Not since the voodoo-dancin', fire-breathin' GMC Typhoon has an automaker created a compact sport/utility vehicle with the performance of the Ford Tremor concept truck.
But unlike that earlier Corvette gobbler, this 140-mph sport/ute has also received the sophisticated chassis and brake engineering necessary to use all of its wild horses to their ultimate smooth-riding, quick-passing, and nimble-handling potential.
Like most concept vehicles, the Tremor, based on the Ford Explorer, was created primarily to cause a stir on the auto-show circuit. (It will debut at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit.) But this sensational concept truck is no fragile show-stand princess.
One of the Tremor's most intriguing and unusual aspects is the amount of production engineering investigation that occurred to support possibly building the vehicle for a limited number of retail customers. For example, details such as the wheelbase and track dimensions were all kept carefully within the limits imposed by assembly-line and tooling constraints. And, even more unusual for a concept car, many ancillary systems such as its lighting, navigation system, and air-conditioning unit, are fully functional. After all, the Tremor had to be capable of surviving comprehensive executive reviews and automotive magazine dynamic testing at a racetrack.
We know this because Ford brought us into its labs and workshops months ahead of the auto show for a world exclusive look at the hot-and-spicy Tremor.
What we found is a special organization dedicated to identifying and developing niche and high-volume breakthrough vehicles for existing or emerging new markets. If it's eventually produced, the Tremor would unquestionably be the most sophisticated and powerful all-wheel-drive sport/utility in the North American market.
We can thank David Velliky, director of the New Concepts Organization of the Ford Product Strategy Office, for this mouth-watering production possibility, as he's overseeing the vehicle to completion. Last year, Velliky's engineering team brought the dream-inspiring V-12-powered, 200-mph Indigo two-seater to the show circuit. For this year, Velliky's intention was to combine the traditional off-road capability, safety, and security of a sport/utility with the power and handling of a performance specialty car like the Mustang Cobra. Enter the cross-bred Tremor.
"We're trying to create a very sophisticated vehicle," explained Velliky. "If a backyard mechanic could copy it, it's the wrong kind of vehicle."
Ultimately, Velliky says, the Tremor may or may not reach showrooms with its 40-valve 4.6-liter DOHC V-8, but he assured MT that its current power level will be maintained. And he insists that alternative powertrain schemes lurk in the fertile minds at the Blue Oval to ensure six-second blasts to 60 mph.
40-valve DOHC V-8
The Tremor is no lightweight. During the earliest planning stages, Ford engineers recognized they would be powering a vehicle expected to weigh at least 4500 pounds. So, to ensure road-blistering launches, Ford's powertrain division conjured up a fiercer Modular 4.6-liter engine with 380 stout horses at 6400 rpm and 350 thumpin' pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm.
And while General Motors tries to convince the world that two valves per cylinder are enough for its new 345-horsepower LS1 Corvette engine, Ford forges ahead-with the help of engineering partner Yamaha-with 40 valves in its most potent Modular V-8; that's three intake and two exhaust valves per cylinder. This unconventional avenue to power gains generally is limited to ultrahigh-performance motorcycles and exotic autos.