The Ford ZX2nr was a concept version of the Ford Escort ZX2 that was due for release in 2003. Since Ford Escort production stopped in 2003 the concept car never made it into production. An article was published describing the car in November 2001, after it's debut at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show.

The 2003 ZX2nr (nr for tuNeR) was going to be built on the 2000 ZX2 S/R (Street Race) edition. It was an optional $ 1,495 package that was a good price considering the performance components cost more if purchased separately. It was to have a new trim which gave the ZX2 a much more aggressive look, a needed break from it's original daily driver appearance. The trim was to be either production or a dealer-installed item with details not being clear. The concept car had the following modifications:

• Aftermarket intake and exhaust parts.
• Modified cam gearing.
• All 4-wheel disc brakes.
• 18" alloy wheels.
• Special springs and struts.
• Polyurethane engine mounts.
• Body work to include unique fascias, fender flares, rocker panels, rear wing, and fog lamps.
• Interior work to include sport seats, custom gauge cluster, racing tachometer, custom steering wheel cover, special shift knob, and boot for the shifter.
• Engine hp to increase from stock 130 to mid 140s, based on the previous S/R version output.

The concept during it's debut in a show:

Influences

Although the concept car never went into production, Ford did produce 2003 Ford Escorts with a front bumper inspired by the ZX2nr. This vastly improved the look of the car, although it was too late due to 2003 being the last year of production for the Ford Escort ZX2. Ford's move to phase out the Escort series in favor of the focus is evident in the bumper of the 2003 ZX2 model, as the grill and turning signals are very similar to the Ford Focus.

Also see

• Ford Escort & ZX2 section for the entire index of all Ford Escort and ZX2 related articles.