Ford’s performance division has started development work on the upcoming Ford Fiesta and Focus ST. However, they are reluctant to develop a hotter Mondeo ST.
Speaking to Autocar, Ford’s RS chief engineer Tyrone Johnson has mentioned that development work has already started for the Fiesta and Focus ST. While he has not given any specific dates, the new Fiesta and Focus is due to arrive between 2018 and 2019, which means that the ST variants could arrive later in 2019 or 2020.
In addition to that, Johnson has also added that the new ST models need to encapsulate both performance and everyday usability. Stronger new rivals meant that the duo would need to be even more competitive than before.
Regarding the Mondeo ST, Johnson isn’t particularly keen, stating, “It’s a pretty big car and the rivals are now offering around 500bhp. I think that’s a big ask for the Mondeo.” The Ford Mondeo weighs around 1,800 kg and is almost 4.9 meters in length, which puts it close in size to the larger BMW 5 Series, instead of the 3 Series.
“Making a fast Mondeo fit our HP2 category would be very difficult,” said Johnson. HP2 refers to the category that is define by performance and handling. The Fiesta ST and Focus ST sits in the HP1 category, while the Focus RS is categorized as HP2. The Ford GT is defined as an Elite model.
Via: Autocar
