ZX2 S/R Takes Fun to Higher Level

29 March 99

Ford is taking the fun of Escort ZX2 to a new level, introducing the limited

edition ZX2 S/R today at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

Import Salon.

Eight SEMA products are built into ZX2 S/R. The addition

of sports car extras and refinements under the hood

improve the already excellent handling of ZX2 to make ZX2

S/R a real street and racetrack performer. ZX2 S/R is the

first product jointly developed by Ford Racing and Ford

Motor Company's Small Vehicle Center Product Development.

ZX2 S/R horsepower is increased by 10 percent over the

base ZX2 by use of a recommended premium fuel

re-calibration, new air inlet system and improved muffler

and pipe. All performance parts on the ZX2 S/R are tuned

to complement each other. Ford's Powertrain Control

Module has been calibrated to improve wide-open throttle

performance and response while still meeting both federal

and California low-emission vehicle standards. Premium

fuel is recommended but not mandatory.

Handling is improved by the use of tuned progressive rate

springs that also lower the car by 1 inch; struts tuned

to match the new springs and improve body control;

urethane sway bar mount and end link bushes; 15-inch P205

55ZR 15 Eagle F1 Goodyear tires on seven-spoke aluminum

wheels; and rear disc brakes. Driving is enhanced by the

improved pedal feel and stopping power from the rear disc

brake system, improved precision and feel of the new

short-throw gear shifter system. The new dual friction

clutch system in ZX2 S/R improves clamping force by more

than 90 percent with excellent clutch feel while

maintaining low pedal effort.

SEMA products that add value and performance to ZX2 S/R

include tuned, progressive rate Eibach Springs; Tokico

struts; Energy Suspension sway bar; Goodyear P205 55ZR 15

tires; B&M Pro-Edge Shifter with leather boot and carbon

fiber/leather shift knob; Borla custom muffler and tip;

Roush intake system; and Centerforce dual friction clutch

and pressure plate.

The cockpit features a leather-wrapped steering wheel,

150-mph speedometer with silver surround and the carbon

fiber and leather shift knob that lend comfort and fun to

the driving experience. Besides upgrades to the gauges,

shifter and steering wheel; ZX2 S/R has additional

features that match its sporty image. These include

lowered stance and reduced wheel-well gap for a sportier

appearance; a full length leather shift boot;

good-looking Roush intake with increased-diameter air

induction tube and with a deeper, more aggressive muffler

note.

Also available for all-out racing, ZX2 S/R can be further

upgraded to a Dynamic Suspension kit that includes

500-pound rear, 300-pound front coil over springs and

adjustable race specification struts. Ride height can be

adjusted easily through the spring seats. An upgraded

rear sway bar is also adjustable. The race camber bolt

kit allows up to 2 degrees negative camber on the front

or rear wheels. The racing suspension bushing kit offers

tuned urethane bushings with steel inserts for front

lower control arms and rear trailing links to improve

suspension precision and control in racing. Adapters for

the front and rear engine mounts reduce engine movement

using the urethane inserts to improve driveability in

extreme loading.

ZX2 S/R is due out this summer with an option package

price of $1,495. Initial production of the 100 S/Rs is

planned but could lead to additional production.

Image pending

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