The new Escort: The European version of Ford's worldwide Pinto-Escort concept
by J. Aigner, E. Gogel, G. Cayless
International Journal of Vehicle Design (IJVD), Vol. 2, No. 4, 1981

Abstract: The new Ford Escort is a front-wheel driven vehicle with a 3/5-door semi fast back Sedan body style, with Wagon/Van derivatives. Its new aluminium head OHC engines of 1100cc, 1300cc and 1600cc displacement feature hemispherical combustion chambers and hydraulic tappets. To allow for optimum and flexible use of Ford's engine plant capacities the new Escort is also marketed in some European countries with the well known 1100cc Valencia engine of the Fiesta (Aigner and Franz, 1978). The Sedan and Wagon models have independent rear suspensions, and the Van derivative has a beam rear axle with leaf springs on an extended wheel base. The front suspension is based on the reliable McPherson strut concept with offset springs; the 1100cc model has a tie bar, and the 1300cc and 1600cc models have stabilizer antiroll bars to hold and support the front axle. The 4-speed, all synchro-mesh gear box is of the same design as the Fiesta's, which permits multi model usage and manufacturing rationalisation. An automatic 3-speed transmission option is in development and will be launched soon. Similar to other Ford models the new Escort series range from Base and 'L' to 'GL' and Ghia with additional 'S' pack versions and a Super 'S' for sporty driving. Local customer needs and preferences, together with national legal requirements made it necessary to combine and optimise body styles, engines and series for 15 different markets. The summary of technical data and features at the end of this report gives an impression of the many combinations possible.

Online publication date: Sun, 25-May-2014

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