2008 Sport Trac Adrenalin
Ford never runs out of ideas when it's time to design special editions of models that are nearing the end of their lifecycle. Obviously, the goal of this exercise is to give a boost to slumping sales. The results are not always successful, but this time, I must admit that the automaker hit the bull's eye.
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| The Adrenalin is the mechanical twin of the regular Sport Trac. |
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac Adrenalin Concept was originally introduced at the 2005 SEMA Show in Las Vegas -- which makes perfect sense since it's the number one tuning event in North America. While the Adrenalin is the mechanical twin of the regular Sport Trac, the bodywork received substantial improvements.
The concept's design is almost unchanged on the production model. Of course, for safety and functionality purposes, the latter sports actual bumpers and door handles -- elements that were missing from the former. Yet, the philosophy remains the same: uncompromised sporty utility.
The front and rear fascias, side air vents and 20-inch wheels have all been kept. Owners also benefit from the same cargo tie-downs and truck-like sportiness. The grille sports a black trim instead of the traditional chrome. The headlight clusters are also blacked out. In the back is a single exhaust with dual chrome tip. Overall, the Adrenalin is a sporty-looking rig enhanced with features that are rather unnecessary on a pickup truck. Still, the result is fantastic.
The interior is identical to the regular Sport Trac's. While not really original, the vertical dashboard and instrument panel are functional and easy to read. Material selection is nice, with noteworthy fit and finish. It's a shame that Ford designers weren't as bold inside as they were outside because there's some definite potential there.
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| Inside, the material selection is nice, with noteworthy fit and finish. |
The equipment level is decent with no major complaint on my part. I must say that the HVAC system is exceptionally effective at cooling the cabin in a hurry. The layout is adequate, although the seat cushions could drop a little lower so as to maximize comfort. Other than that, access is easy and there's an appropriate amount of room available. Meanwhile, the various storage compartments prove generously sized and conveniently located.
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| The driving position is decent. |
The seats are comfortable for the daily commute, but not so much for long trips. At some point, you run out of leg positions, especially with the massive door-integrated cupholder in your way. Yet, the overall driving position is decent. Meanwhile, the cabin remains relatively quiet and visibility is enhanced by the height of the truck and the size of the outside mirrors.
Lacking... adrenalin?
The Explorer Sport Trac is available with a choice of two engines: a 210-hp 4.0L V6 and a 292-hp 4.6L V8. The Adrenalin offers both with no changes whatsoever. Accelerations are not blistering but they're fast enough in daily driving conditions.
Engine operation is adequate, as are the automatic transmissions (5 gears with the V6, 6 with the V8). I cannot give you a fair report on fuel economy since a trailer was attached to my vehicle for the better part of my test week. When not towing a trailer, however, I did notice that handling and braking performance are not among the strengths of the Adrenalin.
Competition
The Explorer Sport Trac can be classified as a small full-size pickup truck. This type of vehicle will no doubt grow more popular in the next few years due to ever-rising oil prices.
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| The Adrenalin is available with a choice of two engines - a V6 and a V8. |
Right now, the closest competitors include the cleverly-designed Honda Ridgeline ($35,820), the aging Dodge Dakota SXT Double Cab ($33,395) and the high-value Toyota Tacoma ($31,900). That said, none of them looks as sharp as the Adrenalin.
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| This vehicle is the perfect truck if you're looking for eye-catching styling and light-duty capabilities. |
Conclusion
The 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Adrenalin is the perfect truck if you're looking for eye-catching styling and light-duty capabilities. Make no mistake, however: this is not a heavy-duty machine. If you want to tow significant loads, look elsewhere.
Source: http://www.moto123.com/imprimer_article.spy?artid=99984
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