Report: Ford Fiesta ST hot hatch coming in 2012

Thursday, Mar 31st, 2011 @ 7:45 a.m.

When Leftlane first posted pictures of an intercooled, body kit-equipped three-door Fiesta testing on Michigan public roads in March 2010, Ford was quick to dismiss the car as a one-off aftermarket specialty car.

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.

References
1.’New Fiesta ST…’ view

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Ford’s Fiesta gains customization packages inside and out for 2012

Wednesday, Mar 23rd, 2011 @ 4:07 a.m.

Ford’s new global Fiesta is hardly a year old, but the Dearborn-based automaker has already seen fit to expand the subcompact’s interior color choice list to include some bright new hues, as well as to add some cosmetic bits to the outside for an aftermarket look.

When Ford first began showing off the new Fiesta during the 2010 auto show circuit there were a half a dozen or so customized Fiestas that were enlisted to do the trick, many with custom body kits, blacked out headlamps, carbon fiber odds and ends and a sporty rear spoiler that has been mysteriously missing despite previously being promised as an option. But alas, Ford is ready to deliver many of the attractive bits it used to tease and lure in buyers for the 2011 model year with three new packages for 2012.

The automotive aftermarket in is good for around $6 billion a year, and Ford hopes to tap into that income with accessories and OEM-installed options that would historically be acquired only through aftermarket customization, cutting Ford out of the profit equation. As it stands now, Ford says roughly four out of ten Fiesta buyers adds at least one OEM accessory at the time of a purchase, a figure that Ford wants to increase.

One way to do that is to tap into the well-received European Fod Focus RS’s bag of styling tricks, pulling out the “premium sport package” which includes 16-inch polished alloy wheels, blacked out and smooth side mirrors, headlamps, grille surround, license plate header and a rear upper hatch spoiler with a little more flair than the standard spoiler.

But before you cry “all show, no go” for the sport package, Ford says that if ordered on a manual car, the package will also entail a final gear ratio upgrade to 4.25, rather than the fuel-friendly 4.07.

What about the inside?
The interior changes will likely garner far more attention – and order sheet check boxes – than the somewhat stealthy changes to the outside found in the premium sport package, as they include radical amounts of colorful accents to be added throughout the car. The premium interior package – available on SEL and SES models – is centered around high-contrasting (read: bright) interior accent coloring in either Oxford White or Race Red, which stretch from the seats to the doors to the dash to the steering wheel.

“The inspiration for this package is mainly a result of the trends we’re seeing in fashion,” explained Mark Conforzi, chief designer, Ford Vehicle Personalization. “Designers like Stella McCartney use bold, contrasting color similar to these interior packages, adding a one-of-a-kind design.”

It will be interesting to see take rates for Ford’s new customization packages, as they will surely add to Ford’s already strong profit margins – a welcome change as Ford and other automakers reliant on profitable truck sales will likely see a shift to small cars if gas prices continue their upward trend.

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High-MPG 2012 Ford Fiesta: More Style With New Customization Packs

Source: GreenCarReports.com

To keep interest in its 40 mpg capable Fiesta bubbling along into the 2012 model year, Ford is introducing a trio of new customization packs for both the exterior and cabin of the already stylish minicar. The new packs should prove popular as around 40 percent of buyers of the 2011 model have opted for at least one accessory.

So what’s available for the 2012 Ford Fiesta?

Starting with the new exterior package, Fiesta customers can now get a European Focus RS inspired look with side mirrors, headlight and grille surrounds, a license plate header and rear spoiler now finished in a custom black paint scheme.

The package also offers 16-inch polished alloy wheels along with improved performance when ordered with a manual transmission. The package delivers improved performance through a shorter final drive ratio of 4.25 versus the base model at 4.07.

2012 Ford Fiesta customization pack

For the interior, there are two different packages available--one white and the other red. Available on the more premium Fiesta SEL and SES models, the packages feature contrasting interior accent colors in ‘Oxford White’ or ‘Race Red’ placed throughout the cabin.

The contrasting colors are used on the center stack bezel, door panels and vent trim rings. The two-tone leather-wrapped steering wheel also offers a color-matched insert with contrast stitching, while the shift knob comes in black leather for even greater distinction. The theme also carries through to the seats.

For more details on the Ford Fiesta, click here, and for our first drive report, click here.

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