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SPECIAL

Ford Territory

SPECIAL

Ford Territory

Ford Offers New Escape Option

Staff, Tuesday February 3, 2004.

Page 1 of 1

The Escape line-up now boasts a 2.3L four-cylinder engine for the first time since the popular compact 4WD made its Australian debut in 2001.

Escape's engine line-up now consists of a 2.3-litre DOHC 4-cylinder to complement the acclaimed 3.0-litre DOHC V6.

The Escape range now consists of a four-cylinder XLS, and V6-powered XLS, XLT and Limited models.

The inclusion of the four-cylinder version of Escape gives Ford a vital weapon in the burgeoning compact 4WD market segment.

"About 80 per cent of compact 4WDs sold in Australia last year were powered by four-cylinder engines," said Ford Australia President Geoff Polites.

"The new 2.3-litre four-cylinder is the engine we've been waiting for to give prospective Escape customers an excellent range of vehicles to choose from."

Powertrain

The 2.3-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine in the ZB Escape produces a healthy 108 kW at 6000 rpm and 201 Nm of torque at 4500 rpm.

It uses a Variable Intertia-charging System (VIS) for excellent torque and fuel economy throughout the rev range.

The VIS controls the length of the intake passage by opening and closing a secondary air chamber valve according to engine speed, maximising the cylinder-charging effect of pressure waves in the manifold.

The intake manifold also incorporates tumble swirl control valves, which shut off during light-load operations such as idling at traffic lights. This maximises combustion efficiency, fuel economy and emissions performance.

Pistons are made of a lightweight alloy and feature molybdenum-coated skirts for superior noise and friction reductions.

The cylinder block is made of aluminium with cast iron cylinder lining, producing a lightweight block offering excellent stiffness levels.

Engineers incorporated the following features to maximise engine refinement:

• The aluminium oil pan is ribbed for maximum rigidity, while its unique shape helps minimise vibration transmissions to the body;
• Camshaft profiles are optimised for noise reduction;
• A compact balancing shaft located in the oil pan turns at twice the speed of the crankshaft to minimise engine vibrations

Both four cylinder and V6 engines are mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.

Escape comes complete with Ford's 'on-demand all-wheel drive system' to maximise traction in a variety of road conditions.

In normal driving, the system senses slip in the front wheels and hydraulically transfers up to 50 per cent of engine power to the rear ensuring maximum grip.

The 4x4 auto system acts as a 4x2 to enhance fuel economy.

A dash-mounted locking switch activates an electro-magnetic coupling, locking the powertrain into a true, 50/50 front-to-rear four-wheel drive system.

The lock-up feature is a seamless system that can be smoothly engaged while the vehicle is moving.

"The on demand all-wheel drive system is designed so more than 90 per cent of our customers can leave Escape in 4x4 auto for 90 per cent of the time," said Escape Brand Manager Anthony Ficarra.

"It also allows the more adventurous Escape driver to use the 4x4 lock feature in more demanding off-road conditions."

Dynamics

The suspension system in the ZB Escape is largely carried over from the system which made its Australian debut in 2001.

However, further local testing and refinement was undertaken to optimise the new ZB Escape's suspension for Australia's unique driving conditions.

Both four and six-cylinder versions of Escape feature a front end offering MacPherson strut, coil springs and shock absorbers, and a multi-link IRS with lateral arms, coil springs and shock absorbers.

Front damper piston valves have been increased from 32 mm to 35, to optimise the suspension system's damping force characteristics and increase handling stability and ride comfort levels.

Stabiliser control links have been repositioned, to enhance on-centre steering feel during straight-line driving.

Escape has been designed, tested and built to Ford's legendary "tough truck" standards with a rigid unibody structure.

This provides an excellent base for the IRS that responds precisely and consistently ? both on and off-road.

The rigid unibody structure also provides a solid foundation for low noise levels inside the car, further enhanced by the inclusion of a laminated instrument panel to reduce vibration.

Sound deadening mats under the bonnet, on the bulkhead, on the underside of the carpet and on various trim panels further isolate road and powertrain noise and vibration.

Active safety has been improved with the inclusion of a new mechanical brake-assist system on the Escape XLS 2.3L which supplements pedal effort in an emergency braking situation. It maximises the generated brake force to minimise stopping distances.

Brake pads in the ZB Escape range consist of an improved compound (containing a smaller proportion of sintered metal). This new compound has resulted in lower noise levels, reduced rotor wear and less brake dust.

Escape XLS 2.3L rides on 16 x 6.5-inch rims shod with 215/70 R16 rubber, while the XLS V6, XLT and Limited boast 16 x 7.0-inch alloys with 235/70 R16 tyres.

Styling

Three new colours and painted bumpers, bodyside cladding and wheel arches headline the exterior styling changes to ZB Escape.

Sand Dune (metallic gold), Amazon (dark green) and Ice (silver) have been added to the Escape palette which now numbers eight colours ? joining Blaze Red, Island White, Midnight Black, Mediterranean Blue and Crimson Glow. The Limited is available in Midnight Black, Mediterranean Blue and Sand Dune.

The XLT has a new five-spoke alloy rim, power antenna and boasts an accent colour available in Exceed Silver or Moonlight Grey. The Limited also features tinted glass on all rear door, rear quarter and back windows.

Inside, the XLS features a two-tone dashboard, redesigned four-spoke steering wheel and black finish instrument cluster.

The XLT and Limited include a leather-wrapped steering wheel and overhead console with sunglass holder and reading lamps.

Interior trim is available in Flint (grey) or Pebble (stone), with cloth in the XLS and velour in the XLT. The leather seat interior in Limited is Pebble.

The XLS comes complete with a single CD AM/FM four-speaker stereo, while the XLT and Limited feature an in-dash six stack CD AM/FM seven-speaker stereo.

A variety of accessories are available for Escape including a bicycle carrier, roof-mounted luggage basket, pet guard, ski/snowboard carrier and side steps.

Recommended retail pricing for the ZB Escape starts at $31,990 for the four-cylinder XLS, moving up to $33,990 for the V6 version, $37,990 for the V6-only XLT and $41,750 for the range-topping Limited. All prices exclude dealer delivery and statutory charges.

For further information, please contact:
Ford Australia Communications
Phone: 03-9359 8491

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