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Thread: Ford Confirms Fiesta ST/XR4 On Hold, 2012 At Best

  1. #1
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    Default Ford Confirms Fiesta ST/XR4 On Hold, 2012 At Best



    UK website Autocar is reporting that a source within Ford has confirmed that the Ford Fiesta ST (sold locally as the Fiesta XR4) has been shelved indefinitely. This could very well mean that the little hot-hatch will never see the light of day.

    It’s a shame for small car enthusiasts as our recent road test of the Ford Fiesta Zetec, which sits below the ST in the range, found the Fiesta experience to be worthy of its widespread praise.

    All hope is not lost however with Autocar’s source having this to say on the possibility of the Fiesta ST reaching the market later down the track:

    “We may have a better opportunity to make the ST later on in the car’s life, when Ford’s direct-injection petrol engines are ready and the range would benefit more from the extra interest surrounding such a car. But not until 2012 at the earliest.”

    Given the popularity of the Fiesta, Ford should think carefully before completely axing such a halo model. The knock-on sales effect to the rest of the range could be worth the investment alone. We’ll keep you posted as more information comes to light.

    [Source: Autocar via The Motor Report]
    Last edited by armthehomeless; 06-03-2009 at 09:33 AM.
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  2. #2
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    I can't say the XR4 ever did much for me, its just too small.

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    never drove one, but the small car big engine thing is usually a good formula and fuel will rise again soon, shame about that wonder if Mazda have a 2MPS in their product pipeline?

    Some strong memories of my 2L Escort spring to mind

  4. Default

    Shame really.. Guess there wont be a Mazda 2 MPS either. BTW, word on the street is that the Focus RS will be the last ever made...... blah!

  5. #5

    Default

    they look kinda like my 2 grrrr lol

  6. #6

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    Would have been nice to see what they could do to follow up on the current XR4...

  7. #7

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Wardski View Post
    Shame really.. Guess there wont be a Mazda 2 MPS either. BTW, word on the street is that the Focus RS will be the last ever made...... blah!
    Rumour: New Ford Focus RS To Be The Last

    Mar 2nd, 2009


    If the rumoured words of a Ford insider are anything to go by, we’re in the middle of the end of an era – and we haven’t even realised it yet. Sure, the economy’s been better, but we’ll pull through… right?
    According to British web rag iMotor, a conversation with an unnamed Ford staffer revealed that the new Ford Focus RS is likely to be the last.

    The Ford insider, via iMotor:
    “The new Focus RS is pretty special, and not just because of its incredible performance, but because it’s likely to be the last car of this type you will see from Ford.”


    The unnamed employee went on to explain that once (if?) the company returns to profitability, its focus will be entirely on economical and eco-friendly vehicles, believing there is no business case for performance models.
    He (or she) finished with a grim piece of advice for enthusiasts everywhere.

    “People should enjoy cars like the Focus RS while they can. It’s unlikely you will see driver-focused high performance hatchbacks ever again.”
    Whether this conversation ever took place, or whether it’s just a fluff piece to get some readers, is of course tough to say. Given the current climate both globally and within Ford itself, it’s easy enough to believe.
    Is this the a sign of things to come? Are we looking at the last Mazda3 MPS? The last WRX STI and Evo?
    If the world’s biggest automaker can’t justify finishing its own sports car project, what hope do its smaller competitors have?

  8. #8
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    So what is Ford going to focus on????

  9. #9

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    Quote Originally Posted by tricache View Post
    So what is Ford going to focus on????
    Probably competition for the Prius

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    Oh Dear God....

  11. #11

    Default No Fiesta ST...dont worry get a Tune.

    Ford Fiesta Mountune

    Can’t wait for a flagship Fiesta ST? Brit Firm may have the answer, as it turns up heat on supermini.


    Text: James Foxall / Photos: Matt Richardson
    March 2009

    Ford has a long and glorious history of building fast Fiestas, from the XR2i of the late Eighties to the previous-generation ST. The fact that the hottest version currently on sale is the 120bhp 1.6-litre Zetec S – a car that’s quick, but hardly the fastest in class – is seen by many as something of a disappointment, however. So, the blue oval has come to its senses, and is aiming to put things right!

    Although it has yet to develop its own Fiesta hot hatch, Ford hopes to plug the gap in the line-up by commissioning British engineering firm Mountune to produce a successor to the ST. It’s based on the standard 1.6-litre machine, and adds a dramatic bodykit to a range of engine modifications to create a car that will deliver an impressive 140bhp at a howling 6,800rpm.

    And it’s not only new owners who will benefit from Mountune’s efforts; drivers of existing 1.6-litre petrol models will be able to boost their Fiesta’s performance with a new package of tuning parts that are exactly the same as those fitted to the showroom-ready car. Available through Ford dealers next month, the tuning kit doesn’t affect the warranty, insurance group or road tax.

    For fast Ford fans, all this sounds too good to be true. But can a package of aftermarket tweaks really improve the latest Fiesta enough to match the appeal of yesterday’s heroes? We got behind the wheel to find out.



    Modifications

    Visually, the Mountune Fiesta doesn’t look that different to a regular Zetec S model. It sits on the same sports suspension, and there are no major styling tweaks. The thinking is that the Fiesta is capable enough already, and adding visual modifications would make it expensive.

    Instead, this model stands out thanks to its yellow mirror covers, a yellow go-faster stripe and black alloy wheels with bright yellow edging. If these are too boy racer for you, simply ignore them and specify the performance modifications to the engine.

    Much of the car’s additional 20bhp comes from tweaks to the computer that controls the 1.6-litre unit.

    This includes a more aggressive rev limiter, which cuts in abruptly at 6,800rpm, rather than the standard car’s softer 6,500rpm limit. As well as the ECU tweaks, there’s a new exhaust manifold and re-worked exhaust system, while an uprated air filter allows the engine to breathe more freely.

    Although a gain of 20bhp doesn’t sound that dramatic, in a small model such as the Fiesta it’s sufficient to slash the 0-60mph sprint time by two seconds to 7.9 seconds. Coincidentally, that’s the same figure as the Fiesta ST managed to cover the benchmark dash.

    However, where this car scores is with the noise it makes. A characterful engine note fills the cabin as the revs rise. It doesn’t become irritating, but offers a gratifyingly audible reward when you want to drive the Fiesta hard.

    While Mountune has avoided changing the suspension, it has fitted Dunlop Sportmax tyres, which provide greater grip than the standard rubber. They’re a cost-effective way of further improving the already impressive Fiesta package, as they help the car turn in with even more precision, while aiding braking and giving more traction for acceleration.

    All of this adds up to a hot Ford supermini that’s a worthy successor to the original Fiesta ST...
    Source: Autoexpress
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  12. Default

    That pic of the engine bay just doesnt look right.... Looks like an "all plastic motor"?

    ---------- Post added at 06:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:08 PM ----------

    Quote Originally Posted by tricache View Post
    So what is Ford going to focus on????
    Build more Terrortories.... I mean, theres like hundreds of em out at the Port of Brisbane....

  13. #13

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    shame they are going away from the smaller performance cars.

  14. #14
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    Default

    hahaah the fieasts on forza 3!!!
    yeww mk1 tho.. FTW

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