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Fiesta ST coming to USA...will be at LA Auto Show


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Fiesta ST, a performance model first launched in Europe back in 2005, is yet another proof point from Ford that small cars are anything but boring. In addition to a precision sport-tuned suspension and an improved braking system, Fiesta ST packs a punch under the hood.

 

A new high-output variant of the award-winning 1.6-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder engine propels Fiesta ST with an estimated 197 horsepower and 214 lb.-ft. of torque. In comparison, Mini Cooper S makes do with 181 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft., while Chevrolet Sonic RS produces just 138 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft.

 

Unlike the competition, Fiesta ST doesn’t simply look like a performance car; it’s got the guts to back it up.

 

“This is a rewarding car to rev,” says Mark Roberts, Fiesta calibration supervisor. “With 177 lb.-ft. of torque available from just 1,600 rpm and 214 lb.-ft. by 3,500 rpm, Fiesta ST gives the performance and feel of an engine twice its size. There’s no waiting at all for the power to just push you back in your seat.”

 

Fiesta ST may be born with racing DNA, but buyers won’t have to pay for that performance at the pump. Available exclusively as a five-door hatchback in North America and with a six-speed manual transmission, Fiesta ST is projected to achieve up to 34 mpg.

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Is it mechanically different than the 1.6 in the Fusion or Escape? Or could the tweeks be applied to the regular 1.6 EB to get those numbers?

I would say different tuning and a tad more than just an ECU re-flash...cams?.....liken it to the F-150 3.5 eco and the SHO, flex etc....tuned differently along with packaging restrictions...
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yup, and the Festiva SHO......that aside, isnt the V6 a 2.7?.......nano?...

That all depends. I know they've tested 2.4-2.8L V6s, 3.2-4.0 V8s. The V6s are more likely to settle on the small side. The V8s are up in the air. That said, I know for a fact that the 2.4L V6s are capable of >300lbft @1700rpm. Edited by Versa-Tech
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Maybe SVT will get the OK to produce a water-cooled exhaust manifold for a 300 hp version, for an RS.

 

FWIW, back in the early F-1 turbo era, they were getting 900+ hp out of a 1.6 BMW 4-cyl. So, with today's direct injection and VVT and computer management, 300 hp is not unreasonable. :)

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Maybe SVT will get the OK to produce a water-cooled exhaust manifold for a 300 hp version, for an RS.

 

FWIW, back in the early F-1 turbo era, they were getting 900+ hp out of a 1.6 BMW 4-cyl. So, with today's direct injection and VVT and computer management, 300 hp is not unreasonable. :)

 

To a FWD biased car, I don't think so. The Focus ST would be as far as I go with performance to a FWD vehicle. The last review I read in comparo to VW GTI said that Focus ST was mighty squirrely in 1st and 2nd gear and quite a steering handful to keep on road. In higher gear, it was fine though. 300hp in a Mustang is sublime, in a FWD vehicle it is a pain.

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To a FWD biased car, I don't think so. The Focus ST would be as far as I go with performance to a FWD vehicle. The last review I read in comparo to VW GTI said that Focus ST was mighty squirrely in 1st and 2nd gear and quite a steering handful to keep on road. In higher gear, it was fine though. 300hp in a Mustang is sublime, in a FWD vehicle it is a pain.

 

"mighty squirrely" is sorta relative, but point taken. Of course, with 300 hp, using RevoKnuckle geometry hardware seems like a cool idea, as it worked so well with the Focus RS, according to people who actually drove them, including tuner versions crowding 400 hp. :)

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"mighty squirrely" is sorta relative, but point taken. Of course, with 300 hp, using RevoKnuckle geometry hardware seems like a cool idea, as it worked so well with the Focus RS, according to people who actually drove them, including tuner versions crowding 400 hp. :)

 

Certainly electric steering with sensors helps also, but FWD still offers challenges in straight line while RWD offers no steering challenges in straight line when one hand is shifting meaning only one hand on wheel. With RWD high performance car, going into tight corner is challenged steering, but both hands can be on steering wheel to deal with g forces and any sliding. Then coming out of corner, accelerating hard means a little steering wheel relaxation until next corner with RWD. With FWD high performance, it's a constant battle.

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"mighty squirrely" is sorta relative, but point taken. Of course, with 300 hp, using RevoKnuckle geometry hardware seems like a cool idea, as it worked so well with the Focus RS, according to people who actually drove them, including tuner versions crowding 400 hp. :)

Today's automotive press doesn't know the meaning of squirrely. My father raced Group B cars, and he used to tell me "Pivot before the bend. If she breaks, throttle 'till the end." Edited by Versa-Tech
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In a car like a Lexus or Lincoln, torque steer is a definite no-no. But in a hot-hatch kind of car, I think some torque steer is acceptable, within reason. It adds some drama and forces the driver to feel like they are really involved in the driving the car. It is kind of the FWD equivalent to power oversteer in a RWD sports car.

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But the Focus ST puts out the same power using 87 octane IIRC then 93...I don't see Ford requiring 93 for the Festia ST

But the Focus ST puts out the same power using 87 octane IIRC then 93...I don't see Ford requiring 93 for the Festia ST

 

How can you "require" a fuel that isn't even available in most of the country?

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