Page 1 of 1 The unveiling of the Fiesta RS Concept is a surprise element in the portfolio of Fiesta performance vehicles under development within Ford of Europe. It joins the dynamic 150PS Fiesta ST and all-new Fiesta Junior World Rally Car in a demonstration of intent by Ford TeamRS to put the spice back into small Fords. It is anticipated that a production version of the Fiesta RS Concept could be ready for the road in under 2 years following programme approval. Although the project is still in its early stages of development and public reaction will help determine its progress, power output for a production model of the front-wheel-drive Fiesta RS Concept would be in excess of 180PS , with a target zero-to-60mph figure of around 7 seconds.
Easy to own and insure, affordable and great-to-drive road cars carrying the 'ST' (for 'Sports Technologies') badge will continue to be developed by Ford TeamRS for Ford's mainstream vehicle ranges. The Fiesta ST positions Fiesta in the sporty heartland of the performance car market for small cars. The 'RS' badge will continue to be reserved for more extreme, motorsport-inspired performance cars for the enthusiast, as epitomised by the Focus RS and the new Fiesta RS Concept. In developing the prototype of this high performance, rally-derived Fiesta for the road, Ford TeamRS collaborated closely with automotive engineering specialist Bertrandt AG. Their starting point was the dramatic Fiesta-based Ford RallyeConcept revealed late in 2002, and the Fiesta Junior World Rally Car that will debut on its first event in June 2004.
The Fiesta RS Concept breaches no compromise on three fronts: body styling, road-holding, and engine performance. It is intended for drivers who want to explore the edge, and it is sure to inspire tuners who want to exploit its potential even further. Key styling features first seen on the RallyeConcept have been retained, including distinctive cooling vents in the front bumper, deep side rockers and the bold rear spoiler. Like the RallyeConcept and the Fiesta JWRC, the Fiesta RS Concept also sports white ceramic-coated brake callipers and exhaust tips. Its wide, hunkered stance with 18-inch JWRC-inspired alloys and low-aspect performance tyres sitting in generously extended wheelarches immediately communicate the performance purism you would expect from an RS-badged Ford. The wheel track measures just 20 mm narrower than the ultra-wide JWRC's stance, and the suspension is overtly sporting, reflecting an insatiable appetite for curves.
Under the bonnet, the Fiesta RS Concept's engine is derived from the 2.0-litre Duratec HE engine that is a mainstay of the Mondeo range. Ford engineers, led by Leo Roeks of TeamRS, have created the 150PS version for Fiesta ST and they believe a 180PS plus variant would be the entry level target for a production version of the Fiesta RS Concept. Roeks also believes that the concept's dynamic capabilities would allow aftermarket tuners to derive even more powerful versions. Page 1 of 1
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Fiesta RS Concept
The unveiling of the Fiesta RS Concept is a surprise element in the portfolio of Fiesta performance vehicles under development within Ford of Europe. It joins the dynamic 150PS Fiesta ST and all-new Fiesta Junior World Rally Car in a demonstration of intent by Ford TeamRS to put the spice back into small Fords. It is anticipated that a production version of the Fiesta RS Concept could be ready for the road in under 2 years following programme approval. Although the project is still in its early stages of development and public reaction will help determine its progress, power output for a production model of the front-wheel-drive Fiesta RS Concept would be in excess of 180PS , with a target zero-to-60mph figure of around 7 seconds.