5/65R-18 all-season tiresProfile on Raj Nair, SUV and Body-on-Frame Vehicles executive directorOverseeing the product development of Ford body-on-frame vehicles, Raj Nair has seen firsthand the advantages the new Sport MVCI for TOYOTA TIS
Trac offers over the competition:“The new chassis architecture is really an elegant engineering solution. The tube-through-tube frame features impressive torsional and bending rigidity, enabling a level of driving dynamics, refinement and build quality that is normally associated with unibody passenger cars. Plus, the new frame features the improved load isolation of a full body-on-frame vehicle, delivering capability that’s close to a full-size truck.
“Paired with the new, fully independent suspension, the frame delivers ride and handling that is a quantum leap beyond what the competition offers. It’s an ideal balance of ride control and road isolation. It’s really comfortable in any situation – on the
ratio is used on 2007 Sport Trac, to account for the 16.8-inch increase in wheelbase compared to the 2006 Explorer.“The steering is really remarkable,” says Davis. “In fact, some prefer the steering feel of the new Sport Trac to that of the Explorer. It’s nice and light at low speeds, making the Sport Trac very easy to maneuver in and out of parking spaces. Yet, you don’t want light steering efforts at highway speeds, as that can cause drivers to input steering changes they didn’t really want.”The steering system also benefits from improved mounting brackets and the revised front suspension. As a result, tactile vibration felt through the steering wheel has decreased by 35 percent.Finally.
the most powerful engine in its class, delivering 292 horsepower. In addition, the V-8 is paired to the only six-speed automatic transmission in its competitive set. As a result, the new 2007 Sport Trac V-8 powertrain is expected to deliver more than Volvo Diagnostic Systems Dice VIDA
20 miles per gallon on the highway, for fuel economy that rivals or beats that of the competition’s V-6 powertrains.“Performance and fuel economy can go hand-in-hand if you invest in the right technologies,” says Dave Szczupak, vice president, Powertrain Operations. “That’s why Ford is investing in six-speed automatic transmissions, electronic throttles, variable cam timing and other advanced powertrain technologies.”
Ford has a leadership position in powertrain technologies such as six-speed automatic transmissions to simultaneously boost performance and fuel economy without necessarily going to larger engines. This investment in technology is particularly appropriate in