V8 Engine delivers refined power
A V8-powered SUV or pickup is not the vehicle of choice when ultra low fuel consumption is the guiding principle in a vehicle purchase. That said, anyone familiar with the smooth, torque-rich power of a V8 knows the driving pleasure they can impart. My tester was a shining example of that.
Its 4.6-litre 3-valve-per-cylinder powerplant is rated at 292 horsepower @ 5,750 rpm and a bullying 300 foot-pounds of torque @ 3,950 rpm. This is sufficient output to hustle the Sport Trac with impressive vigor both off-the-line and in the passing lane. Regrettably, at 16.8 and 10.8 litres of precious petrol per 100K of city and highway driving respectively, fuel economy is not a strength.
Aiding the liquid-smooth mill in its daily chores is a 6-speed automatic transmission. The straightforward autobox doesn't rely upon an electronic manual mode to provide driver input but rather a typical D-3-2-1 inline pattern. Many drivers may find this basic functionality superior to a manual-mode setup; I know I do.
Occupants treated to highly refined operation and a comfortable ride
The 2008 V8-powered Sport Trac spoils its occupants with a level of operational refinement that exceeds expectations--at least my expectations, and I consider myself a sharp critic of vehicles lacking such an attribute.
Unless the V8 is pushed hard, the Sport Trac houses its charges in a quiet, dignified environment that belies its 4X4 genus. Little in the way of wind or road noise spoils an otherwise serene cabin, especially when one considers the Sport Trac's pickup truck format.
Ride quality is also surprising good. Rear jounce normally associated with pickup trucks is effectively suppressed by the Sport Trac's independent rear suspension arrangement resulting in a ride dynamic that is moderately rigid but suitably absorbent. Thanks to the vehicle's structural rigidity, it feels solid and composed when battling road degradation in all its forms.
A V8-powered SUV or pickup is not the vehicle of choice when ultra low fuel consumption is the guiding principle in a vehicle purchase. That said, anyone familiar with the smooth, torque-rich power of a V8 knows the driving pleasure they can impart. My tester was a shining example of that.
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| Its 4.6-litre 3-valve-per-cylinder powerplant is rated at 292 horsepower @ 5,750 rpm. |
Its 4.6-litre 3-valve-per-cylinder powerplant is rated at 292 horsepower @ 5,750 rpm and a bullying 300 foot-pounds of torque @ 3,950 rpm. This is sufficient output to hustle the Sport Trac with impressive vigor both off-the-line and in the passing lane. Regrettably, at 16.8 and 10.8 litres of precious petrol per 100K of city and highway driving respectively, fuel economy is not a strength.
Aiding the liquid-smooth mill in its daily chores is a 6-speed automatic transmission. The straightforward autobox doesn't rely upon an electronic manual mode to provide driver input but rather a typical D-3-2-1 inline pattern. Many drivers may find this basic functionality superior to a manual-mode setup; I know I do.
Occupants treated to highly refined operation and a comfortable ride
The 2008 V8-powered Sport Trac spoils its occupants with a level of operational refinement that exceeds expectations--at least my expectations, and I consider myself a sharp critic of vehicles lacking such an attribute.
Unless the V8 is pushed hard, the Sport Trac houses its charges in a quiet, dignified environment that belies its 4X4 genus. Little in the way of wind or road noise spoils an otherwise serene cabin, especially when one considers the Sport Trac's pickup truck format.
Ride quality is also surprising good. Rear jounce normally associated with pickup trucks is effectively suppressed by the Sport Trac's independent rear suspension arrangement resulting in a ride dynamic that is moderately rigid but suitably absorbent. Thanks to the vehicle's structural rigidity, it feels solid and composed when battling road degradation in all its forms.
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| Ride quality is surprising good. |