If you’ve been paying attention to this year’s IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, you may notice that the Ford display is big. Huge in fact. It’s the largest-ever European stand for Ford, and it features the hottest new vehicles as well the latest Ford technology. But what’s inside the display is even bigger news. From the Ford Evos Concept vehicle to more Focus and Fiesta ST news to the announcement of a production version of a 3-cylinder EcoBoost™ engine, there’s something there for just about everyone.
Here’s an overview of what’s new for Ford at the show, and around the world.
The star of the show for Ford is definitely the Ford Evos Concept vehicle. Developed in a collaborative process by the Ford global design team, the new design DNA showcased on the concept is a key part of the One Ford global product strategy. It provides a framework to guide the creation of new products in the Ford design studios worldwide and key elements of the concept’s exterior and interior design language will be applied to forthcoming Ford vehicles.
“We wanted the Ford Evos Concept to give a clear message about where Ford design is heading – shaping vehicles that are fun to drive, have a strong premium appeal, and above all, are stunningly beautiful,” said J Mays, Group Vice President, Design and Chief Creative Officer.
The Ford global Research and Innovation team created a technology experience for the Ford Evos Concept as visionary as the design. The result signals how Ford intends to build on the momentum of innovations like the SYNC in-car connectivity system.
The concept’s technology experience embraces a new generation of driver interaction and awareness currently under development. Seamless connectivity between the vehicle and the driver’s ‘personal cloud’ of information is at the heart of the vision for its capabilities.
The covers are now off the production version of the first Ford global performance car, the new Focus ST. Building on the DNA of the Sport Technologies badge, the new model combines strong performance, exceptional handling, eye-catching style and everyday refinement. Focus ST will launch around the world in 2012, being sold in over 40 countries spanning six continents.
Powered by a 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost engine mated to a specially revised six-speed manual transmission, Focus ST offers an uncompromising mix of performance and efficiency.
The Focus ST is not the only exciting new performance model on the Ford stand at Frankfurt, with the Company also unveiling its high-performance vision for the future of Fiesta – the striking Fiesta ST Concept.
Like the Ford World Rally Championship contender, the Fiesta RS WRC, Fiesta ST Concept uses a 1.6-liter Ford EcoBoost petrol engine to deliver performance. The use of a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine reflects not only the current WRC engine guidelines, but also the trend within international motorsport to deliver greater fuel economy through technical advancement. Target performance levels for the Fiesta ST Concept are 177 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque, enough to propel it from 0-60 mph in less than seven seconds. A top speed exceeding 136 mph is targeted.
Ford is giving a European debut to the ultimate performance Focus – the race-tweaked, production-based Focus ST-R. Designed and engineered to race in series all over the globe, this fully-prepared competition car features a powerful 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine, FIA regulation roll cage, uprated brakes and track-tuned suspension. Fast, agile and competitive, Focus ST-R is aimed at professionals, amateurs and track-day enthusiasts.