This Wild Ford Maverick Was Built to Carve Corners

Different Kind of Build

Since the Ford Maverick launched for the 2022 model year, we've seen a handful of examples out on the drag strip, many of them modified with various upgrades - even turbochargers from other Blue Oval models. Turns out, Maverick owners aren't just interested in hauling things around in a reasonably-priced pickup, but they're also fans of going fast, too. However, Maverick owner Antonio Diaz had something else in mind when modifying his own compact hauler. 

Photos: Antonio Diaz

Change of Plans

When Diaz first purchased his Maverick, he didn't exactly have visions of taking it to the track - rather, as he explained in an interview with The Autopian, that motivation stems from other owners he met online. “I bought it originally as a daily driver truck, but I got some inspiration from other members of the Maverick Truck Club,” Diaz said. “Seeing how this truck handled motivated me to take it on the track and have fun with it. It really impressed me.”

Photos: Antonio Diaz

Perfect Setup

Diaz's Maverick is a base XL trimmed model, but it isn't equipped with the hybrid powerplant - rather, it's an EcoBoost model with all-wheel-drive, which makes it perfect for such endeavors. However, Diaz obviously wanted to make some upgrades, at least ones that would make his truck quicker around the track. 

Photos: Antonio Diaz

Upgrade List

Thus, he went to work on the suspension, specifically, gifting his Maverick a new set of coilovers, custom rear camber arms, and an adjustable rear sway bar. A set of slotted rotors and EBC brake pads help out when it's time to slow down a bit, and a cold-air intake and cat-back exhaust system free up a few more ponies from its inline-four, too. 

Photos: Antonio Diaz

Future Plans

On the dyno, the Maverick laid down a solid 206 horsepower at the wheels, though like some other owners have already done, he's eyeing the old Lincoln Corsair turbo swap to unlock some more power. Others who have performed this swap have seen an increase of upwards of 45 horsepower, in fact. 

Photos: Antonio Diaz

Functional Swaps

Another popular swap that Diaz has performed on his ride is the Fiesta ST steering wheel upgrade, which adds a set of paddle shifters to the mix. Diaz also added a pair of Focus ST Recaro seats to help keep him planted around corners, too.

Photos: Antonio Diaz

Strange Sight

Ultimately, those upgrades have paid off, and Diaz has thus far taken his pickup out to some track attack events, where his Maverick looks a bit out of place alongside the typical Mustangs, Porsches, and Corvettes. With a bit more power under the hood, he feels pretty confident that he can compete with those more traditional track day toys, and who are we to argue?

Photos: Antonio Diaz

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