Ford ZX2

Escort ZX2 (1998-2003)

A sporty version of the Escort returned to the public in the Spring of 1997 as a 1998 model, a coupe called the ZX2. The name is believed to be derived from "Z" for Zetec engine, "X" for Generation X which the car was marketed to and "2" for 2 door coupe. Ford gave the ZX2 a flashy body style and a 2.0-liter 16-valve "Zetec" engine which pumped out 130 horsepower and would move the ZX2 from 0 to 60 mph in around 7.4 seconds.

In 2001, Ford dropped the "Escort" name from the 2-door which would then be referred to as the ZX2 from that point on. The final year of production was in 2003. That year the ZX2 received a new front fascia, one year only 15 inch 5-spoke wheels and, finally, an in-dash CD player on deluxe and premium version. It also came stock with a moonroof. Due to low sales and low demand, Ford dropped this vehicle from its lineup.

As the ZX2 used a Mazda platform, its appearance bears a strong visual appearance to the Japanese market only Autozam Clef, derived from the Mazda Cronos.

ZX2 S/R

The increased presence and success of tuner models from overseas in the late 90s caused Ford to create their own performance model, the ZX2 S/R. Meant to compete with inexpensive factory performance compacts such as the Honda Civic Si or the Dodge Neon ACR, Ford created the ZX2 S/R to show that company had plenty to bring to the table. Its initial debut was at SEMA's Import Auto Salon in Pomona in 1999. The ZX2 S/R was the first product jointly developed by Ford Racing and Ford Motor Company's Small Vehicle Center Product Development.

Ford's finalers limited production count was 2,110 units, consisting of 110 yellow S/Rs in 1999, the first two of which were sold in Columbus, Ohio, and the other 108 in Southern California, and in 2000, 500 black, 500 red and 1,000 yellow S/Rs for an upgrade price of $1,495 both years. It is believed that only 35 of those 2000 S/Rs were sold in Canada, making it a very rare trim there.

The optional S/R package adds stiffer suspension parts (Eibach springs (M-5560-Z2), Tokico struts (M-18000-Z2) and Energy Suspension brand polyurethane suspension bushings), more power (through a Ford Racing PCM (M-12650-Z2)), more efficient intake (Roush or Iceman), rear disc brakes (M-2300-Z2), a stronger clutch, Centerforce dual friction (M-7560-Z2), a short-throw B&M manual-transmission shifter (M-7210-Z2), an S/R-unique shift knob (M-7213-Z2) and boot (M-7277-Z2), unique seats for 2000 models, a unique blue valve cover for 2000 models, a different speed cluster that goes up to 150 mph (240 km/h) and a unique tire/wheel package with Goodyear ZR1 tires. Engine power was increased 10% over the base Zetec engine used in the ZX2 to 143 bhp (107 kW; 145 PS), courtesy of a recommended premium fuel re-calibration, new air inlet system, the performance PCM, improved Borla muffler and pipe (M-5230-Z2). All ZX2 S/R have a special "S/R" badge on the back, either silver (on a red car) or red (on a yellow or black car). Some S/R went out of the assembly plant without some of the performance mods(example: missing the Centerforce clutch).