But Leftlane knew better than to buy that story, and even brought more photos of a similar car across the pond testing in Germany, making the odds of it being a “one-off specialty car” close to nil. Fast-forward a few months without any news on a possible Fiesta ST, and now Autocar is reporting that a hopped-up ST Fiesta is indeed confirmed for 2012. 
As Leftlane had suggested all along based on inside sources privy to such matters, the Fiesta ST is expected to use a turbocharged – or EcoBoosted as Ford would prefer we say – version of the same 1.6-liter four-cylinder than churns out 120 horsepower when it isn’t being force-fed air. Autocar believes that the Fiesta ST will boast about 180 horsepower, but don’t rule out power figures as high as 200.
Although not confirmed, expect a six-speed manual to finally make its way onto the Fiesta for this application, while the six-speed dual-clutch automatic Ford offers in the standard car may or may not be available.
This hot little hatchback was sporting a revised front fascia, and an all-new split dual-exhaust design poking out from the rear bumper. Up front, an intercooler appears to be visible through the mesh grille work of the Fiesta’s air dam.
In Europe, this Fiesta ST will be set to do battle with the Renault Clio 200 and Seat Ibizia Cupra, but thanks to Ford’s new “One Ford” global development program, U.S. customers should benefit from Europe’s small hot-hatch wars.
What we’ve seen in testing
The Fiesta prototype we have previously spied has a handful of tasteful black-out bits and a subtle body kit that appeared at the time to have been lifted from the options list of European Fiesta’s, as well as elements of Europe’s titanium trim. But with Ford’s recent announcement of new sport packages, it appears that the testing prototype was sporting a few tidbits that will also be available on the naturally aspirated unit.
The prototype’s new rear diffuser is also similar to one of the Euro add-ons, but it has been tweaked to integrate the new dual exhaust tips for a nicely finished and certainly sporty look. Fetching carbon-grey Speedline wheels complete the package.
Custom interior to match the exterior
Although the door panels and dash appear to be stock in both prototypes we have spied, our latest images confirm racing-style Recaro seats with bright yellow stitching. We expect minor interior changes, possibly in the form of additional boost and diagnostic gauges, as well as unique ST badging to arrive in time for the production model.
More than one EcoBoost Fiesta in the future?
Although far from confirmed, Leftlane has also learned that Ford is hard at work testing a smaller, 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder EcoBoost offering for the Fiesta. This engine, according to inside sources, will yield a fuel economy bump into the low to mid-40s, while yielding power essentially identical to the larger, naturally-aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder.
Depending on packaging, a second, smaller and eco-minded EcoBoost Fiesta could prove to be a great alternative to a hybrid with a faster return on investment, along with the fun that boosted vehicles are known for.
Source : http://www.leftlanenews.com/ford-fiesta-st.html
{ 0 comments... read them below or add one }
Post a Comment