New FORD SUV : ESCAPE ( with pics )

[PryBry]

Ok Ford fan's, here is the scoop from my latest Autoweek....
The Escape comes standard with a 2.0l inline 4 linked to a 5 speed manual trans. The optional engine is a 200hp 3.0l V6 linked to a four speed automatic.
Both engine combos are available with either front wheel drive or a full time four wheel system with automatic and lockup modes.
They said the coolest part was a roof rack which slides back onto the rear hatch for bikes or skis.

They also talked about the Ford "Equator" which was based on a f-150 platform but the body was as wide as a f-350 for a roomy passenger compartment.
Built for true off-road use the bumpers, fenders, wheel wells, and lower trim panels are all Kevlar...!
It also features a drop down step (like a running board) which goes up and down with opening and closing the doors...
The thing looks huge... makes the H2 hummer look whimpy.

 

[RJXplorer]

WOW the Equator sounds completely bad ass!! Dead Link Removed Where can we see some pics? Has anyone seen any? Were there any in Autoweek?
THX

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RJXplorer
'94 XLT - 30" BFG AT's
Dynamax Exhaust
K&N Air Filter
Modified Air Box
"He who takes no risk, takes no glory."

 

[PryBry]

There's one good picture in Autoweek...
I'll scan it in and post it on monday...

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PryBry
98 XLT V8

 

[jalawso]

When are you going to scan that pic

 

[X-Dawg]

Equator information

I just came from this site, I came here to search and see if anyone here had taken a good look.. they want feedback if we are interested in this new format.. looks good to me..
As for the Escape, isnt it a single speed transfer case? no low range.. Soccer mom special? er no offense soccer moms..

Dead Link Removed

 

[Goober]

..and for those who don't like to venture too far from 'home' :

A concept built on the Ford F-150 design, but has 6-inch-wider interior space the Equator maintains the F-150's 128-inch wheelbase, but adopts the width of the Super Duty F-350.

The bottom of the doors is cut high, and, when a door is opened, a lower panel can be hydraulically deployed to create a step unit. In the stowed position, the panels provide a watertight barrier for the passenger compartment.

Functionally, Equator has an off-road-racing-inspired independent suspension, featuring billet aluminum upper control arms, steel lower arms with all-new geometry for maximum travel, adjustable 32-inch coils over gas-linked shocks and custom machined steering linkage.

The bumper, fender, wheel wells and lower trim panels are made of Kevlar, which makes them resistant to stone damage
Billet aluminum wheels with a central tire inflation system and bead locks are wrapped in specially cut off-road tires that are color-keyed to the Serengeti gold body.

Inside, Equator features four leather-contoured bucket seats. The rear seats and bulkhead fold down, creating a cargo space that is six-feet long and five and a half feet wide.

The instrument panel addresses driver-preferred instrument location and content through the use of "clamp-on" gauges. The gauges allow users to select the exact components they want on the instrument panel as well as the exact position for each component. A centerline-mounted compass can be removed for outdoor use.

Flip-up arm rests, visor-mounted GPS technology, outside temperature monitoring instruments, overhead map lights, dual-zone climate controls, two high-volume console-mounted storage compartments and removable flooring provide ultimate feature content.

An overhead, console-mounted audio system ensures that all passengers receive premium sound. The console includes a power amplifier, CD changer, dual speakers in each door, a subwoofer in the lower console and upper-console-mounted tweeters.

"In order to maintain Ford Truck leadership in every major segment in which we compete, we need to be constantly innovating - giving the consumer personalized transportation that exceeds even their highest expectations," says Mays. "The Equator is designed to do all that and more."

"Equator screams adventure," says J Mays, Ford Motor Company vice president of Design. "It can take on the most rugged outdoor challenge while carrying its passengers in maximum comfort."

 

[red96camaro]

That is sick!

price?

 

[leenjen]

it looks a little like the old Lamborghini LM