I asked for an Escape Ecoboost section, as there was previously not one here.
It has been aptly named the Escape ST area.
In reality, no such ST model exists in the Escape lineup, but I strongly feel the 2.0 Ecoboost deserves/can pull off the moniker.
As of last week, we've added this 2013 Escape ST fwd with 2.0 Ecoboost to the stable.
We drove an AWD as well, and while it's a cool feature and nice to have, we really wont be using it for anything remotely off roadish (have several "real" body on frame 4wds for that). The additional weight (and cost!!!), was noticeable performance wise as well.
Must say - this thing RIPS!!! Doesnt hardly feel off from our 2013 Focus ST. Truthfully, it shouldn't. The ST should weigh in at 3300, this one is around 3450-3500 from what I gather. The 6spd auto in this one is marvelous - I'm absolutely a "row your own" fella, but the shifts are crisp, fast and efficient. I'll bet this is a case were an auto version actually would trump a manual at the strip (though no manual escape 2.0 turbo is available). There arent many humans that can shift this fast, and in a turbo car, keeping the boost at full song really pays off. Power wise it's rated at 240, whereas the Focus is stated at 252. Torque figures are stated at an identical 270.
Can't wait to get this to the strip to see what surprises she can pull off. Another online car rag tested a loaded out Titanium edition with awd at 14.9. I have to say this thing oughta run a low 14 if that's true, which puts it squarely in the same zone as the Focus ST.
So far we've added what I feel is the requisite ST badge to the rear, and our Massive billet oil cap.
Next will be an intake system (this will most likely be developed and then come to market shortly there after) and an axle back exhaust system (again - for sale soon). Then a tune and possibly test out our adjustable waste gate actuator.
We are certainly researching wheel options as well. Needs bigger rollers to fill out these huge wheel wells. 5x108 bolt pattern definitely kinda sucks... May redrill the hubs, as spacers would poke out most any wheel setup a tad to much. Would love some 19" factory GT500 wheels on this thing. Kinda "make our own" Escape ST as Ford might have made it. Then again the Focus RS MK2 Euro 19"s in 5x108 will be available from FR in about 3 weeks.... those would be hot as well.
All in all this is an excellent vehicle, and with a an unreal purchase price of ~24K, an unbeatable deal.
So far with only 500 miles on the clock she's returning 28mpg in mixed use. My jaw is still on the floor.
