SEMA Preview: 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Adrenalin

Staff Report

From Concept To Reality

10-25-07: Just when most of the world thought the pipeline between concept and production at Ford was non-existent, it's announced that in 2008 the Sport Trac Adrenalin will appear at SEMA. Looking very close to the SVT Adrenalin concept of a few years ago, the production version improves the looks of the standard Explorer Sport Trac by miles. The only thing missing is the 400hp supercharged 4.6 liter DOHC V8 from the show truck. But the available 292 hp 4.6 liter 3V engine nearly identical to the one in the Mustang, it aint half bad! At least you can bolt a supercharger to it and fill the void.

“The new Sport Trac Adrenalin is designed to appeal to the urban adventurer,” said Ryan Mitton, Sport Trac marketing manager. “It still offers up the functionality and capability that Sport Trac is known for, while boosting the style factor.”

The sleek boulevard-cruiser’s design was inspired by the Sport Trac Adrenalin concept that appeared at the 2005 New York Auto Show. Ford designer Melvin Betancourt was challenged to transfer the Adrenalin concept’s bold, more low-slung design to the production Sport Trac.

“The goal was to keep the overall design intact, right down to the wheels,” said Betancourt. “We had to make some minor adjustments as we went through the production process, but overall it’s been altered very little from the original concept.”

Adrenalin retains the Sport Trac’s distinctive profile, blending SUV and pickup, but the similarities end there. Every exterior panel from the beltline down has been redesigned or styled to deliver the Explorer Sport Trac Adrenalin’s cool, aftermarket look.

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New front and rear fascias sit 3.5-inches lower than the units on the standard truck. Full running boards are seamlessly integrated into the body design and function to visually tie the front and rear of the truck together. The rubber step pads provide traction and add a striking graphic stripe that accents the lower portion of the truck.

“The new body panels give the Sport Trac the appearance of being lower – without actually lowering the vehicle,” said Betancourt. “You get a street cruiser look without compromising any of the functionality or capability.”

The front fascia mounts circular fog lamps in matte black binnacles, bringing in a touch of Mustang performance DNA to the Adrenalin. The prominent gloss black grille features a unique crosshatch pattern with the Ford oval badge mounted front and center.

“Graphically, the new grille gives you a bigger opening that adds to Adrenalin’s sinister look,” added Betancourt. “The crosshatch insert serves to visually set it apart from other Sport Tracs, giving the Adrenalin its own personality.”

Smooth side surfaces are the result of new front and rear fenders that lose their wheel lip moldings. Functional front fender vents, exclusive to the Adrenalin, add visual interest to the vehicle’s profile. Adrenalin also motors without roof racks.

The rear fascia features a cutout for the dual-tipped exhaust. The design is finished with body-colored mirror caps and a new tailgate with a distinctive Adrenalin badge spanning the surface of the gate in individual letters.

The interior delivers monochromatic richness. The Charcoal Black environment is accented by a stone gray headliner and features custom floor mats that are embroidered with the Adrenalin logo. Adrenalin offers the choice of cloth upholstered or premium leather-trimmed seats.

Adrenalin looks hot, bathed in special Colorado Red paint. Colorado Red, a true red without metal flake, is new to the Sport Trac lineup and will be launched with the Adrenalin. Additional color choices are White Suede, Black and Silver Birch Metallic.

The 10-spoke, 20-inch wheels are the same units found on the Sport Trac Adrenalin concept. The polished aluminum wheels are shod with P255/50R20 Pirelli rubber.

Along with the standard 4x2 drivetrain, Sport Trac Adrenalin offers an all-wheel-drive system that’s more suitable for a street cruiser. In addition to providing sure-footedness on slick surfaces, Adrenalin’s AWD system offers a performance advantage as well. The system seamlessly transfers torque from the rear wheels to the front wheels as required to provide confident handling, reducing wheel spin and improving cornering.

Adrenalin will be in dealer showrooms in early January. Base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Pricing (MSRP) for Sport Trac Adrenalin begins at $30,495 (including $720 for destination