The new V-8 is paired with a class-exclusive six-speed automatic transmission. The 6F transmission's six gears and a wide 6.04:1 gear-ratio span enable the engine to spend more time in the optimum powerband - either at peak power for acceleration or at peak efficiency for more fuel economy.

The 4.6-liter V-8 and 6R transmission deliver a maximum 6,800 pounds of towing capacity, and 1,390 pounds of payload. In addition, the combination is expected to deliver more than 20 miles per gallon on the highway, matching the economy of the competitor's less-powerful V-6 engines. The V-8 meets federal Tier II Bin 5 standards, which is compliant with California's Low Emissions Vehicle II (LEV II) standards.

Either engine can be equipped with the Sport Trac's advanced Control Trac four-wheel-drive system. Unlike less-sophisticated systems, Control Trac automatically transfers torque to the front wheels as needed, to maintain maximum traction at all times. This increases safety and security without compromising fuel economy or NVH. In addition, the Control Trac system features a torque-multiplying gear set (4x4 Low) in the transfer case for off-road applications that require extra power including deep sand, steep grades, and towing a boat trailer out of water.



New Underneath: All-new chassis features a tube-through-tube frame inspired by F-150, new IRS shared with Explorer

Capability and refinement start with the foundation of any vehicle: the chassis.

The Sport Trac adopts the F-150's tube-through-tube frame design, where the cross beams pass through the frame rails. The result delivers a dramatic 444 percent increase in stiffness compared with the previous Sport Trac's traditional frame for improved handling and decreased squeaks and rattles.

The new Sport Trac frame is shared with the 2006 Explorer, with a few significant changes:

- The wheelbase is stretched 16.8 inches
- A unique hanger is installed to accommodate the Sport Trac's two-piece driveshaft
- A spare tire carrier is integrated into the rear assembly
- The integrated tow bar is modified to accommodate the Sport Trac's step bumper

To capitalize on the stiffer frame, engineers developed all-new front and rear suspensions for the 2007 Sport Trac. The front suspension features a short- and long-arm design with coil-over shocks. New monotube shocks are tuned for softer damping of harsh impacts - such as potholes and expansion joints - while providing exemplary body control over larger road undulations and while cornering.

For the first time, the Sport Trac features an independent rear suspension with a patent-pending, trailing blade design. Explorer Sport Trac's rear coil-over springs, monotube shocks, and a stabilizer bar have slightly stiffer rates than those of the 2006 Explorer, to adjust for the longer wheelbase and change in weight distribution.

IRS offers significantly better handling over both smooth and rough surfaces as each wheel reacts independently to bumps in the road, moving up and rearward simultaneously to absorb the bumps and reduce impact harshness. In addition, IRS drastically reduces rear-end skate, which is the lateral movement that occurs when a vehicle with a solid rear axle travels over sharp bumps or washboard/corrugated road surfaces.

Sizable, four-wheel disc brakes are standard, as is the four-wheel, four-channel anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution. The package creates a balanced chassis with ride and handling that is unrivaled in its segment.

"You wouldn't even want to bring in a comparison with a compact pickup in terms of ride and handling," says Nair.

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