New Ford Explorer SportTrac on the Way

There are a variety of factors that should allow the new SportTrac to handle curves with better stability too, starting with a

The dark and light blue two-tone interior shown in the released sketches may be a sporty option in the future SportTrac. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada

reduction in ride height by approximately 50 mm (2 inches). While January's prototype will feature 21-inch rims, don't expect a wheel and tire package approaching anywhere near this diameter for production, although the gunmetal gray color may see the light of day. Also, the SportTrac will get an independent rear suspension for improved handling.

The prototype's dark and light blue two-tone interior may also be a sporty option, but what will matter more to those buying into Ford's updated SUT will be standard Roll Stability Control (RSC). During yesterday's auto show preview held in Dearborn, Ford reiterated its plan to include RSC, which first debuted on the Ford-owned Volvo XC90 crossover SUV, as standard equipment in all new light trucks, full-size vans

Ford's updated SUT will come standard with Roll Stability Control (RSC). (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

(2006 MY) and sport utility vehicles, which should equal about 500,000 vehicles per year.

What does it do? Basically RSC gives extra assistance to the driver in maintaining control of the vehicle during extreme accident avoidance maneuvers, when a rollover is most likely to occur. Both GM and Chrysler Group have made similar announcements, but compared to conventional stability control systems RSC is the most technically advanced system going. In fact, it's so unique a total of 80 patents are pending and the automaker believes there is enough of a differentiation when compared to competing yaw stability control systems that Ford will be able to license it to rival brands wanting to keep up, which it plans to do.