2001 Kenne-Bell Supercharged Escape

Ka-pow! That's exactly what a stock Ford Escape SUV takes on the chin when paired toe to toe against Kenne-Bell's latest tuner creation: a supercharged and tweaked '01 Escape. This is an unfair streetfight, given K-B's rep for making horsepower. A tale of the tape reveals that the blowerized Escape hustles 0-60 mph a whopping 3.04 sec quicker, runs the quarter mile 2.32 sec sooner, and snakes through the 600-ft slalom 2.06 mph faster than a stocker. These numbers aren't just a wee bit better; they flat out clobber the stock stats-kind of like Mike Tyson versus Pee Wee Herman in a ring showdown. But the stock-versus-K-B Escape slug-fest doesn't stop there. In braking, the K-B Escape halts 4 ft sooner and is more predictable (and confidence inspiring) in hard corners and emergency-type bob-'n'-weave transitions. Folks, with the votes tallied, we're talking a virtual TKO here.

Underhood, the stock 3.0L DOHC Duratec V-6 has been augmented by a Kenne-Bell twin-screw supercharger that delivers 7-psi boost from idle to the 3.0L's 5900-rpm redline. K-B's Optimizer recalibrates engine (fuel, spark, etc.) and tranny (firmer shifts, higher shift points) functions for added performance while a Boost-A-Pump ensures proper fuel volume when boost hits. Not enough? K-B also offers an optional Big-Boy intercooler that adds about 30 hp more to the combo.

Intrax front/rear coil springs are stiffer and lower the Escape by 2 in., while Colorado Custom 18x8.0-in. wheels shod with Goodyear P295/45ZR18 tires increase cornering grip. Plus, the Escape is dressed with ChromaFlair's wild and ever-changing-hue Sunset Fire Prism paint for added punch.

At the track, Senior Road Test Editor Chris Walton noted, "With the Escape's 4WD, you can mash the gas and go full boost without spinning off the line. The 4WD and added grip allow you to take advantage of the extra power in the slalom without the threat of fishtailing into a spin." All said, the Kenne-Bell Escape offers a potent one-two heavyweight punch.