Base ZX2 vs. S/R
Every change the package made, side by side with a standard 1999–2000 ZX2.
About 10% more power
Ford’s tune, intake and muffler raised the Zetec from 130 to 143 hp. Motor Trend timed an S/R at 7.6 seconds to 60 mph and 0.86 g on the skidpad, against 7.8 seconds and 0.78 g for the standard car. See Road tests. The speedometer reads to 150 mph, which is one of the easiest tells on the Identify page.
In Ford’s own words
Ford’s English brochures never mention the S/R, but the French-Canadian 2000 ZX2 brochure lists a Groupe hautes performances (high-performance group) whose contents match it: specific wheels with 205/55ZR15 tires, performance suspension, rear disc brakes, a performance exhaust and clutch, a sport shifter with boot and knob, fog lamps, improved seats and specific floor mats. Zinc Yellow paint was offered only with this group, marked “limited/delayed availability”. Our reading The brochure doesn’t use the name S/R.
| Item | Base ZX2 | ZX2 S/R |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | ||
| Engine | 2.0L Zetec DOHC I4 | Same block and head Confirmed |
| Output | 130 hp, 127 lb-ft | 143 hp; Ford published no torque figure (one source says 146 lb-ft) 143 hp confirmed |
| Engine computer | Stock PCM | Ford Racing calibration, premium fuel required Confirmed |
| Intake | Stock airbox | Roush tube on the show car; Iceman tube on 2000 cars Production '99 intake unclear |
| Exhaust | Stock muffler | Borla muffler and pipe Confirmed |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto | 5-speed manual only Confirmed |
| Shifter | Stock | B&M short throw, S/R knob and boot Confirmed by Ford's release |
| Clutch | Stock | Centerforce dual friction, named by Ford at launch May never have reached production |
| Limited-slip diff | None | Shown on the press car, never offered Reported |
| Chassis | ||
| Springs | Stock | Eibach progressive-rate Confirmed |
| Struts | Stock | Tokico Confirmed |
| Bushings | Rubber | Energy Suspension polyurethane Confirmed |
| Rear brakes | Drums | Discs Confirmed |
| Tires | P185/65R14, or P185/60R15 on Hot trim | Goodyear Eagle F1, 205/55ZR15 Confirmed |
| Wheels | — | Seven-spoke aluminum (Ford, 1999); 2000 design differs, reportedly 15×6, 4×100, +45 mm Maker unknown |
| Interior and options | ||
| Gauges | Standard cluster | 150-mph speedometer, gray surround Confirmed |
| Wheel and knob | Standard; leather wheel with option groups | Leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather shift knob Ford release |
| Emissions | — | Still meets California and federal standards Ford release |
| Fog lamps | Optional (Sport Group, 1999) | Included in the 2000 performance group French brochure |
| Floor mats | Optional | Specific mats in the 2000 performance group French brochure |
| Seats | Standard | S/R seats on 2000 cars; may be standard seats with S/R embroidery Reported |
| Dealer option | — | Ford Racing Dynamic Suspension kit: 300/500 lb/in coilovers, adjustable struts and rear bar, camber kit Unclear if any were sold |
| Car | ||
| Curb weight | About 2,478 lb | Not published |
| 0–60 mph | 7.8 s (Motor Trend, Aug 1997) | 7.6 s; quarter mile 15.8 s; skidpad 0.86 g (Motor Trend, Sept 1999) 0–60 confirmed |