Ford is determined to prove to the whole planet that it makes more enthusiast cars than others. Every now and then, it shows us its models... smoking tyres or attacking corners and sharing smiles (and teas, occasionally), with its modern beasts looking ready to live up to the legendary name that created the blue oval, with models like the Sierra and Escort Cosworth (among many others). Goodwood SpeedWeek, held October 16-18, was an ideal opportunity for Ford to showcase the capabilities of its new prototypes, as well as those of its high-performance production vehicles - among them, of course, the Mach-E 1400 1 Mustang, the new Puma ST and the Fiesta ERX stand out.
With a projected maximum power output of more than 1,400 horsepower, the unique Mustang Mach-E 1400 is the embodiment of the most extreme performance in electrification. Ford's extreme prototype demonstrated its capabilities for the first time at Goodwood Motor Circuit, located near Chichester, UK, in the hands of Vaughn Gittin Jr., founder of RTR Vehicles and drift racing champion.
The new Puma ST is Ford Performance's first SUV in Europe, featuring Sports Technologies' signature advanced solutions such as the unique in-class and optional limited slip differential (LSD), patented rear axle load sharing springs and selectable ride profiles.
To Fiesta E-RX
"It's a really exciting time for Ford Performance. We're exploring how electrification can deliver a new level of driving pleasure with projects like the Mustang Mach-E 1400. At the same time, with Puma ST, we are offering new customers the affordable, everyday performance that is the essence of our philosophy," said Stefan Muenzinger, Ford Performance manager, Europe.
This year, the one-off Goodwood SpeedWeek event combines the best elements of the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival, streaming all the on-track action online and live.
Electro-electricity
The product of 10,000 hours of collaboration between Ford Performance and RTR Vehicles, the Mustang Mach-E 1400 is set to upend everything we've known about electric cars. The prototype uses seven electric motors that produce 1,419 horsepower. The drive units are connected to a central transmission shaft with differentials that have a huge range of versatility for all kinds of requirements. The new Mustang Mach-E can support front, rear or all four-wheel drive configurations, with power evenly distributed front and rear or on one axle only. Vertically generated power developed at 257 km/h is expected to exceed 1,000 kg.
"Driving this car has completely changed my perception of what power and torque is all about," said Vaughn Gittin Jr. "The experience is something unimaginable, it could only be compared to a magnetic roller coaster."
The Puma ST on the track
The new Puma ST, Ford's first SUV in Europe capable of meeting challenges both on the track and on the road, raises the bar with dynamic performance and best-in-class luggage space.
The 1.5L EcoBoost engine produces 200 hp2 and offers 0-100 km/h acceleration in 6.7 seconds. The performance-oriented chassis uses a semi-rigid axle with 50% more torsional stiffness than the standard Puma, 25% faster steering and 17% larger diameter disc brakes. Specially designed Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres are instrumental in providing the ultimate driving experience for the new Puma ST.
The ST version retains the practical spirit of the model with features such as the innovative Ford MegaBox storage system under the boot floor - the ideal solution for storing a helmet, as well as racing shoes and gloves on a track-day.
"Our priority for the Puma ST was to create an exciting and capable model like all STs, without sacrificing the practicality of a Puma," commented Muenzinger.
STARD Ford Fiesta ERX
Another model that demonstrates the potential of electrification in various motorsport categories is the STARD Ford Fiesta ERX, which makes its debut at Goodwood, competing in the Drift Competition.
The Fiesta ERX is an all-electric rallycross vehicle based on the Fiesta ST, which has been developed by STARD's rally racing experts to meet the FIA World Rallycross Championship's Project ERX regulations.
The three electric motors in the STARD Ford Fiesta ERX deliver over 600 horsepower and a combined 1,000 Nm of torque, which is transferred to the wheels via a four-wheel drive system and two-speed gearboxes on each axle. The 0-100 km/h acceleration is completed in 1.8 seconds, while the top speed reaches 240 km/h. The electric Fiesta ERX is compliant with World RX regulations, and is available with racing equipment.
The crowd favourite Ford GT
The Ford GT returns to Goodwood to bring new thrills to speed enthusiasts at the Michelin Supercar Run, driven by Richard Westbrook, former Ford GT Le Mans 24 Hours competitor.
The road-going version of the Ford GT features a lightweight carbon and aluminium chassis, carbon fibre extruded body panels, active aerodynamic aids and a V6 EcoBoost twin-turbo 3 engine that produces 655bhp and 750Nm of torque - top speed of 347km/h.
