At the 1999 Geneva Motorshow Ford showed this Puma ST160 Concept. Honed from existing Ford Puma race and rally programmes, Ford Puma ST160 Concept encapsulates key elements of this technology in a civilised, road-going package of matched components. Starting with the free revving 125bhp, 1.7 litre Zetec SE engine, Ford development engineers have employed proven tuning practices to raise the power output to a healthy 160bhp. While the block and head remain unchanged, new camshafts, a reworked inlet manifold and a tuned exhaust system with a revised catalyst are included. The tuning modifications improve breathing and allow a higher rev capability while retaining engine tractability and all-important torque. Helping to feed the power from the engine to the front wheels is a standard Ford Puma 1.7 gearbox with a non-standard viscous coupled limited-slip differential and uprated, longer driveshafts to facilitate a wider track. The final link is the 17 x 7.5 inch Speedline, multi-spoke alloy wheel and Michelin SXGT 215/40/17 ultra low profile tyre combination. To accommodate the revised wheel and tyre package, a functional styling package is inspired by the Ford Puma motorsport programme. The big offset shoulders over the wheels give a 'pumped up' appearance and take the vehicle from 1674mm to a new width of 1770mm. By comparison, the full rally version of Ford Puma is 1805mm wide. Based on the ST160, limited production version, the Racing Puma, was built especially for the UK market.
Company press release, last updated before 12 / 01 / 2004
I've seen this car on speedvision(now speed channel...stupid name change) and I wonder if Ford will ever sell it here in the states. I've heard it's sold over in Europe, so why not here?
ST160 to Racing Puma
lisafrp 26-1-2003
This is now known as the Ford Racing Puma (or FRP for short). Ford only managed 153bhp from the engine so the name ST160 was replaced and the Ford Racing brand was used. This was going to be applied to all fast fords after that, but Ford Racing then changed their name to Ford Rallye Sport and the RS badge was re-born. Lisa FRP#144