RE: Ford FF1 production 'still being considered'
Friday 22nd March 2013
Ford’s road-legal single-seat track car, the FF1, is set to make its public debut in the UK at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year. And what’s more, Ford bosses are still considering making the car a production reality.
FF1 to make UK debut at GoodwoodOriginally conceived as a publicity exercise to prove the performance worth of the 1.0-litreEcoboost engine that powers it, as we learned last year the FF1 was subject to so much interest that some sort of production run was soon being talked up. And while nothing's been confirmed as yet, a Ford spokesperson told us today that a production version of the FF1 is still actively being considered.
FF1 production is, apparently, under considerationWith the FF1 already road legal, and versions of its powerplant already in series production for use in the Fiesta and Focus, it’s not hard to envisage that production, albeit in fairly limited quantities, could be relatively achievable. The result would, in theory, be a road-legal track toy that could emulate the super-light FF1’s 100mpg fuel consumption, 150mph+ top speed and sub-four-second 0-62mph time. Ford’s already put the feelers out with its Ecoboost-powered Caterham, too – although the hope is that a production FF1’s higher state of tune would make it rather more gutsy, while the race-derived chassis would make it even more involving to drive. Would Ford actually do it? It'd be a brave move if they did, that's for sure - but just the fact they're still talking about it has us crossing our fingers.
Ford FF1 production 'still being considered'
1.0-litre three-cylinder track car to come to Goodwood amid production speculation
FF1 to make UK debut at Goodwood
Based around a Formula Ford chassis, the FF1 first made headlines when it set a lap time at the Nurburgring of 7min22sec, the 11th-fastest lap time ever, and quicker than a whole host of exotica. The level of interest piqued by that feat was so high that the possibility of giving the 205hp FF1 a production run, potentially of around 50 cars, has been on the cards ever since.
FF1 production is, apparently, under consideration
Discussion
They might carry on flogging it all the way up to building some though. Can't see the disadvantage for them as most of the major bits are production anyway and they could cover costs by charging a ridiculous amount of money, a few 10's would still sell. They then get the bonus publicity of various car mags road testing them etc.
"The result would, in theory, be a road-legal track toy that could emulate the super-light FF1’s 100mpg fuel consumption, 150mph+ top speed and sub-four-second 0-62mph time."
Those stats are impressive. However I don't think it's going to be getting that MPG whilst delivering that performance. I'm sure it can do both, just not at the same time!
Those stats are impressive. However I don't think it's going to be getting that MPG whilst delivering that performance. I'm sure it can do both, just not at the same time!
A friend has recently got a fiesta 125bhp ecoboost and to say she is shocked by the fuel economy is an understatement, yes its currently bedding in but 35-40mpg on a combined cycle including a decent run on the motorway is massively below the claimed 60+ combined. So I really doubt 100mpg. Performance figures id believe though, still wouldn't buy one. I think id still go for a x-bow if I was after a track play thing
The Crack Fox said:
I wonder if they're looking at Caterham and Radical's turnover and wanting a slice of the action ?
Both of which are probably less than a large Ford dealership...There's nothing financial to be gained for Ford by this, but it could (and is) bringing exposure to some of their tech (i.e. the engine), and will pek the interest of those who may not already have Ford on the sporty car radar..
mrmr96 said:
"The result would, in theory, be a road-legal track toy that could emulate the super-light FF1’s 100mpg fuel consumption, 150mph+ top speed and sub-four-second 0-62mph time."
Those stats are impressive. However I don't think it's going to be getting that MPG whilst delivering that performance. I'm sure it can do both, just not at the same time!
Your mistake was being taken in by PR, always try before you buy mpg figures are the biggest porky going.Those stats are impressive. However I don't think it's going to be getting that MPG whilst delivering that performance. I'm sure it can do both, just not at the same time!
dukebox9reg said:
A friend has recently got a fiesta 125bhp ecoboost and to say she is shocked by the fuel economy is an understatement, yes its currently bedding in but 35-40mpg on a combined cycle including a decent run on the motorway is massively below the claimed 60+ combined. So I really doubt 100mpg. Performance figures id believe though, still wouldn't buy one. I think id still go for a x-bow if I was after a track play thing
car manufacturers worked out how to manipulate mpg figures back in the 70s when the US govt introduced the CAFE requirement. published mpg figures are really only useful for comparing between different cars - they bear no resemblance at all to what you will get when you actually drive the thing.and as for the FF1 - if it is as simple to do a production run as the story suggests, why wouldn't ford do it - it would be a nice halo car and would generate some positive PR amongst enthusiasts for a company who at times seems to forget it has a long and honourable sport and competition history.
canucklehead said:
dukebox9reg said:
A friend has recently got a fiesta 125bhp ecoboost and to say she is shocked by the fuel economy is an understatement, yes its currently bedding in but 35-40mpg on a combined cycle including a decent run on the motorway is massively below the claimed 60+ combined. So I really doubt 100mpg. Performance figures id believe though, still wouldn't buy one. I think id still go for a x-bow if I was after a track play thing
car manufacturers worked out how to manipulate mpg figures back in the 70s when the US govt introduced the CAFE requirement. published mpg figures are really only useful for comparing between different cars - they bear no resemblance at all to what you will get when you actually drive the thing.and as for the FF1 - if it is as simple to do a production run as the story suggests, why wouldn't ford do it - it would be a nice halo car and would generate some positive PR amongst enthusiasts for a company who at times seems to forget it has a long and honourable sport and competition history.
However the ff1 I imagine is a fair bit lighter than a fiesta which would help.
If they do make them they will be well beyond what most of us could afford I bet.
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