RIDING IN COMFORTABLE CONTROL

Independent rear suspension (IRS) is a Ford hallmark of quality and comfort on sport utility vehicles, and the Sport Trac concept incorporates the benefits of this system to give road-hugging control. De-coupling the suspension to allow each rear wheel to operate independently brings huge advantages to sports utility vehicles. This is the first use of IRS on the Sport Trac, and precision dynamics are the result.

Road noise, vibration and harshness are reduced by the IRS while precise steering and handling are emphasized with dynamic toe control. A longitudinal trailing arm is the dominant feature, allowing high levels of ride comfort while freeing lateral links to define toe and camber under traction and cornering loads. The agile suspension reduces un-sprung weight and gives superior packaging of underbody components. Anti-dive aspects of the suspension also keep the Sport Trac level during hard braking.

Ford pioneered the use of independent rear suspension in SUVs and offers it in the Escape, Explorer, and Expedition, and now the Sport Trac concept.