Ford Motor Co. scrapped up plans to build a high-performance Sport Trac Adrenalin pickup. “As part of our way forward, we are adjusting our product plan and decided not to produce the Sport Trac Adrenaline,” said Ford spokesman Jon Harmon.
Unveiled last year, the Adrenaline was supposed to have been the world’s first high-performance sport utility truck. It was to be built at Ford’s Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky. Harmon would not discuss the specific reasons for the decision, but said Ford was focusing on giving its customers what they want.
Director of SVT Hau Tai Tang told us the Sport Trac configuration gives it better overall performance than the much loved Lightning. “It’s lighter, smaller and has an independent suspension,” said the director. “Combine that with the fact that it has just as much power as the Lightning and we think customers will appreciate its performance package.”
Under the hood of this surprisingly good-looking SUT is an intercooled and supercharged 4.6-liter V8 that belts out 390 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. Ford used a forged crankshaft, reinforced con rods and forged pistons to assure this four-valve V8 can withstand both high-performance driving and extended tow duty.
This compact crew-cab pickup truck is redesigned for 2007, adding safety features, available V8 power, and independent rear suspension. Like the 2001-2005 Sport Trac, it’s based on Ford’s Explorer SUV, but has a 4×5-ft open cargo bed. Sport Trac seats five and offers a power rear window. Wheelbase grows by 5 inches vs. the previous Sport Trac, and is 16 inches longer than Explorer’s.
Like Honda’s Ridgeline, Sport Trac has independent rear suspension designed to provide a more carlike ride than the solid rear axle common to pickups. XLT and uplevel Limited models are offered. A 210-hp V6 is standard.