Ford is on a roll, dropping one bomb after another, making its fans, and car fans in general, smile broadly. This time, just before the Geneva Motor Show (March 7, where it will make its official debut), it unveils the new Fiesta ST in a "bum" video with lots of handbrakes and lots of BMX.
Okay, we weren't expecting anything different from Ford, from an innovation: Which isn't the fact that the new Fiesta ST wears a 1.5-liter, 215-horsepower, three-cylinder turbo engine and does 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds. But that, in addition to driving programs, the driver will have the active exhaust system at his disposal. What is the "active exhaust" program?
The driver will be able to choose, apart from cylinder deactivation (!) and the system that adds to the exhaust sound, artificial engine sound, through the car's speakers! So, in essence, it chooses the sound it wants to hear from the exhaust, even if it's not actually... all from it. It does that too...
The Next Generation Ford Fiesta ST launches the 3-cylinder 1.5L EcoBoost 200 hp engine, and Selectable Driving Profiles for Maximum Driving Pleasure
Ford Performance has revealed the next-generation Ford Fiesta ST, powered by a new, three-cylinder 1.5L EcoBoost engine.
Making its first appearance ahead of its global public debut at the Geneva Motor Show, the next-generation Fiesta ST will produce 200 hp and 290 Nm of torque, with a predicted 0-100 km/h acceleration of 6.7 seconds.
The third-generation Fiesta ST will be the first Ford Performance model with a three-cylinder engine and the first Fiesta ST with selectable Drive Modes - allowing the transmission, steering and stability systems to be configured in Normal, Sport and Track settings for an optimised, enjoyable driving experience in all conditions, from motorway cruising to amateur track days.
Drive Modes will also adapt the Fiesta ST's Electronic Sound Enhancement (ESE) technology and active butterfly in the exhaust for an even more satisfying driving experience. The technologies enhance the natural, sporty sound of the new 1.5L EcoBoost, which also features Ford's industry-first cylinder deactivation system for a three-cylinder engine, to further reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 114 g/km.*
The next-generation Fiesta ST, which will be launched in early 2018 in three- and five-door versions, will be offered with an unrivalled range of interior trim and personalisation options, bold and distinctive exterior styling, a unique front grille with a race car-inspired mesh front grille and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels.
"The next-generation Fiesta ST traditionally adopts cutting-edge technologies to upgrade every aspect of Ford Performance's chassis and engine," said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford Europe. "With Drive Modes and a new EcoBoost engine that achieves an unmatched combination of performance and fuel economy, the new model promises the most responsive, enjoyable and exciting driving experience ever offered by a Fiesta ST."
New 1.5L EcoBoost engine
Part of Ford's EcoBoost family of gasoline engines that includes the award-winning 1.0L EcoBoost, the new 1.5L EcoBoost uses turbocharging, high-pressure direct injection and Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing technology for optimized performance and fuel economy.
The three-cylinder engine offers high torque at low revs. Performance is enhanced through a new turbocharger with an optimised turbocharger for faster boost pressure and minimised turbo lag, achieving more responsiveness and driving pleasure.
A new combination of direct and indirect fuel injection technology (in the combustion chamber and in the intake lumen) is the secret to high power and responsiveness combined with reduced CO2 emissions, and particularly improved fuel efficiency at light engine loads.
Ford's new cylinder deactivation technology - first announced for the 1.0L EcoBoost and a world first for a three-cylinder engine - will further improve the Fiesta ST's fuel economy without affecting performance. To this end, it will automatically stop fuel delivery and valve operation on one of the cylinders when needed, such as when rolling or on routes with low engine demands. The technology can deactivate or reactivate a cylinder in 14 milliseconds - 20 times faster than the blink of an eye - for top performance without interruption.
The aluminium engine also features a built-in exhaust manifold that improves performance by helping the engine reach optimum temperatures faster, and performs more directly, minimising the distance the exhaust gases travel to the turbocharger. Finally, micro-particle filter technology is included to further reduce soot emissions.
New Selectable Driving Profiles (Drive Modes)
Selectable Drive Modes add even more flexibility to the next generation Fiesta ST, allowing drivers to optimise the driving experience according to the driving scenario, from the school run to the race track:
In Normal mode, the engine mapping, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), ESE, exhaust note and electric power steering (EPAS) are configured to provide a natural response and feel
In Sport mode, the engine mapping and throttle pedal offer increased engine response, while the EPAS settings are tailored for more information and better control when driving fast. The active control butterfly in the exhaust and ESE are tuned to accentuate the sporty tone of the exhaust and engine noise inside the cabin
In Track mode, all dynamic vehicle characteristics are set for the fastest possible track times, traction control is deactivated and ESC interventions allow strong sideways sliding for driving at the limit
The flexible and responsive Ford Performance-sourced chassis will be supported by upgraded Torque Vectoring Control technology that improves grip and reduces understeer by applying braking power to the inside front wheel in corners. Three-mode ESC will allow drivers to choose either full system intervention, or limited intervention, or even complete system deactivation.
Greater personalisation
The next-generation Fiesta ST will offer more personalisation options than ever before. Customers will be able to choose from a range of trims for the gear selector, steering wheel, door handles and dashboard inserts, as well as different styling upgrade packages.
The Fiesta ST's ergonomic interior will include Recaro seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. New exterior color will be Liquid Blue, and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels will be available.
"Our ST models are designed to make a Ford Performance driving experience accessible to customers regardless of lifestyle," said Matthias Tonn, Fiesta ST chief programme engineer. "With three- and five-door body styles and styling options that complement the performance features available from the outset, the next-generation Fiesta ST will have greater appeal to a much broader customer base."
With Ford's SYNC 3 communication and entertainment system, Fiesta ST drivers will be able to control audio, navigation and connected smartphone functions using simple, everyday language voice commands. Compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™, SYNC 3 is supported by up to an 8-inch touchscreen, inspired by pinch & swipe tablet gestures.
The next-generation Fiesta ST will also be offered with a high-quality B&O PLAY Sound System for a high-end audio experience - among the features Ford first announced last year for the next-generation Fiesta.
Ford Performance
The global Ford Performance organisation is a laboratory for innovation and testing to create 'high performance' vehicles, parts, accessories and customer experience.
The Ford Performance team is dedicated to developing innovations and technologies in aerodynamics, weight reduction, electronics, performance and engine performance that can be widely applied across the Ford product range.
"Customers of the next-generation Fiesta ST will benefit from innovations developed by Ford Performance for the Ford GT supercar and Focus RS hot hatchback, including high-power EcoBoost and Drive Mode technologies," said Dave Pericak, global director, Ford Performance. "Working as a unified Ford Performance team helps us deliver the essence of driving pleasure and democratize advanced performance-enhancing systems for all our customers."
