I chanced across a listing of a "S/R Package" for the
Ford Escort ZX2 coupe on Edmunds' Web site. It is a
$1,495 option described thusly:
"Includes Centerforce performance clutch, Borla
performance exhaust, Roush performance intake system,
B&M performance shifter/boot/knob, Eibach performance
springs, Energy Suspension performance suspension,
Visteon powertrain control module and Tokico retuned
struts, unique zinc yellow paint, wheels: unique
7-spoke aluminum and tires: P205/55ZR15. "
I dredged up an article in the May 3 AutoWeek that
makes it appear that 100 of these will be built for
sale this summer in Southern California only. It will
be built on the regular assembly line so should be
eligible for Solo II under the ZX2's listing in ES.
The engine is quoted at 143 HP, and the car has
4-wheel disc brakes from Mexico-market ZX2's. It
sounds like the right crew was working on the car:
calibration engineer Mike Gearhart drag races a ZX2,
project engineer Ann Coulthard (any relation to
David?) ran a ZX2 in Showroom Stock last year and
wants to run a S/R in '99, and team leader Terry
Crossett races karts.
The article further mentions a "Dynamic Suspension
Kit" that includes coilovers and adjustable struts, an
adjustable rear bar, urethane bushings, and urethane
inserts for the motor mounts. No word on whether this
is a factory option, though it sounds suspiciously
like the SCCA "trunk kit." The wheels look like the 7
spoke units from the 1995-97 Contour SE.
Anyone seen one of these critters show up at an
autocross? Ford is being very hush hush about the
car...there is no mention on their web site or any of
their press releases. It sounds like a rather
interesting package for E Stock, especially on the off
chance that the coilover suspension is factory.
Craig Blome
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