Street Ka

It comes as no surprise that Ford has decided to put the perky little Street Ka into production. Pininfarina of Italy will build the convertible for Ford.

Ford Mondeo ST Concept

Ford is revealing its vision for a future flagship model in the all-new Mondeo range with the first public showing of the Mondeo ST Concept. A four-door model finished in silver and featuring an ebony leather interior with red leather accents is the basis of the performance concept for the Mondeo range.

Overt styling includes 18-inch alloy wheels, low-profile tyres, sculpted aerodynamic features and 'throaty' stainless-steel dual exhausts. Inside the car is fitted with custom leather Recaro front seats, unique instrument panel treatment, navigation system etc.

Ford Focus RS

A full production specification version of the Ford Focus RS, inspired by Ford's World Rally Championship car, breaks cover at Geneva. It features a fully engineered RS chassis and a 2 litre turbocharged Duratec 200+bhp engine.

Duratec RS specification includes the standard engine block fitted with a modified oil return system and WRC design forged pistons but with lower compression. These in turn are matched to forged connecting rods. Camshafts remain unchanged and higher-grade spark plugs are fitted to cope with the higher heat range.

The front of the engine houses a new design of Garrett turbocharger with WRC, water-cooled technology to optimise performance and durability. A new fabricated exhaust manifold is optimised for low down torque, and the 65mm high-flow large bore stainless steel exhaust system features a revised three-way catalytic converter. Further underbonnet packaging includes a brand new air intake system matched to the increased flow demands of the turbocharger.

Watercooler

The temperature of the charge air entering the new throttle body is controlled by a unique water-air intercooler. A separate radiator uses its own dedicated water cooling supply and is significantly more efficient than the conventional air to air intercooler. The spent charge leaving the turbocharger enters the intercooler at a typical 150° C and exits it below 45° C. 

Engine longevity is safeguarded by the employment of a water pump with 50 per cent more flow, and a high efficiency oil cooler. Additional 'run on' cooling fans are fitted and the engine bay is treated to generous heat shielding with higher grade materials used to counter the increased underbonnet temperatures. 

200bhp through the front wheels

Putting 200bhp through the front wheels of a car requires some thought, in this Ford put their faith in a redesigned front suspension. Changes include a wider front track - increased to WRC tarmac specification to provide further benefits in handling. Sachs Racing dampers and matched springs are incorporated to handle the increase in loads and provide superior body control. Additional rebound travel on the front suspension is just one of the factors looked at to ensure that during cornering the inside front tyre remains loaded and firmly in contact with the road. Brembo 325mm ventilated discs and four-pot callipers provide the deceleration.

At the rear, the Focus 'Control Blade' multi-link rear suspension is retained, but increased in stiffness for greater durability. This set-up is complemented with Sachs Racing dampers, increased negative camber, higher load capacity bearings, redesigned spindles and anti-rollbar link for improved roll stiffness. The braking system comprises solid 280mm discs with conventional two-pot calipers.

Completing the chassis transformation is a bespoke set of 18-inch diameter OZ Racing light alloy wheels, fitted with 225/40R18 Michelin low profile tyres developed specifically for Focus RS. 

70% changed

While the bonnet, doors roof panel and tail/headlamps remain standard Focus items, every other exterior element has been developed in the quest to do justice to the RS name. Around 70% of the components have been changed or upgraded.

The interior surfaces of Focus RS have been developed to reflect the racing theme, the most striking of which are the race-inspired seats. Just three colours are used throughout - black, blue and silver.

Production starts in Germany this summer and will then be introduced to selected European markets. A less powerful Focus ST will also be available later in the year.