport Trac was introduced in 2000 as a 2001 model. It was built on a lengthened Explorer chassis, but with a small pickup bed behind the four normal SUV doors. To make up for the short box, a bed extender was available. The bed was made entirely of a plastic composite material, and a hard plastic tonneau cover was a common factory option. The pickup had a more rugged-appearing front end, which the 2-door Explorer Sport also received. For the 2003 model year, the "Explorer" badging was removed from the doors. The rugged look carried to the interior, where the only floor option was a full rubber covering. Carpet was not available. Instead of the usual sliding rear window found on most pickups, the Sport Trac had a power "Breezeway" window. The 4.0 L "Cologne" V6 producing Convert|210|hp|kW|0|abbr=on was the only engine option. This generation Sport Trac remained in production through June 2005, when the final 2005 model year vehicle rolled off the line.

econd generation (2006-present)

A new Sport Trac was released in early 2006 for the 2007 model year. It was based on the new, larger fourth generation Explorer. Unlike its predecessor, it features the 4.6 L 24-valve Modular V8 engine as an option. The second generation Sport Trac features an all-new reinforced frame and four-wheel independent suspension, compared to the first generation. To improve safety over previous models, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control has been added as standard features. The Sport Trac is currently available in only two trim levels (as opposed to the Explorer's four). There is no base model and no moderate luxury model, like with the Explorer. There is a mid-class model, the XLT, and a high-luxury model called the Limited. Both Limi and XLT are available on Explorer. Additional options include the SYNC system in a new 2008 package.

A special SVT version called the "Sport Trac Adrenalin" was planned for the 2007 model year, but was canceled [http://www.motortrend.com/future/concept_cars/112_0606_ford_adrenalin_explorer_sport_trac_svt] . However, the Adrenalin sub-model returned for 2008 as a sportier version of the Sport Trac featuring a black-out grille and trim.

References

*cite web|title=Demands Met: Ford says V8, cab room are key Sport Trac changes|url=http://autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060410/FREE/60409005/1024/LATESTNEWS|work=AutoWeek|accessmonthday=April 10 |accessyear=2006

External links

* [http://www.mysporttrac.com/ Sport Trac Web Site]
* [http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/sporttrac/ Official Ford Explorer Sport Trac]
* [http://www.sporttracclub.com/ Ford Explorer Sport Trac Club]