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Ford Motor Company is unveiling the new
production-ready Fiesta ST at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in advance of
the performance hatchback going on sale in the UK in the first half of
2013.
Customers have clamoured for a new
Fiesta ST since the last model in 2008. The all-new model will take
Fiesta ST performance to a new level. The numbers tell the story: 180PS
1.6-litre EcoBoost, 240Nm of torque, 0-62mph in under seven seconds, and
top speed of more than 136mph. At the same time, the EcoBoost technology
delivers a 20 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions
compared with the previous Fiesta ST.
Developed by Ford’s Team RS, the new
Fiesta ST delivers significant ride-and-handling improvements through
the introduction of a specially tuned chassis that sits 15mm lower than
the standard Fiesta; Ford’s enhanced Torque Vectoring Control system;
and three Electronic Stability Control modes. The technologies were put
to the test over 5,000 kilometres of driving on Germany’s Nürburgring
Nordschleife.
“We believe Ford customers will be
blown away by the new Fiesta ST, and not only by the exhilarating
performance but by the styling and specification, too. This dynamic new
hot-hatch is undoubtedly our best Fiesta ST to date,” said Jost Capito,
Ford’s director of Global Performance Vehicles.
The high-contrast interior features
unprecedented levels of equipment and specification to suit the sporting
driver, with standard Recaro sports seats appearing in a Fiesta ST for
the first time.
It will also be equipped with MyKey,
which allows owners to limit performance and ensure activation of safety
features for when less-experienced drivers use the vehicle; and SYNC,
Ford’s voice-activated in-car connectivity system. A new bold and
dynamic exterior design drives home the high performance message and
features the latest Ford design signatures including a large trapezoidal
grille.
The new Fiesta ST was engineered using
Ford’s global Performance Car DNA and developed by Ford Team RS, the
European arm of the company’s Global Performance Vehicles group. The
experience of the engineering team in working with Ford’s motorsport
partners to develop the Fiesta RS WRC, Fiesta Rallycross and Racing
Fiesta vehicles, also proved invaluable for developing the new Fiesta
ST.
With production of the new Fiesta ST
confirmed for Europe, Ford also remains open to introducing the
high-performance small car to other regions, including North America for
the first time following a highly positive response to the five-door
Fiesta ST concept that made its North American debut at the 2011 Los
Angeles Auto Show.
“We’re delighted to be bringing a new
generation Fiesta ST to our European enthusiasts in 2013 and we’ll have
more to say about our plans for other markets in the near future,” said
Capito. “With the Fiesta ST joining the new Focus ST, we will again be
able to deliver a choice of affordable small performance cars that are
designed to deliver a unique blend of stand-out styling and dynamic
on-road performance with true practicality for everyday use.” |
