New Blue Oval Takes Aim At Performance Compact Market
By the staff of Turbomagazine.com Ford used the recently-held Import Auto Salon to unveil its performance-enhanced Escort, the ZX2 S/R. The S/R, which is available only in yellow, was unleashedto the automotive press just after the show at ButtonwillowRaceway. Buttonwillow is a good 2.5- tothree-hour drive north of Los Angeles but automotive journalists are known to go great distances forseat time at the track. The Concept Unlike many other performance vehicles produced by Ford, the S/R utilizes aftermarket manufacturers to attain the goals set for the S/R. Fordfocused its attention on handling and engine output. The suspension performance was increased withthe addition of Eibach springs, Tokico struts, Energy Suspension bushings and 55-series Goodyear
rubber.
The Eibach springs are progressive-rate units that lower the vehicle's ride height by one inch. The springs and Tokico struts are tune-matched to provide enhanced suspension stability. Also adding tothe car's extra bite and body roll resistance are an Energy Suspension sway bar and end-link bushingswhich reduce the flex in the system. The final link in the chain are 205/55R-15 Goodyear Eagle F1 tires which are wrapped around aluminum wheels. Under the hood, Roush was called upon to develop a tuned intake system. The Roush set-up includes ahigh-flow filter and custom intake pipe. On the exhaust side, a Borla stainless-steel muffler and
intercooled tip work with pipe mods to up power. Under the electronics banner Visteon recalibrated the Ford ECU for improved WOT performance andslightly higher octane fuel. These mods are good for an additional 10-percent improvement over the
already-enhanced ZX2. This would push output from 130 horsepower to about 143. Putting the power tothe ground is a Centerforce Dual-Friction clutch which is engaged via a short-throw B&M RacingPro-Edge shifter. Ford will also offer a full-road-race set-up featuring a stiffer spring/strut combination with adjustable ride height capacity, upgraded sway bars and camber kit.
The Drive
The Buttonwillow Raceway evaluation was simple, drive an everyday Escort ZX2 and an S/R back to back on the track's twisty road course. Like many simple experiments the results were dramatic. At the
forefront was stability. The S/R was much more stable going into corners and was able to accelerate better coming out of corners. It all starts with body roll. The stocker leaned hard entering the corner,
this in turn caused the tires to flex at the side wall. All this translated into a vehicle that was
unresponsive, tracked poorly through the corner and tended to push while accelerating out of the corner.The S/R made strong points out of all the stocker's weak points. The S/R reacted much quicker and
more precisely to steering inputs, the stiffer chassis and low-profile tires allowed the car to fight off bodyroll and stay the course through the apex. At the exit of the turn, the S/R's enhanced balance allows itto put power to the ground and quickly accelerate toward the next challenge. Frankly the S/R's extrapower was difficult to detect due to the stock tester's handling characteristics.
The Bottom Line
The S/R is the brainchild of Ford Racing and Ford Motor Company's Small Vehicle Center ProductDevelopment. The car is not a styling exercise but an option on the ZX2 order sheet. The S/R optionadds a mere $1495 to the ZX2's bottom line. The S/R is laid out as a limited edition but Ford has yet todetermine where to draw the line. No matter where the limit is set, those who opt for the S/R will get a real driver's car with many ofthe usual aftermarket tricks already on board. COPYRIGHT 1999 Turbomagazine.com
Business Wire March 27, 1999 Ford Races First Entry Into New Performance Market; Racing Heritage and Engineering ExpertiseCreate Compact Hot Rod.
POMONA, Calif.--(AutomotiveWire)--March 26, 1999--Ford Motor Company today introduced a new entry aimed at the modern-day hot rod scene -- the growing compact performance market. The newFord ZX2 S/R was unveiled at the second annual Specialty Equipment Market Association's (SEMA)"International Auto Salon" in Pomona. The ZX2 S/R is Ford's first product jointly developed by Ford
Racing Technology and Ford Motor Company's Small Vehicle Center Product Development.
"Each generation finds its own automotive expression and passion," said Al Kammerer, Ford's Small
Vehicle Line Director. "Today that means the compact performance phenomenon. Any manufacturer
who wants to attract youth must participate in this market.
"The compact performance market is hot-rodding for the '90s and though the shape of the cars has
changed through the years, what has driven these movements is consistent -- the availability of
affordable, stylish, well-built cars designed for performance along with a healthy aftermarket industry
available to provide products for personalization and performance enhancement. We're embracing the
importance of this market and our introduction of the ZX2 S/R at the International Auto Salon solidifies
our commitment to it."
"Ford's racing heritage, and its involvement with racing today, is second to none -- and we think this
knowledge and reputation will serve us well as we reach out to develop products of interest to the
compact performance enthusiast," said Terry Crossett, Ford's Manager of Small Car Powertrain
Development. "The ZX2 S/R is also unique because it was produced in cooperation with a coalition of
eight aftermarket companies including: B&M, Borla, Centerforce, Eibach, Energy Suspension,
Goodyear, Roush and Tokico."
The ZX2 S/R includes refinements to the body and under the hood to make it a competitive street and
racetrack performer. Modifications include: horsepower increased 10 percent over the base ZX2 while
still meeting California state and federal emissions standards; dual friction clutch for increased clamping
force; improved handling with progressive-rate springs that lower the car one inch; rear disc brakes;
seven-spoke aluminum wheels and a cockpit featuring a 150 mph speedometer, leather-wrapped
steering wheel and leather shift knob. All performance parts on the S/R are tuned to complement each
other and additional racing-only components are available.
The Ford ZX2 S/R will be produced in limited quantities and will be available through select Ford dealers
this summer. The SEMA International Auto Salon runs March 26-28 at the Pomona Fairplex. For more
information on the event call Amy Callan at 909/396-0289 ext. 158.