Ford Sport Trac Adrenalin Creates New Segment

Press Release

Chassis

Ever since the introduction of the Ford SVT F-150 Lightning performance truck in 1993, great-handling trucks have been an SVT specialty.

"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 Special Vehicle Team. "Considering its smaller dimensions, lighter weight and fully-independent suspension, the Sport Trac Adrenalin just might rival the handling of some performance cars."

While other sport trucks sacrifice handling for brute force, the Adrenalin builds on 12 years of SVT experience making the Lighting just as competent on the road course as on the drag strip.

"The overall expected performance of the Sport Trac Adrenalin is very exciting," says Jay O'Connell, SVT chief vehicle engineer. "Smaller than a full-size pickup, with better weight distribution and the advantage of full-time all-wheel drive, Adrenalin is designed to deliver world-class driving dynamics."

Right-sized footprint for nimble, balanced chassis

Compared to the last-generation Lightning, Adrenalin is only two inches longer, but features a 10-inch longer wheelbase. Pushing the wheels further out not only creates more passenger room, but also improves on the inherent balance of the chassis. Yet, the Adrenalin is six inches narrower overall, preserving the aggressive stance while reducing overall weight.

The difference is even more noticeable when you compare exterior dimensions and curb weights with other larger and heavier full-size trucks. The comparison leaves little doubt that the Adrenalin promises agility and nimble responses unrivaled by any current sport truck.

SVT-tuned fully independent suspension designed for nimble handling and smooth reactions

The Sport Trac Adrenalin features a sophisticated fully independent suspension with short- and long-arm front suspensions and a trailing-blade independent rear suspension (IRS). SVT-tuned spring rates and shocks are designed to deliver a firm, smooth sense of control while retaining SVT's nimble handling traits. The addition of beefy front and rear stabilizer bars also improves the handling equation, making the best use of available grip and traction.

Ford has established a market leadership position with the use of an IRS in a wide range of production sport-utility vehicles. Adrenalin incorporates the ride and handling benefits of this design, specially tuned by SVT engineers to provide an added measure of road-hugging control. De-coupling the suspension to allow each rear wheel to operate independently brings significant advantages to ride and handling, as well as traction and control when the vehicle is driven at the limits.

Adrenalin's suspension geometry is designed to emphasize more precise steering and handling with more dynamic toe control. A longitudinal trailing arm is the dominant feature, allowing high levels of ride comfort while freeing the lateral links to define toe and camber forces under traction and cornering loads. The agile suspension reduces un-sprung weight and gives superior packaging of underbody components. Anti-dive aspects of the suspension also keep the Sport Trac Adrenalin level during hard braking.

Handling precision increased by rigid frame, variable-boost steering

> Adrenalin's driving dynamics are further refined by an all-new frame developed for Ford Motor Company's new mid-size SUVs that's exceptionally rigid. Compared to its predecessor, this frame features increased thickness and section height, resulting in a 63 percent increase in bending rigidity and a 55 percent increase in torsional rigidity. This has a number of benefits, including increased crashworthiness, towing and payload capacity, and reducing squeaks and rattles in the cabin. More important to driving enthusiasts, it enables engineers to deliver a smoother ride with better road feel, crisper handling and quicker steering response.

Steering is also improved by the new variable-flow steering system, designed to provide a firm, responsive feel enthusiasts demand while still offering low steering efforts at slow speeds.

21-inch aluminum wheels and tires, and large, cross-drilled Brembo brakes for confident stopping

No performance vehicle would be complete without a set of serious tires and brakes. The Sport Trac Adrenalin does not disappoint, wearing massive 21-inch, polished aluminum wheels. These are wrapped in hand-cut, 295/45R21 Goodyear tires. The split five-spoke wheels offer an excellent view of the platter-sized, cross-drilled Brembo disc brakes, pinched by red-painted, monoblock calipers. The wheels also afford ample airflow to cool the brakes during more spirited driving.

As a result, the Sport Trac Adrenalin promises balanced, all-around driving dynamics worthy of SVT's "chassis wizards."

Powertrain

The Sport Trac Adrenalin teaser delivers searing acceleration with its supercharged V-8 and six-speed automatic transmission. But, unlike one-sided, performance-only trucks, Adrenalin builds on the legacy of the SVT F-150 Lightning, delivering acceleration and genuine capability.

"The key to the Lightning's longevity was its powertrain," says George Ayres, SVT sales and marketing manager. "What other vehicle can tow 5000 pounds, crack the 1/4-mile in 13 seconds, and approach nearly 150 mph on a track? We think that same mix of ultimate performance with genuine utility makes the Adrenalin a perfect sequel to the Lightning."

Adrenalin follows in the Lightning's footsteps with a supercharged, intercooled V-8. The Adrenalin's 4.6-liter, 32-valve V-8 churns out an impressive 390 horsepower and matching 390 foot-pounds of torque. Power is delivered to the wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission – the first in an SVT product. This heavy-duty transmission, first used in Ford's full-size SUVs, is a key contributor to the Adrenalin's projected 6000-pound towing capacity. Another first for SVT engineering is all-wheel drive, for improved acceleration and traction.

Combined, Adrenalin's drivetrain is unmatched in the performance-truck market.

Supercharged, 390-horsepower V-8 further hones SVT's supercharging expertise

> Ford SVT first introduced supercharged engines in its 1999 F-150 Lightning pickup. SVT continued to advance powerful, robust supercharged powertrains, leading to the development of forced-induction engines in other SVT-developed vehicles like the Ford GT supercar and 2004 SVT Mustang Cobra. Due to the proven performance and capability of forced induction, engineers decided to fit Adrenalin with a 4.6-liter, supercharged modular V-8 derived from the 2004 SVT Mustang Cobra.

Adrenalin does offer less displacement than the Lightning's 5.4-liter V-8. However, where the Lightning features two valves per cylinder, Adrenalin boasts high-flow, four-valve heads. It's fed by a Roots-type supercharger, with a water-to-air intercooler to increase the supercharger's effectiveness. This potent power combination develops 390 horsepower and 390 foot-pounds of torque.

This engine is renowned for its strength, and fitted with reinforcements such as a forged-steel crankshaft, forged pistons and forged "H-beam" connecting rods. As a result, not only is the 4.6-liter V-8 able to withstand the demands of such high output, but the engine is also well suited to the rigors of towing and hauling cargo.

SVT's first six-speed automatic transmission

Also contributing to Adrenalin's utility is the first six-speed automatic transmission in an SVT-engineered vehicle. This transmission was first introduced in the Lincoln Navigator, and is a key contributor to the Navigator's impressive towing abilities. Similarly, the heavy-duty, six-speed automatic is a key enabler of Adrenalin's projected 6000-pound tow rating.

Importantly, this transmission is not just a workhorse. The electronically controlled transmission is known for its smooth, precise shifts. In addition, the wide ratio span enables the engine to work more efficiently, improving both acceleration and fuel economy.

Performance-tuned all-wheel drive enhances acceleration, all-season practicality

The Sport Trac Adrenalin also features the first all-wheel-drive (AWD) system in an SVT-engineered vehicle. The system addresses one of the key requests of Lightning owners – additional traction during launch.

"In addition to providing sure footing on slick surfaces, there's a real 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 Adrenalin's 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, the engine delivers some extra power right where it's needed.

In addition, this system provides added security and control for all-season practicality.

Safety

While the production Ford Sport Trac Adrenalin is a teaser of the version set for production in 2007, it showcases advanced safety technologies that are available today. Cutting-edge advancements in adaptive restraint technology and active safety systems such as AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ represent safety benchmarks for the industry.

"There are more and more trucks and sport utilities entering the market these days waving the performance flag," says Tom Jones, SVT chief program engineer. "But you haven't seen one featuring safety technology as impressive as its performance hardware - until now. The Sport Trac Adrenalin backs up its fun-to-drive mechanicals with a comprehensive safety package."

All of the safety features showcased on Adrenalin will be in production in several 2006 Ford Motor Company SUVs – such as the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer – offering buyers a leading, comprehensive safety package.

The first SVT-engineered all-wheel-drive system helps enhance traction and security

Adrenalin features the first all-wheel-drive (AWD) system in an SVT-engineered vehicle. In addition to performance benefits, this system provides additional traction and grip in all weather conditions or when the vehicle is not in contact with a smooth road surface. On paved roads during normal driving, the electronic AWD system constantly monitors all four wheels. If and when any of the four wheels lose grip, the system instantly and seamlessly reacts to reduce torque bias to the wheels that are slipping and increase it to those with grip.

Another SVT first – AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™

Ford's world-class AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ has been enhanced to go far beyond typical electronically assisted traction systems. AdvanceTrac® helps drivers avoid skidding and fishtailing by selectively applying braking to the appropriate wheels and almost immediately modifying engine power to help maintain control. In addition to yaw stability control (otherwise known as electronic stability control or ESC), AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ – exclusive to Ford Motor Company products – features an additional software module and roll-rate sensor that builds upon traditional anti-lock brakes, traction control and yaw stability control systems.

This system is more advanced than other stability systems, which do not include a separate roll-rate sensor. Roll Stability Controlâ„¢ communicates with the embedded roll-rate sensor for feedback on a variety of vehicle dynamics measurements. During an accident-avoidance maneuver (such as an abrupt lane change), Roll Stability Controlâ„¢ coordinates the actions of all of these components to help further enhance vehicle stability while preserving maneuverability. If the system detects that the vehicle is near a roll condition, it automatically applies countermeasures that reduce engine power and/or apply brakes to one or more wheels.

Ford has 80 patents or patents pending on the AdvanceTrac® system with Roll Stability Control™, which will be offered on more than 500,000 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sport-utility vehicles for 2005.

Cutting-edge adaptive safety system features tailored protection in frontal impacts

The Sport Trac Adrenalin also showcases a variety of adaptive safety features that help tailor protection to the circumstances of a frontal impact.

These features are coordinated by an advanced crash-sensing computer. In the milliseconds after the initial front impact, the crash-sensing computer is interpreting data from a multitude of sensing devices that predict crash severity and occupant conditions.

The system processes information about the occupant's seat position or weight, and whether the person is buckled up, to adjust air-bag deployment and other adaptive features accordingly. Similarly, the crash computer uses the same information to activate safety belt pretensioners, which tighten the front safety belts, and helps to adjust the amount of safety-belt restraint best suited for the conditions. Crash sensors provide critical information that helps the crash computer predict the type and severity of a crash and which restraint system or combination of systems should be deployed to help enhance protection for the specific occupants.

This system also coordinates new adaptive driver and passenger dual-stage front air bags with "can venting," which allows the air bags to deploy to varying levels based on the occupant's size and relative position to the air bags during a collision. During some instances, a tether restrains the passenger air bag deployment to help further protect occupants seated in close proximity to the air bag.