A Clear View of Fords Future Sport Utility Truck

Fords Sport Trac concept truck, due to appear in Detroit next week, looks ready for production. Is it a thinly veiled 2006 model? Most think so, being that the current Sport Trac, which debuted in 2001, is due for replacement.

But why should Ford release photos of its new concept prior to the North American auto industrys most important auto show? One reason is to garner attention for a vehicle that, despite being something many new truck buyers will no doubt be interested in, might get lost amid the certain deluge of new model and concept announcements that

Is Fords new Sport Trac concept just a veiled 2006 model? (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

Another reason? The Sport Tracs press release and initial artists renderings appeared just after the current 4x4 model was given a worst in industry rollover

The early release of the Sport Trac photos is a good public relations move, due to the fact that the current 4x4 model was given a worst in industry rollover rating. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

News that the model would be updated shortly, and equipped with standard rollover protection when it becomes available, thwarted the medias rush to propagate pandemic hysteria over the negative rollover

"The sport utility truck segment is red hot, and its time for the original to raise the bar again for everyone else to try to follow," said Chris Feuell, Ford Motor Company SUV group marketing manager. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

Those that live on an automotive diet knew that an update to the popular truck was forthcoming anyway, having been prepared for the 2005 auto show circuit much further in advance than the when the rollover test news hit the proverbial fan.

Of course, an update to the Sport

From a styling perspective, Ford has updated the model with Explorer/Ranger/F-150 design cues. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

"With the addition of a number of new competitive offerings, the sport utility truck segment is red hot, and its time for the original to raise the bar again for everyone else to try to follow," commented Chris Feuell, Ford Motor Company SUV group marketing manager. "This

While the Detroit prototype features 21-inch, 10-spoke rims riding on custom Goodyear tires, dont expect a wheel and tire package approaching anywhere near this diameter for production. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

Few specific details have been released about Fords upcoming sport-utility truck, but the Dearborn-based automaker has let a bed-load of photos and a few specifications out of the bag prior to its January introduction. From a styling perspective, Ford has updated the model with Explorer/Ranger/F-150 design cues, two sporty hood scoops, plus a nifty set of

"We wanted the Explorer Sport Trac concept to turn heads and to give it street cred," said J Mays, Fords global design chief. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

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