GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Ford Fiesta ST
One of the most eagerly awaited for pocket rockets has broken cover and will give the VW Polo GTI and Renault Clio RS200 some healthy competitionThe new 2012 Ford Fiesta ST has been shown in production form at the Geneva International Motor Show. It will arrive in European dealerships in early 2013, powered by a 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine that pumps out 132kW/240Nm.
Though performance details have not been divulged, Ford has revealed enough to whet the appetite of boy racers everywhere, asserting that a top speed of more than 220km/h will be possible, and a 0-100km/h sprint of "less than 7 seconds".
But it's not just the addition of a turbocharger and intercooler that will make the new Ford Fiesta ST appealing to enthusiasts. Recaro sports seats will be fitted as standard to all cars, and the chassis has been tuned by the same group that developed the giant-killing Ford Focus RS -- Team RS.
A Torque Vectoring Control system has been developed to keep torque steer in check, plus there are three stability control settings. The car has been lowered by 15mm thanks a retuned suspension rig.
Team RS claims to have tested the Fiesta RS over more than 5000km on Germany's infamous Nürburgring. That would mean more than 225 laps on the gruelling 20-plus kilometre race track.
"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," said Jost Capito, Ford's director of Global Performance Vehicles.
"This dynamic new hot-hatch is undoubtedly our best Fiesta ST to date," added Capito, who said that Ford's motorsport division also lended a hand, the same engineering group responsible for the Fiesta RS WRC and Fiesta Rallycross race cars.
"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."
Read the latest news from the Geneva Motor Show at motoring.com.au
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