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US:Ford of Europe Launches a Festival of Fiestas

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Ford of Europe Launches a Festival of Fiestas

Press Release
By: Mike Thomas | Ford Communications Network








Ford of Europe has launched the Fiesta to an excited group of driving enthusiasts looking for a fun, affordable performance car. Pictured above is the Fiesta ST model.

DEARBORN, Mich.-- Webster defines a "fiesta" as a celebration. Ford of Europe's new Fiestas certainly fit the definition by celebrating style and performance.
Ford has launched the sporty new Fiesta S (known at the Zetec S in the UK) and the performance version Fiesta ST. The cars are aimed squarely at people looking for style, fun and performance in an affordable small car.

"I'm very excited and enthusiastic about these new products," said Derrick M. Kuzak, vice president Product Development, Ford of Europe. "Designing and building competitive and exciting small cars is a great challenge. I believe it is one that Ford of Europe's Product Development team has met with distinction."

The Fiesta is an entry-level car smaller than a Focus, but what it lacks in size, the Fiesta more than makes up for in style.

The Fiesta ST is the first road car to come from Ford’s new TeamRS organization. The Team was formed early in 2003 when the company’s competition and performance road car engineers were pulled together for the first time to create performance road cars and new competition models.

"ST (Sports Technologies) should be synonymous with affordable, dependable performance and an ST model should reflect the character of the car from which it is derived," says Jost Capito, TeamRS Director "The original Fiesta XR2 created a feeling of driving fun and youthful spirit that has been part of the Fiesta’s DNA ever since. The new Fiesta ST encapsulates that attitude once again. It aims to bring out the enthusiast in every driver while being enjoyable to live with as an everyday car."

Fiesta ST drivers get their hearts racing with a specially modified version of Ford's 2.0-litre Duratec 16-valve engine, delivering 150 PS (almost 148 horsepower). The ST goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.9 seconds with a maximum speed of 126 mph.

The increased output is the result of the all-new, variable intake system (VIS) and a new sports exhaust system that has been developed specifically for the Fiesta ST. The VIS system utilizes butterfly valves inside the runners (the tubes feeding air and fuel into the cylinders), which optimize the mixture depending on whether the car is running at low or high rpm.

The Durashift 5-speed manual transmission, extensively modified from the Fiesta, adds to the ST's sporty feel with quick, accurate shifting.

For the chassis, TeamRS engineers began with the standard Fiesta chassis and then stiffened the front and rear springs, modified the dampers and suspension, shortened the steering ratio, strengthened the front frame and upgraded the brakes.

In some European markets, the ST comes standard with Ford’s Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). Sensors in each individual wheel compare the car's performance to the driver's inputs. If the system detects an imbalance, it uses the traction control system to reduce engine power and prevent loss of traction. The system has been calibrated to provide protection and yet allow the ST driver to exploit the car's performance aspects.

In terms of design, the ST is based on the sporty three-door Fiesta model, featuring a sloping roofline and steep angled tailgate, creating a youthful and lively look. ST adds a new bumper, molding, a deeper, sportier version of Fiesta’s hallmark trapezoidal grille and circular front fog lights. The gap between the rear roof spoiler and the roof has been carefully tuned for optimum aerodynamics, reducing drag and improving downforce.

A lowered suspension, wide tires and large alloy wheels add to the ST's dashing looks. These are available with a 9-spoke pattern on 16-inch diameter wheels and 11-spoke on 17-inch diameter wheels.

Inside, Fiesta ST has been designed both to look good and to create the driving environment an enthusiast driver demands. Special sports seats give maximum support and are trimmed in black leather (full leather is an option) with central cloth sections finished in either red or blue, depending on exterior body color. Special ST interior detailing includes revised white on black instrument graphics and matt finish rings around the instruments themselves, added brightwork on the handbrake and door pull handles, and aluminium ‘ST’ scuff plates on the door sills.

The new Fiesta S (or Zetec S in the UK) model shares with the ST the roof spoiler, deep front and rear bumper moldings and other design elements, but should appeal to buyers looking for value without sacrificing style.


Ford Fiesta S

Fiesta S also races into the hot European diesel market by offering as an option Fiesta's first performance diesel engine, the 1.6 litre Duratorq TDCi. The diesel was engineered to deliver high levels of torque from very low engine revs and is capable of 180 km/h (112 mp/h in the UK) and reaches 100 km/h from a standstill in 11.9 seconds (0-60mph in just 11.2 seconds in the UK). The engine offers practicality as well as performance through exceptional fuel economy and low emissions, which already meet the stringent new Euro IV standards, scheduled to be mandatory in 2006.

The gasoline 1.6-litre Duratec 16-valve engine is no slouch either. The engine features twin, belt-driven overhead camshafts, sequential electronic fuel injection with optimised knock control, and Fiesta’s drive-by-wire electronic throttle system, calibrated for sporty yet smooth response. It reaches its peak power of 100 PS (almost 99 horsepower) at 6,000 rpm and reaches a maximum speed of 184 km/h (114 mp/h in the UK).

Working alongside the TeamRS chassis engineers responsible for Fiesta ST, the Fiesta S team developed the new model to have a very similar sporty feel to the Fiesta ST with more emphasis on ride quality. The Fiesta S rides lower to the ground compared with the standard car, while the suspension has been stiffened and recalibrated. Spring and damper settings are tuned to suit each engine variant

The Fiesta S cabin also borrows from the Fiesta ST, using that model’s highly supportive front sports seats, upholstered in cloth or optional part leather and in its own range of trim colours.

“Fiesta S confirms the driver appeal that is a big part of the whole Fiesta range,” says Mark Stanton, Chief Engineer, Small Cars. “The Duratorq TDCi model is a first for Fiesta and proves that a sporty diesel really does work, while the Duratec petrol version is simply great fun. Both of them are affordable to buy and economical to own, making Fiesta S an ideal choice for the younger enthusiast, or indeed for anyone who might appreciate its mix of sporty looks, enjoyable performance and modest running costs.”
 
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