At last year’s LA Auto Show, Ford displayed a concept version of the Fiesta ST, stating at the time, that it “remained open” to selling the hot hatch on this side of the Atlantic.
Well, the decision has been made and at this week’s 2012 LA Auto Show, the Blue Oval will premiere the production Fiesta ST for the U.S. and Canada.
Unlike the European model that was introduced in Geneva with a three-door body style earlier this year, the North American version will be offered exclusively as five-door hatch, but don’t fret, as Ford has a surprise in store for US.
While sharing the same 1.6-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine, believe it or not, the American model is actually more powerful than its European counterpart producing 197-horses and 214 lb-ft (290Nm) of torque, versus 178-horses (180PS) and 177 lb-ft (240Nm).
As a true hot hatch, Ford will offer the Focus ST’s smaller sibling exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox driving the front wheels, with the automaker projecting a fuel economy of up to 34mpg (equal to 6.9lt/100km), which we assume to be for highway driving.
In addition to the turbocharged four-pot under its hood, the Fiesta ST gains a sport-tuned and 15mm lowered suspension that works together with an electronic Torque Vectoring Control, a more potent braking system and a quicker steering ratio of 13.6:1 to improve handling.
As for the car’s looks, the ST sports an aero kit that bundles unique front grille and bumpers, a rear diffuser, and side skirts, together with new 17-inch wheels. The interior of the hot hatch is upgraded with sport seats, steering wheel and pedals.
Further details about the new Fiesta ST are to be released at the LA Auto Show.
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