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2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Concept

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Khatir Soltani

Under the hood of the prototype is a specially tuned version of Ford's SOHC, 16-valve, 4.6-liter V8, which makes 239-horsepower

A specially tuned version of Ford's SOHC, 16-valve, 4.6-liter V8 engine is tucked under the concept truck's hood. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)
at 4,750 rpm and 282 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm in stock 2005 Explorer trim.

The new Sport Track also features the Explorer's slick shifting 5-speed automatic transmission, optimized for its 4-wheel drivetrain. Expect the production version to feature the same engine and transmission as this concept as standard equipment, but rear-wheel drive will remain the entry-level drivetrain to keep costs down.

Of course, one of the reasons the current Sport Trac sells so well, is that at $31,295 in XLT Convenience 4x2 trim it's priced much lower than the new $39,845 Explorer, launched in 2003. Keeping the price down will be an

The production version of the new Sport Trac will no doubt utilize the same engine and transmission as the concept truck. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)
important factor in pushing the next generation version to the top of the SUT sales charts.

Painted in an off-white shade Ford dubs Moonlight, polished aluminum accents highlight the upper and lower grille, fog lamps and exhaust tips. While these trim details may make production, its street rod-inspired shaved door handles most likely won't. That said more and more vehicles come standard with remote access these days, a feature that nullifies the conventional key. To open the Sport Trac concept's doors, all that's needed is a quick press of the key fob's unlock button and the rest happens automatically.

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada