In case the all-new 2012 Focus ST isn’t enough, Ford has pulled another prize from its big bag of European tricks in the form of the 2012 Fiesta ST.
Officially, Ford are calling the car the 2012 Fiesta ST “Concept”, but who are they trying to kid? The hottest Fiesta arrives at this week’s Frankfurt Motor Show with a production-ready look and we’ve seen the car on numerous occasions in the past year, including testing on the famed Nordschleife, so as far as we’re concerned, you can expect Ford’s order books to open before the middle of next year.
The hottest Fiesta has been visually enhanced by the addition of the large honeycomb trapezoidal grille with the red ST badge, the sportier front bumper and the rear-end diffuser, which incorporates the twin exhausts. The body kit along with the 17-inch wheels allude to the Fiesta WRC rally car, as per Ford’s intention to exploit its racing activities. “With a racing silhouette inspired by the global Fiesta race and rally cars currently competing on the world stage, and influenced by the unique appearance of the all-new Focus ST, the new Fiesta ST Concept is an exciting demonstration of the road-going Fiesta’s future potential,” Ford’s Derrick Kuzak said.
A 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine with direct-injection and twin variable valve timing, powers the Fiesta ST. It has an output of 132 kW and 240 Nm of torque. According to Ford, the 0 – 100 km/h sprint takes less than 7.0 seconds and top speed exceeds 220 km/h. Unlike the quick Volkswagen Polo GTI, however, the Fiesta ST is gifted with a six-speed manual transmission. While that should please the diehard shifters, its “less than seven-second” sprint to 100km/h suggests it could even be a hair quicker than the Polo GTI’s 6.9 seconds.
The interior is hidden by a blacked-out glasshouse for now, but we can likely expect to see an overhauled cabin with the same figure-hugging sports seats featured in its big brother.
Ford has not announced launch dates for the Fiesta ST, but the fact that it’s coming is a sure thing.
