2012 Ford Fiesta ST

The hottest model of the Blue Oval's supermini series gets a 1.6-litre turbocharged EcoBoost gasoline engine rated at 180PS (178bhp) and 240Nm (177 lb-ft). It is matched to a six-speed manual gearbox that drives the front wheels.

Ford says that the new ST will run the 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint in under seven seconds, and reach a top speed of more than 136mph (219km/h) while delivering a 20 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions compared with the previous 148hp model.

“We believe Ford customers will be blown away by the new Fiesta ST, and not only by the exhilarating performance but by the styling and specification, too. This dynamic new hot-hatch is undoubtedly our best Fiesta ST to date,” said Jost Capito, Ford’s director of Global Performance Vehicles.

In addition to the Ecoboost engine, the ST also benefits from a specially tuned chassis that sits 15mm lower than the standard Fiesta and features Ford’s enhanced Torque Vectoring Control system and three Electronic Stability Control modes.

On the outside, aside from the new alloy wheels shod in beefier rubber, the ST also gains a bespoke aero package with a new honeycomb grille and bumper designs plus side skirts, a roof spoiler and a rear diffuser.

Inside, the flagship Fiesta model gets a set of Recaro sport seats in leather, a new steering wheel and unique trims.

Sales of the new Fiesta ST are expected to begin in Europe in late 2012 or early 2013, while Ford officially acknowledged that it is contemplating a North American introduction.

"Ford remains open to introducing the high-performance small car to North America for the first time, following a positive response to the five-door Fiesta ST concept at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show," the company said in a statement.

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Ford Focus and Fiesta Special Edition for SEMA Show

We're a little less than two weeks away from this year's edition of the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, which means it's time for major carmakers to begin teasing their bespoke creations.

Ford promises to have a little something for everyone at the show, from "mild to wild" and "old to new" though the company will pay a whole lot of attention to its compacr Fiesta and Focus models.
There will be seven Ford-sanctioned Focus hatchback and Sedan models customized by 3dCarbon, ROUSH Performance Products, The ID Agency, Capaldi Racing, Steeda, Bojix Design, and COBB Tuning. All of these cars will boast a variety of performance and styling modifications.
"Millennials, which this car is all about, want to personalize every aspect of their lives – everything from laptop covers to body art, and even cars," said Mike Murphy, Ford C-Car Marketing manager. "Being unique allows them to stand apart and be different, and all the Focus models we have on display at SEMA live up to that standard."
The sub-compact Fiesta will be represented in SEMA by three customized models developed by M2-Motoring, Gold Coast Automotive, and Aaron Vaccar.
Over the next week, Ford will also release details on its other SEMA models and debuts including an all-new 363-cubic-inch Ford Racing stroker engine and a Ford licensed restoration part, which the company says is "sure to delight fans of the classic 1964-66 Mustang".

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