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Manufacturer Brochure - 1998 Ford Escort ZX2
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| Updated |
Jun 3, 2004 17:28:49 |
| Rating |
 320 ( -45 -14.06% ) |
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Description:
Ford Motor Company's new Escort ZX2, with a sporty design and spirited 130-horsepower engine, is aimed at youthful buyers who want an affordable, fun-to-drive vehicle.
The ZX2 sport coupe shares some key components with the Escort sedan introduced last year, but it's a whole lot more than an Escort with two fewer doors. All sheet metal, the headlamps and taillamps, bumper fascias and the interior are unique to this model.
The Zetec 2.0-liter I-4 engine boosts performance beyond that of typical subcompacts. Larger wheels and tires help make optimum use of the Escort's our-wheel-independent suspension--gas-charged MacPherson struts in front and a sure-footed Quadralink design in back.
Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering has been tuned for a sensitive feel of the road. Wheel covers and a power moonroof option also is exclusive to the ZX2. Inside, the asymmetrical instrument panel flows into the door panels. Audio system and temperature controls are ergonomically packaged in one convenient integrated control panel. The full console stows CDs and provides a trio of large cup holders. For optimum versatility, the back seat is a 60/40 split-fold design to meld interior and trunk room when the cargo includes cumbersome items like ski poles or hockey sticks. There's also an optional integrated child safety seat.
Balancing performance and economy used to be a feat worthy of a circus act. ZX2 provides quick acceleration and excellent fuel economy by means of its advanced technology and design. Advanced features include:
o Belt-driven dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder with a long-lasting fiberglass-reinforced nitrite rubber timing belt that lasts the life of the engine.
o Direct-acting mechanical bucket tappets with no need for valve-lash adjustments. Conical valve springs permit smaller and lighter retainers, thereby trimming valvetrain inertia.
o Platinum-tipped spark plugs with a 100,000-mile service life under normal driving conditions with routine fluid and filter changes. The distributorless ignition system requires no maintenance.
o Variable exhaust valve timing for a smoother idle, reduced emissions, maximum power and excellent fuel efficiency.
o A thermoplastic intake manifold that saves 5.5 pounds over an aluminum design. Smooth internal surfaces help optimize volumetric efficiency. Low thermal mass is an aid to hot starting in high-temperature environments.
o Basic construction that's light but also stiff and quiet. The cylinder head is cast aluminum. The cast-iron block uses a ladder-frame type main-bearing-cap reinforcement to enhance rigidity. Powder-metal connecting rods have a fractured cap design for maximum accuracy with minimum eight.
o Sequential electronic fuel injection with "returnless" plumbing to minimize fuel vapors. An electric delivery pump controls system pressure.
o Electronic communication between the Zetec engine and the FYE-III four-speed automatic transaxle optimizes operational smoothness and drivability. For example, during full-throttle acceleration, torque output is modulated slightly in anticipation of an upshift to minimize driveline shock. On grades, the most appropriate gear is selected automatically and held to avoid repeated up and down shifting.
o The EEC-V engine management computer monitors the throttle position sensor to temporarily disengage the air-conditioning compressor when full acceleration is required.
The ZX2's Zetec engine delivers a stirring 130 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 127 foot-pounds of torque at 4,250 rpm.
"We provided an engine for the ZX2 that younger customers will appreciate the moment their foot touches the accelerator," said Terry Crosset, Ford small-car powertrain development manager.
"It offers a balanced blend of quickness, smoothness and practicality."
Designers also worked hard to make ZX2 customers' spirits soar at first sight. "The objective was a sporty coupe that would be exciting to previous Escort GT owners. Since we weren't constrained by the sedan's exterior sheet metal, we were able to create a more aggressive, flowing shape," explained Toshiaki Saito, ZX2 design director.
Wheels are positioned at the extreme corners of the car to establish a dramatic stance. The sloping hood, steeply raked windshield, and frameless door glass provide clean, sleek lines. In aerodynamic tests, the ZX2 earned a 0.33 drag coefficient.. The smooth front fascia is pierced with a broad, low air inlet and teardrop-shaped lamps and secondary air inlets. Crystalline-lens headlamps are adjusted from the rear.
The ZX2's distinctive design character continues inside with an asymmetrical instrument panel finished with a soft-touch surface. A bold horizontal wedge blends door panels into the dash surfaces. Door-mounted map pockets are angled for easy access and an attractive appearance. Low-back bucket-seat trim and sew styles are unique to the ZX2. A memory feature in the driver's reclining mechanism returns the seat back to its original position after folding for access to the rear seating area. Trunk hinges are designed to avoid interfering with contents; gas-pressure supports reduce opening and closing effort.
The standard ZX2 sound system provides premium speakers and an AM/FM stereo radio. A six-disc CD changer with 80 watts of amplification is available as an option. Another upgrade is the ZX2's Sport Package, containing 15-inch aluminum wheels, 60-series radial tires, a rear spoiler, a bright exhaust tip, sport seats with integral head restraints and map pockets, plus a "Sport" decklid identification badge. |
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