Ford Powers Up Fiesta ST Hot Hatch

Ford Motor Co. says its new Fiesta ST200 is the most powerful Fiesta in history with a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine tuned to make 197 hp and 213 lb-ft of torque.

The new hot hatchback, which will be publicly unveiled this week at the Geneva auto show, can sprint from zero to 62 mph in 6.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 143 mph. Output can be increased to 212 hp and 236 lb-ft for up to 15 seconds with the car’s overboost feature.

The outgoing Fiesta ST generated 180 hp and a like amount of torque from its 1.6-liter four-banger.

In addition to recalibrating the engine, the 2017 car gets a 6-speed manual transmission with a shorter final drive ratio to improve drivability and in-gear performance. Other modifications include enhanced torque vectoring and electronic stability control systems.

The rear twist-beam also has been modified to boost roll stiffness, Ford says. Other upgrades include a specially modified front steering knuckle, a sharper steering ratio, larger brakes and a lower center of gravity. The interior sports Recaro front seats, silver contrast stitching, illuminated sill plates, and special seat belts with silver accents.

Ford will launch sales of the Fiesta ST2000 this summer. An all-new Fiesta is due by the end of 2017.