Ford Begins Production of New Fiesta ST; Fastest-Ever Production Fiesta Sprints 0-to-100 in Under 7 Seconds

• New Fiesta ST rolls off the assembly line in Cologne, Germany; fastest-ever production model achieves 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and 220 km/h top speed
• Ford equips new Fiesta ST for Europe with 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine offering 182 PS and 240 Nm of torque. New model also offers a new chassis, steering and brakes; enhanced Torque Vectoring Control and 3-mode Electronic Stability Control
• Stylish new Fiesta ST features unique honeycomb mesh grille, dramatic rear diffuser element; and, for the first time, Recaro seats as standard
• Most fuel-efficient Fiesta ST delivers 5.9 l/100 km and 138 g/km CO2*

COLOGNE, Germany, Feb. 7, 2013 – Ford has started production at its assembly plant in Cologne, Germany, of the new Ford Fiesta ST – the first ever sub-seven second production Fiesta.

Developed by Ford Team RS, the European arm of Ford Motor Company’s Global Performance Vehicle group, the new Fiesta ST for Europe is powered by a 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine to achieve 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and offer 182 PS and 240 Nm of torque, with a fuel consumption of only 5.9 l/100km and 138 g/km CO2 emissions*. Top speed is 220 km/h.

Ford has further refined the Fiesta ST’s renowned global B-car chassis with new steering, suspension, braking components, configuration and tuning. An enhanced version of Ford’s Torque Vectoring Control system, and a three-mode Electronic Stability Control system contribute to a rewarding and secure driving experience.

“The new Fiesta ST is a very modern performance car built on more than 30 years of fast Fiestas and a global development process,” said Juergen Gagstatter, chief programme engineer, Performance Cars, Ford of Europe. “This vehicle is a significant step forward, both in terms of our proud heritage of blending a powerful engine with a dynamic chassis, and also in achieving reduced fuel consumption and emissions.”

The new high-performance Fiesta ST follows iconic Fiesta models including the XR2, XR2i, RS1800, RS Turbo and first generation ST; and is equipped with Ford’s turbocharged Twin-independent Variable Camshaft Timing EcoBoost engine to achieve faster acceleration and a higher top speed than the 2002 Ford Focus ST170. The second-generation Fiesta ST has also been confirmed for launch in North America and Asia Pacific.

The new model in Europe features a unique new honeycomb mesh trapezoidal grille exterior and dramatic rear diffuser element. The high contrast interior is also equipped with Recaro seats as standard for the first time.

The new Fiesta ST is also equipped with MyKey, a Ford-exclusive technology that allows parents to encourage safer driving and limit their teenager’s exposure to risk at the wheel; and SYNC – Ford’s voice-activated in-car connectivity system – with Emergency Assistance, that directly connects vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators after an accident.