Explorer SportTrac Concept

Press Release

More Powerful, More Versatile, More Advanced

• Explorer Sport Trac concept signals Ford's plans for the next generation of the original sport utility truck - longer, wider and more versatile than today's Sport Trac.
• All-new independent rear suspension delivers an improved ride.
• Explorer Sport Trac concept showcases Ford's exclusive Roll Stability Controlâ„¢, which adds another dimension of sensing to conventional electronic stability control systems.
• Featuring a lowered front and rear with massive 21-inch wheels, Explorer Sport Trac concept showcases street rod looks that could appear on a special-edition production vehicle.

The Ford Explorer Sport Trac concept delivers more of everything that helped the original sport utility truck launch one of the fastest growing segments in the industry.

With a wider and longer stance and improved power, this concept offers even more versatility and flexibility than today's Explorer Sport Trac. It also comes equipped with Ford's exclusive Roll Stability Controlâ„¢ - the only roll-motion and roll-rate sensing technology available on the market today.

Ford invented the sport utility truck in 2001, bringing to market the Explorer Sport Trac - the first sport utility vehicle with the versatility of four full doors, a roomy feature-filled interior and a pickup truck's cargo box.

"With the addition of a number of new competitive offerings, the sport utility truck segment is red hot, and it's time for the original to raise the bar again for everyone else to try to follow," said Chris Feuell, Ford Motor Company SUV group marketing manager. "This concept magnifies all of the aspects of Sport Trac that customers already love and introduces some street- savvy cues."

Versatility is central to Explorer Sport Trac's sales success. Today's Explorer Sport Trac is the only vehicle in its segment to offer a durable color-coordinated cargo box and an available swing-over tubular bed extender that dramatically increases its capability to haul oversized cargo. The Explorer Sport Trac concept's interior is larger and the cargo bed is about 30 percent bigger than today's model for increased cargo capacity.

The Explorer Sport Trac concept takes the vehicle to a new level - lower than ever for a mean, street look. Riding on massive 21-inch, 10-spoke aluminum wheels with a gunmetal finish and custom Goodyear tires, the Explorer Sport Trac concept delivers an improved ride thanks to a new independent rear suspension.

Exterior: Street Rod Style

The Explorer Sport Trac concept's smooth appearance is achieved by simple lines, excellent proportions and clean body panels. The exterior color is off-white Moonlight with a theme of polished aluminum accents found on the upper and lower grille, fog lamps and exhaust tips. The door handles have been shaved off, adding to the sleek look of this street rod machine. To get in, you simply press unlock on the key fob and the doors automatically open.

"We wanted the Explorer Sport Trac concept to turn heads and to give it 'street cred'," said J Mays, group vice president, Global Design. "This concept is as at home in an urban environment as it is hauling surf boards to the beach. Versatility is - and will continue to be - what Sport Trac is all about."

The Explorer Sport Trac concept is nearly 5 inches longer, 2 inches wider, and sits 2 inches lower than today's current Sport Trac model. Two side scoops located just in front of the A-pillar and two hood scoops give this concept a performance look. In the rear, sleek wraparound taillamps make a distinctive statement.