USA - The Limited Edition Focus RS is limited to 1500 units for the USA and Canada only.

• Ford followed Focus RS enthusiast conversations on blogs, forums and Facebook groups, which helped inspire the new 2018 limited-edition Focus RS
• Limited-edition Focus RS to deliver enhanced driving experience with new standard mechanical limited-slip differential to improve performance, unique interior and exterior styling, and new color combinations
• 1,500 Focus RS vehicles for United States and Canada offer customers last chance to get their hands on this generation of Ford’s critically acclaimed performance hatchback

Ford Performance fans talking to each other and posting comments online about the Ford Focus RS hot hatch performance car have led to a special 1,500 unit limited-edition celebrating the end of run of this generation hot hatch. 

Passion from the enthusiast community led Ford to introduce an exclusive new version of its critically acclaimed Focus RS for North America. Ford was listening.The new 2018 Focus RS limited-edition hot hatch adds a few commonly requested features that unique interior and exterior styling, and a new mechanical limited-slip differential.

Available in new Race Red or signature Nitrous Blue body color – both featuring striking new gloss black roof and mirror caps. The rear roof spoiler also features gloss black finish, with blue RS logos on the side wings. Now standard are 19-inch premium painted forged alloy wheels with blue RS center caps.

From the cockpit, the door handles, handbrake lever and turbo boost gauge surround are wrapped in carbon fiber skin, while equipment from the RS2 Package is standard, offering black leather-trimmed RECARO® seats with Miko-Dinamica eco-friendly suede microfiber inserts and RS logo, heated front seats with eight-way power driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, heated exterior mirrors and voice-activated navigation system.

To really excite driving enthusiasts, the global Ford Performance team developed a standard mechanical Quaife® limited-slip differential for the front axle that further improves Focus RS performance. This limited-edition Focus RS will more easily carry speed through a corner on the track, and allow for maximum acceleration on the way out.

“To satisfy strong demand for the ever-popular Focus RS, I’m very excited that we’re bringing this limited-edition vehicle to North America,” said Henry Ford, Ford Performance marketing manager. “We have spent a great deal of time listening to our customers, speaking to owners’ club members, reading comments and suggestions on enthusiast websites, and even studying various forum Photoshop renderings.”

A tight grip on performance

By controlling the torque delivered to each front wheel, the Quaife limited-slip differential enables 2018 Focus RS drivers to fully tap the 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine’s 350 horsepower. The limited-slip differential limits engine torque delivered to a particular front wheel that has reduced traction on the road surface, redistributing torque to the wheel with more traction to reduce differences in wheel spin that can hamper acceleration and stability.

“Our new limited-edition Focus RS represents accessible performance at its finest,” said Jamal Hameedi, Ford Performance chief engineer. “Improving on the thrilling driving dynamics of the Focus RS is no small task – but our Ford Performance engineers have delivered a drivetrain capable of wringing every drop of performance from the engine.”

The new system seamlessly integrates with standard Focus RS driving technologies, including:

• Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive, which varies front-to-rear torque distribution to suit a given driving situation – monitoring inputs from vehicle sensors 100 times per second and sending an average of 70 percent of drive torque to the rear axle
• Dynamic Torque Vectoring, which uses electronically controlled clutch packs on the rear axle to send 100 percent of an average 70 percent available torque to either rear wheel, and can switch drive from one side to the other in as little as 0.06 second – or about the time it takes a humming bird to flap its wings 4 times.
• Torque Vectoring Control, which automatically applies small amounts of brake force to limit wheel spin at the front axle, further enhancing the tractive force available
• Focus RS Drive Modes, which include Ford-first drift mode for controlled oversteer drifts under circuit conditions, and launch control for ultimate performance off the start line and 4.7-second 0‑62 mph acceleration

Coming to a track near you

Only one thousand limited-edition 2018 Focus RS performance cars will be available in the United States and 500 in Canada, with deliveries beginning in late 2017, marking the last opportunity to order the current generation Focus RS in North America.

The limited-edition Focus RS joins Ford’s iconic Ford Performance vehicle range in North America, alongside the recently launched Ford GT supercar, F-150 Raptor, and much-loved Shelby GT350 Mustang, Focus ST and Fiesta ST.

Note: Vehicle horsepower ratings achieved with 93-octane fuel.

The Third generation Fiesta ST, comes with Ecoboost engines and a power boost.

• Ford Performance delivers global public debut of Ford Fiesta ST – powered by an all-new 200 PS, three-cylinder, 1.5‑litre EcoBoost engine – at the Geneva Show
• First three-cylinder Ford Performance model features Drive Modes adjusting engine, steering, stability controls and even exhaust sound for optimised driving fun in any scenario
• Electronic Sound Enhancement and active exhaust valve amplify sporty sound of three-cylinder engine that also features cylinder deactivation for further reduced CO₂*
• Enhanced range of personalisation options and technology includes new styling packs, SYNC 3 connectivity with eight-inch touchscreen and B&O Play high-end audio

Ford Performance today reveals the next-generation Ford Fiesta ST at its 2017 Geneva Motor Show global debut.

Powered by an all-new three-cylinder, 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine, the next generation Fiesta ST will deliver 200PS, 290Nm of torque and anticipated 0-62mph acceleration in 6.7sec.

The third generation Fiesta ST will be the first Ford Performance model ever powered by a three-cylinder engine, and will be the first Fiesta ST to feature selectable Drive Modes – enabling engine, steering and stability controls to be configured to Normal, Sport and Track settings for an optimised fun-to-drive experience in conditions from motorways to track days.

Drive Modes will also adjust Fiesta ST’s Electronic Sound Enhancement (ESE) technology and active exhaust noise control valve to deliver an even more satisfying driving experience. 

The technologies amplify the naturally sporty sound of the new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine that also features Ford’s industry-first cylinder deactivation system for a three-cylinder engine, for further reduced CO₂ emissions of an anticipated 114g/km.*

Available from launch in early 2018 in both three-door and five-door bodystyles, the next generation Fiesta ST will be offered with a greater variety of interior trim and personalisation options than ever before, with bold and distinctive exterior styling that includes a unique race-car-inspired mesh grille and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels.

“Our next generation Fiesta ST is true to the philosophy of delivering cutting-edge technology to enhance every facet of the responsive Ford Performance chassis and powertrain,” said Joe Bakaj, European Product Development vice president. 

“With selectable Drive Modes and an all-new EcoBoost engine delivering an unprecedented combination of performance and fuel efficiency, the new model will deliver the most versatile, fun, engaging and rewarding Fiesta ST driving experience yet.”

All-new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine

Part of Ford’s EcoBoost range of petrol engines that also includes the multi-award-winning 1.0‑litre EcoBoost, the all-new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine uses technology including turbocharging, high-pressure fuel injection and Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing to deliver optimised performance and fuel efficiency.

The engine’s three-cylinder architecture delivers naturally high torque at low rpm. Performance is further boosted by a new turbocharger that uses an optimised turbine design to build boost pressure faster and minimise lag for a more responsive and fun driving experience.

A new combination of port fuel injection and direct fuel injection technology helps deliver high power and responsiveness alongside reduced CO₂ emissions,* with a particular increase in fuel efficiency under light engine loads.

Ford’s new cylinder deactivation technology – first announced for the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine and a world first for a three-cylinder engine – will further improve fuel efficiency for Fiesta ST customers without affecting performance by automatically stopping fuel delivery and valve operation for one of the engine’s cylinders in conditions where full capacity is not needed, such as when coasting or cruising with light demand on the engine. The technology can disengage or re-engage one cylinder in 14 milliseconds – 20 times faster than the blink of an eye – to seamlessly deliver full performance on demand.

The all-aluminium engine also features an integrated exhaust manifold that improves efficiency by helping the engine reach optimal temperatures faster, and delivers torque more rapidly by minimising the distance exhaust gasses travel between cylinders and turbocharger. Gas particulate filter technology that reduces soot emissions will also feature.

New Drive Modes

Selectable Drive Modes add even more versatility for the next generation Fiesta ST, enabling drivers to optimise the driving experience to suit scenarios from school run to the race track:

• In Normal mode, engine mapping, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), ESE, exhaust sound and electronic power assisted steering (EPAS) are configured to deliver natural responsiveness and a connected feel
• In Sport mode, engine mapping and throttle pedal response are sharpened, and EPAS settings adjusted to deliver more feedback and finer control for fast road driving. The active noise control valve opens and ESE is adjusted to intensify the sporty exhaust note and engine noise within the cabin
• In Track mode, all vehicle dynamics features are tuned for the fastest possible lap times, traction control is disabled and ESC interventions are set to wide-slip mode for hard circuit driving

The agile and responsive Ford Performance-tuned chassis will be supported by enhanced Torque Vectoring Control technology that improves road holding and reduces understeer by applying brake force to the inside front wheel when cornering. Three-mode ESC will enable drivers to choose between full system intervention; wide-slip mode with limited intervention and full system de-activation.

Greater personalisation

The next-generation Fiesta ST will offer more personalisation options than ever before. Customers will be able to choose from a range of trim elements for the gear lever, steering wheel, door pulls and decorative dashboard spear, and select from distinctive styling packs.

The ergonomic Fiesta ST interior will feature supportive Recaro seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. Exterior colour options will include new Performance Blue and the Fiesta ST will feature exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels.

“Our ST models are designed to make a Ford Performance driving experience accessible to customers regardless of lifestyle,” said Matthias Tonn, Fiesta ST chief programme engineer. “With three- and five-door bodystyles and distinctive styling options that complement the model’s performance characteristics available from day-one, the next generation Fiesta ST will deliver a broader appeal for an even wider range of car-buyers.”

Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system will enable Fiesta ST drivers to control audio, navigation and connected smartphones using simple, conversational voice commands. Compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™, SYNC 3 is supported by floating, tablet-inspired touchscreens up to 8-inches that can be operated using pinch and swipe gestures.

The next generation Fiesta ST also will be offered with a high quality B&O PLAY Sound System for a high-end audio experience – among features already announced for the next generation Fiesta.

Ford Performance

The Ford Performance global organisation serves as an innovation laboratory and test-bed to create unique performance vehicles, parts, accessories and experiences for customers.

This includes developing innovations and technologies in aerodynamics, light-weighting, electronics, powertrain performance and fuel efficiency that can be applied more broadly to Ford’s product portfolio.

“Next generation Fiesta ST customers will benefit from innovations developed by Ford Performance for the Ford GT supercar and Focus RS hot hatchback, including high power EcoBoost and Drive Mode technologies,” said Dave Pericak, Ford Performance global director. 

“Working as one unified Ford Performance team helps us better deliver our core fun-to-drive experience and democratise sophisticated performance-enhancing features for every customer.”

USA - Ford is ready to fulfill orders for the 2017 Raptor, the most aggressive version of the F-150 to be built.

2017 F-150 Raptor Ordering Begins, Online and In-Line at Ford Dealers: SuperCrew, Luxury Group with Technology Package in Shadow Black is the Top Configuration

• With over 90,000 hits in the first 10 days, visits to the Raptor Build and Price configurator are setting records and driving traffic to Ford dealerships
• With a starting MSRP of $49,520, Ford dealers are already taking deposits with the first deliveries still more than a month away  
• Most popular options include SuperCrew (91%), Luxury Group (90%), and Technology Package (77%) according to data tracked from the Ford.com website

As full-scale production is set to begin on the all-new 2017 F-150 Raptor in November, orders are already pouring into Ford dealerships nationwide as customer waiting lists grow and traffic on the Ford.com website topped 90,000 hits to the Raptor build and price page in the first 10 days online.

Performance, capability and technology improvements across the board make this the Toughest, Smartest, and Most Capable Raptor ever. With a starting MSRP of just $49,520 Ford dealers are seeing interest in the next-generation purpose-built off-road performance F-150 Raptor engineered by Ford’s Performance team.

Team Ford in Las Vegas has been one of the most successful Ford Raptor dealers in North America. Owner Steve Olliges, who races Raptors professionally off-road, says he already has nearly 300 customers on a waiting list. He fields two to three calls a day from customers across the country looking to place an order, turning many away due to supply allocation limits.

“It’s a great problem to have, but it’s tough because there’s so much interest in the product,” Olliges said. “We do everything we can to get our hands on Raptors for our customers, whether that’s referring them to other Ford dealers or making calls to find trucks for them.”

While Ford does not publically disclose production numbers, of the Raptors scheduled for production, 65 percent of early orders are identified as retail orders for a specific customer. The largest markets so far include Texas, California and Florida.

Meanwhile, in the first 10 days online, the Raptor Build and Price configurator on the Ford.com website has already seen more than 90,000 hits with nearly 30,000 completed builds. Of those completed online builds 91 percent are SuperCrew. Meanwhile, the Luxury Group, which includes features like 360-degree Camera and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), has a 90% take rate and the Technology Package, which includes features like Lane-Keeping System and Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Mitigation, has a 77 percent take rate. Shadow Black is the most common paint color.

“This is one of the fastest and most popular product launches we’ve seen in some time. Site traffic volume on the Raptor pages is currently more than five times our other performance vehicle lines and dealer demand is far ahead of expectations, which demonstrates to us that the Ford Performance team hit their mark with the new F-150 Raptor” said Rob Rosenbach, Ford F-150 brand manager.

USA - Ford to display more than 50 builder concepts at SEMA, including a host of winning race cars and a vast collection of Ford Performance Parts

• New Ford Performance smartphone app bringing track-based data-logging, advanced analysis, sharing capability and video capture to the most popular platforms
• Race-prepped Mustang GT4 to provide customers around the world access to turn-key Mustang eligible for competition in several motorsports series
• Ford to display more than 50 builder concepts at SEMA, including a host of winning race cars and a vast collection of Ford Performance Parts

Ford Performance debuts an all-new data-logging app and a global turnkey Mustang GT4 race car today at the 2016 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. Ford is also showcasing more than 50 builder concepts based on its vehicles and winning race cars, including the Le Mans-conquering Ford GT and a vast collection of Ford Performance Parts. 

The all-new Ford Performance App^® brings track-based data-logging, advanced analysis, sharing capability and video capture to a user’s smartphone. It leverages the latest capability of Ford SYNC^® 3 and provides intuitive controls allowing users to record and share their track accomplishments. The app will be available for the most popular smartphone platforms in 2017.

“Ford Performance wants to provide our customers a simple, shareable way to capture their track exploits,” says Dave Pericak, global director, Ford Performance. “The ability to take their track sessions with them everywhere they go and easily share their footage and data with friends is a huge benefit of our new app.”

The Ford Performance App is based around the user’s smartphone, giving them easy access and portability to their data. Using a smartphone’s built-in camera offers mounting flexibility, letting users decide which perspective best captures the action.

The Ford Performance App features multiple recording modes and provides a host of vehicle performance data. The latest SYNC 3 technology communicates with the app – integrating performance data with course overlays, timing statistics, and on-screen virtual gauges to be shared via a user’s smartphone.

Data and video can be shared over social networks or exported easily for analysis on a personal computer. The new app launches in 2017 on the all-new Ford GT, and will migrate to other Ford products.

All-new Global Mustang GT4 racecar

The all-new Mustang GT4 turnkey race car builds on the legendary nameplate’s global reach. Mustang is one of the most prominent automobiles in the history of North American motorsports, including the SCCA Shelby GT350R of the 1960s, Trans-Am Boss 302 of the 1970s, the more recent FR500, Boss 302R and 2016 championship-winning Shelby GT350R-C. The all-new Mustang GT4 expands the pony’s stable to a global audience.

The car is based on the Shelby GT350R-C, which won its class this year in the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge – its first full season of competition. Featuring a 5.2-liter V8 and six-speed Holinger paddle-shift transmission, the Mustang GT4 is ready to enter any GT4 series in the world. The car can run in the Grand Sport class of IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, Pirelli World Challenge GTS and European GT4, to name a few.

The all-new Mustang GT4 features chassis mods from Multimatic Motorsports, including dampers, lower rear control arms and stabilizer bars. Forgeline 18- by 11-inch wheels with racing slicks put the power to the pavement. Aerodynamic aids are applied to improve downforce, including a rear wing, aggressive splitter, additional hood venting and new rear diffuser.

The interior includes a full FIA-compliant roll cage, and features motorsports engine control and an antilock-braking controller, along with a Motec dash logger.

“The new Mustang is a global vehicle,” says Mark Rushbrook, motorsports engineering manager, Ford Performance. “Now, its growing fan base has a GT4 competition model to race and support around the globe.” 

USA - Ford announces that the All-New GT will get an extension in production for another two years.

• Ford Performance will offer the all-new Ford GT for two additional production years, bringing the production commitment of the carbon fibre supercar to a total of four years
• Potential customers who already applied to purchase Ford GT will only need to update their request when the next application window reopens in early 2018
• Additional production supports Ford Performance decision to race Ford GT in both IMSA and World Endurance Championship (WEC) series for four years

Ford Performance is adding two more years of production for the all-new carbon fibre Ford GT supercar. The announcement comes on the heels of letters sent to potential customers notifying them of their application status to purchase one of their own, with more than 500 of those coming from the UK alone

The additional production supports the decision by Ford Performance to race Ford GT in both IMSA and World Endurance Championship (WEC) series events for four years, extending through to the 2019 season.

“While we can’t build enough Ford GTs for everyone who has applied, we are going to produce additional vehicles in an effort to satisfy more of our most loyal Ford ambassadors,” says Dave Pericak, global director, Ford Performance. “We want to keep Ford GT exclusive, but at the same time we know how vital this customer is to our brand.”

Year three of production will support applicants who were placed on the waiting list; previously deferred applicants and those who missed the initial application window will be served by production year four. The application process for fourth-year production will reopen in early 2018. Those who already applied to own the car will only need to update their request.

“Ford GT has racing in its blood,” says Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president, product development, and chief technical officer. “The road car and race car will live on, side-by-side, for the next four years – providing ample opportunity to test and prove innovative new technologies both on and off the track.”

USA - Ford announces the new Raptor will come with Six different mode settings to cover the vast majority of surfaces.

The all-new Ford F-150 Raptor features six terrain modes designed to handle the most demanding terrains. From off-road rock crawling and desert running to on-road sport mode, Raptor is ready for any type of driving. Here’s a breakdown of each mode.

Normal

For everyday on-road driving duties, normal mode is a perfect balance of excitement, comfort and convenience.

Sport

Mountain passes are no longer just for Mustang, thanks to Raptor sport mode. For spirited on-road driving, sport mode increases throttle response and provides a sportier steering feel – along with quicker shifting. The transmission holds gears longer to keep you in the power band.

Weather

When road conditions are less than ideal, weather mode inspires confidence without compromising driving pleasure. Snow/wet mode automatically engages 4 Auto. AdvanceTrac, throttle response and the shift schedule are optimized for greater confidence in slippery conditions.

Mud/Sand

For tackling trails and other off-road treks, the mud/sand setting is your best friend. 4 High and the electronic locking differential automatically engage for driving over loose or soft ground, and optimized AdvanceTrac settings help Raptor keep its footing. Steering is set to comfort, which makes it easier to navigate along tight trails and over obstacles.

Baja

Baja mode is where Raptor eclipses the competition. Designed for high-speed desert running, Baja mode places the vehicle in 4 High, AdvanceTrac is programmed to the least intrusive settings, and the throttle map is adjusted for more linear power and improved engine response to give the hardcore off-road driver greater control. The transmission has quicker shifts and holds gears longer – keeping the vehicle in its power band.

Rock Crawl

This setting is for intense off-road driving and rock climbing at low speeds. Rock crawl prompts the driver to place the vehicle in 4 Low, the electronic locking differential is automatically engaged and AdvanceTrac is set to the least intrusive settings for optimum rock-climbing ability. 

Throttle modulation and transmission response are optimized for greater control. Additionally, the front camera allows the driver to see what’s right in front of the truck, and it can be kept on at speeds up to 15 mph.

Along with the individual AdvanceTrac settings tied to drive modes, Raptor continues the Ford Performance tradition of allowing the driver to program the system’s settings to match conditions and skill level. 

The driver can reduce traction control but keep stability control on with a single press of the electronic stability control button; or, by holding the button for five seconds, the driver can turn AdvanceTrac settings off.