If Ford does decide to build a high-performance Maverick, here's what it might look like.
Coming Soon?
For some time now, rumors surrounding both an off-road-focused and high-performance on-road Ford Maverick have swirled around the internet, possibly foreshadowing a pair of future variants. It's a pretty sure bet that at least one new version of the Maverick will bow in the coming years, given its incredible popularity. Thus, we thought it would be worth taking a closer look at a particularly intriguing one - the oft-rumored Maverick ST.
Photos: Ford
ST Treatment
One would have to assume that Ford would take a similar approach with a hypothetical Maverick ST as it already has with its existing ST models - the Explorer and Edge. That means a distinctive look on the outside, with red ST badges, blacked-out trim, and an overall sporty look.
Photos: Ford
Focused Offering
The Maverick ST would theoretically roll on a larger set of wheels, which would be wrapped with high-performance tires of some sort. And of course, since handling is a point of emphasis for a vehicle like this, the pickup would tout a sport-tuned suspension focused on road performance.
Photos: Ford
Power Source
The biggest question, of course, is what sort of engine would power a Maverick ST? The Explorer ST utilizes Ford's twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6, which is also present in the new Bronco Raptor. The Edge ST, on the other hand, gets the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6. It's unclear what would and wouldn't fit in the Maverick's engine bay, however.
Photos: Ford
Many Choices
Ford could choose to take the easy route and give the Maverick's 2.0-liter EcoBoost a tune and perhaps additional performance parts to extract more power for an ST version, or they could even turn to the 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4, which puts out as much as 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque depending on the application.
Photos: Ford
Other Considerations
The 2.3 - also in use in the Ford Mustang - would be a pretty obvious choice here since it can be used for both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles. Speaking of the latter configuration, we imagine that a Maverick ST would exclusively be sold with AWD, too.
Photos: Ford
Filling the Void
While the sport truck craze isn't what it used to be, there is certainly a case to be made for a Maverick ST. The small, compact pickup isn't exactly built to do crazy things off-road, as it rides on a unibody platform unlike traditional trucks. Thus, a high performance variant might just be the cool performance pickup we've been craving for years now.
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation about the rumored Maverick ST right here in the forum.
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