Ford announced today that it will use the Auto Expo in New Delhi to debut a concept version of an all-new vehicle. The company will provide the first preview another next-generation vehicle for India and other global markets.

“The new vehicle will be the latest One Ford global product, a vehicle designed to help expand Ford’s footprint in the world’s fastest-growing auto markets, including India,” Ford said in a statement. “It will be the second of eight products Ford plans to bring to India by mid-decade.”

Word on the street is that the concept will give us a hint at the much-talked about Ford Fiesta based crossover.

- By: Omar Rana

What if Ken Block were to take is new H.F.H.V Ford Fiesta rally race car to the streets of LA? Well, that’s exactly what he did recently to test out the new SYNC system on his race prepped Fiesta.

Block’s Ford Fiesta RS WRC HFHV, which stands for Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle, had its normal 1.6L four-banger replaced with a Pipo Moteurs-built, 2.0L four-banger.

It’s definitely difficult as an everyday drive – but nothing is difficult for the Block.

Check out the video after the jump.

- By: Omar Rana

Click here for more news on the Ford Fiesta.

Power comes from a 1.6 liter EcoBoost with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) making 180-hp and 177 lb-ft of torque.

Ford hasn’t said when the Fiesta ST will be available as a production model but the company says that the concept shows how a “Fiesta ST model might look when it joins the Focus ST in the global small car portfolio.”

Small cars with a bunch of power under the hood – my true obsession.

Click here for our original post on the Ford Fiesta ST Concept.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana - egmCarTech.

- By: Omar Rana

“The Ford Fiesta ST Concept signals the next step in Ford Motor Company’s global performance vehicle strategy and hints at how a future Fiesta ST model might look when it joins the Focus ST in the global small car portfolio,” Ford said in a statement.

Of course, that statement leads us to believe that there will indeed be a production model coming very soon.

“The Fiesta has a rich history of high-performance models so a new ST performance model is a logical next step in our performance vehicle strategy for our global small cars,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development.

Click here for more news on the Ford Fiesta.

Like the Ford Focus ST, which is powered by a 2.0 liter EcoBoost engine, EcoBoostness makes its way into the Fiesta ST Concept as well. Power comes from a 1.6 liter EcoBoost with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) making 180-hp and 177 lb-ft of torque

This should all make us enthusiasts happy since it turns out the Fiesta ST will be the only subcompact on the market with impressive fuel-economy without sacrificing performance.

- By: Omar Rana

In Consumer Reports’ 2011 Annual Auto Survey, Ford, which has been the model of America reliability for many years, is slowly starting to fall. Consumer Reports attributes three of the Dearborn automakers newest models for the fall in reliability.

“The new Ford Explorer, Fiesta, and Focus all had below-average reliability in their first year,” Consumer Reports said. “As a result, Ford’s overall reliability rank among 28 major car makes slipped from the 10th to the 20th spot this year—the biggest drop for any major nameplate in Consumer Reports’ 2011 Annual Auto Survey.”

The publication went onto say that the automaker’s drop can also be attributed to problems with technology including the MyFord Touch infotainment system.

While Ford has fallen, Chrysler is on the rise, says Consumer Reports. Jeep moved up a strong seven points to 13. That makes it the most reliable domestic brand, and all its models for which Consumer Reports has sufficient data scored average in predicted reliability. Dodge moved up three spots in ranking.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Consumer Reports

Seven different versions of the 2012 Focus hatchback and sedan have been selected by Ford to be shown. Tuners behind the creations include 3dCarbon, ID Agency, Seeda, Capaldi Racing, Roush, Bojix Design, and COBB Tuning.

Ford’s compact car marketing manager Mike Murphy explains the extensive selection, saying “Mellenials, which this car is all about, want to personalize every aspect of their lives – everything from laptop covers to body art and even cars.”

Click here for details on each model.

The 2012 Fiesta has three or better for the show with work by Aaron Vaccar, Gold Coast Automotive, and M2-Motoring.

A new 363-cubic inch Ford Racing stroker V8 will be revealed, along with performance enhanced variants on the Mustang.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Click here for more news on the Ford Fiesta.

“This Ford Fiesta special edition gives the customer great exterior styling with an enhanced performance engine. Customers love that we create Fiestas with special features that prove to be real head-turners,” said Anthony Ireson, Ford of Britain’s marketing director.

Power comes from a 1.6 liter Duratec Ti-VCT gasoline engine making 132-hp. Prices start at £15,695 ($21,325 USD).

- By: Omar Rana

“Our strategy is powered by the One Ford global product plan and extends the reach of exciting Ford performance vehicles to a broader range of customers around the world than ever before,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “It is also instrumental in shaping Ford’s strategic approach to and support for international motorsport activity involving our global small cars – the Focus and Fiesta.”

Click here for more news on the Ford Fiesta.

Not only does the Ford Fiesta ST Concept get its inspiration from the Fiesta WRC, power under the hood comes from a 1.6 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder EcoBoost making 177-hp with a peak torque of 177 lb-ft. Mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, the Fiesta ST Concept goes from 0 to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds with a top speed of 136 mph. Not that zippy, but enough to have some go-kart style fun.

While Ford hasn’t come right out and stated whether or not the Fiesta ST Concept will enter production, the Dearborn automaker says that the “Fiesta ST Concept explores the possibilities for another compelling global Ford ST in the near future.”

Check out the press talk after the jump and the high-res gallery by clicking on one of the thumbnails above.

Press Release:

Ford Global Performance Strategy Accelerates at Frankfurt; New Fiesta ST Concept Joins Focus ST Production Model

• Ford is accelerating its new global performance strategy at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show with the debut of the production version of the all-new Ford Focus ST and a concept for a future Fiesta ST
• Ford ST (Sport Technologies) models will share the same DNA around the world, offering outstanding performance, harmonious balance and high levels of refinement that make them ideal for everyday driving – whether on the commute or a twisty road
• Brought to life by Ford’s global Performance Vehicles group, the new Focus ST is the company’s first truly global performance vehicle
• The new Fiesta ST Concept explores the possibilities for another compelling global Ford ST in the near future

FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 13, 2011 – Ford today showcased the company’s vision to take its ST performance family around the world with the surprise reveal of an exciting new Fiesta ST Concept alongside the production debut of the all-new Focus ST.

Ford’s global performance vehicle strategy is accelerating, promising a new era for driving enthusiasts around the world with the expansion of its ST – Sport Technologies – range. The international reach of these performance models is made possible by a new generation of global small car platforms from Ford.

The possibility of a Fiesta ST joining the Focus ST would bring Ford performance to drivers in two major global segments.

“We’re leveraging our global product platforms to create great new performance vehicles like the Focus ST,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “By taking advantage of platform efficiencies and focusing our performance engineering resources globally, we can bring performance vehicles to more customers in more markets, plus we’re better positioned for Ford products to compete successfully in global motorsport.”

The production-ready Focus ST was revealed at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show as Ford’s first performance vehicle to be sold into more than 40 markets around the world, including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and 15 European countries. Its launch kicks off a new era for enthusiasts while the exciting reveal of the Fiesta ST Concept also highlights Ford’s promise for even more to come on the performance front.

Leading the strategy is Jost Capito, Ford director of global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Development.

“This is an exciting time for us as we introduce the first of our globally developed performance vehicles,” said Capito. “It’s exciting to create a new generation of performance models that are truly world-class, and we’ve brought together Ford performance expertise from around the world to do it.”

Ford performance DNA
Ford’s ST models are the company’s most accessible performance vehicles, combining exhilarating and balanced performance with a level of refinement that makes them exciting to drive yet ideal for everyday use.

They are the central point of Ford’s broader performance strategy that establishes the DNA for the company’s performance models globally and opens up possibilities for more higher-tier performance vehicles.

This DNA was created by the Ford Performance Vehicles group – embracing Europe’s Ford Team RS and North America’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) – who delved deeply into their performance expertise and insight to define the appropriate DNA characteristics for all of Ford’s future global performance vehicles.

As with the DNA in a human body, this strategy dictates the necessary characteristics needed to create a vehicle that is unmistakably a Ford performance vehicle in how it looks, sounds and feels to drive.

Although Ford’s strategy envisions the potential for even higher-performance models in the future, ST products clearly play a key role at its core.

Every Ford to carry the ST badge will be a performance car that emphasizes great fun-to-drive qualities customers will crave. Yet every aspect of performance in a Ford ST is highly balanced, so the driver revels in experiencing perfect harmony every time he or she gets behind the wheel. Ford ST models will also offer a level of refinement that allows the driver to enjoy the car as much on the way to work every day as on a twisty road.

Ford ST models will also share key physical similarities in areas such as colors and exterior styling, as well as interior styling and driver-oriented features.

The DNA also defines performance levels, not only in the handling characteristics but in the engine outputs too. For ST models, this DNA profile means a noticeable power increase over the existing model’s engine lineup. Standards for other key ST performance attributes – such as braking and lateral acceleration – feature similar Ford Performance Vehicles group genetic engineering.

Vehicle attributes like the feel of the steering, the sound of the engine and comfort of the suspension are also dictated by the DNA, meaning customers will recognize an ST the moment they sit in one, no matter where in the world they are. This will give all future ST models a shared genetic origin that will influence customer expectations.

“This carefully defined DNA is crucial in delivering performance vehicles that will appeal to customers around the world,” said Capito. “If it’s a Ford ST model, you will know what it stands for.”

Global market
Ford dealers in more than 40 countries spanning six continents will soon be able to offer their customers the outstanding blend of on-road performance and refinement that the Focus ST five-door embodies.

Outside Europe, only Australia, Mexico, New Zealand and South Africa were given a taste of the previous-generation Focus ST. With the launch of the scintillating new Focus ST, based on the global Ford Focus, more drivers from more countries than ever will find out just why the ST badge is held in such high regard.

For North America, the new Focus ST five-door will be the market’s first compact performance Ford since the first-generation SVT Focus.

“You will be able to buy the same Focus ST in New York, Sydney or London,” said Matthias Tonn, chief program engineer, Focus ST. “We are delivering this car to markets around the world where fast cars are desired. And no matter where you get into the driver’s seat, you will have the same performance, same style and same fantastic ST experience.”

Built at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant for North American markets and Germany’s Saarlouis Assembly Plant for Europe, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa and other world markets, the new Focus ST sets the strategy in place for the design, development, manufacture and distribution of future performance Ford models.

Good news for Ford dealers, even better news for their performance-hungry customers who have been clamoring for these vehicles.

Challenges
The demands of different environments and of different legislation found in countries around the world present a unique challenge for Ford engineers. Through the teamwork inspired by the One Ford strategy, those engineers have joined together to create no-compromise vehicles that suit whatever region in which they are sold.

Ford’s global product strategy has also been central to transforming the company’s performance vehicle plans – making models that were once exclusive to a single region more accessible around the world. The performance strategy is based on extending the enthusiast appeal of Ford’s global model portfolio.

There are challenges involved in unleashing exciting, high-powered vehicles into multiple markets. The first and most obvious one is the question: Can performance enthusiasts from around the world be satisfied with just one car?

“Our global Performance Vehicles group soon realized that performance enthusiasts around the world are not so different,” said Capito. “Exhilarating performance, fine handling, exciting looks and that feel of driving something special are universal desires of enthusiasts, whether they’re driving California highways or damp British B-roads.”

With robust safety considerations already taken into account in development of the Focus core models for all regions of the world, Ford’s global Performance Vehicles group had very few tweaks to make to get the new Focus ST up to standard.

This allowed them to concentrate on areas like calibrating engines for different fuel grades found internationally or ensuring sound levels are within regional legislation. It also ensures the global approach to the rigorous durability and performance testing that Ford’s performance vehicles go through can be meticulously carried out.

The result is finely honed performance cars like the new Focus ST that can be used to their full potential in all conditions around the world.

The next performance
The Frankfurt Motor Show provides an important preview of what could be the next performance vehicle in the Ford Performance Vehicles product pipeline – the Fiesta ST Concept.

Muscular and sporty, the Fiesta ST Concept is inspired by the Ford Fiesta WRC. It features a dynamic sports chassis and a high-performance powertrain with a 1.6-liter Ford EcoBoost® engine, yet is capable of delivering impressive fuel economy.

Target performance levels for the Fiesta ST Concept are 177 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque, enough to propel it from 0-60 mph in less than seven seconds. A top speed exceeding 136 mph is targeted.

The advanced design of the turbocharged, four-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine – connected to a six-speed manual transmission – means the Fiesta ST Concept is forecast to deliver CO2 emissions of less than 140 g/km.

A global Fiesta ST would also extend the proud, 35-year history of delivering high-performance Fiestas in Europe, including the Fiesta XR2 and XR2i, RS Turbo and the more recent first-generation Fiesta ST.

“With the Focus ST and the Fiesta ST, enthusiasts will immediately understand what a Ford ST model promises and what each model shares in terms of balanced performance feel, style and driver features,” Capito said. “We’ve developed both vehicles from the same DNA. They are born performers that know how to make drivers smile.”

Focus and Fiesta in motorsport
With Ford’s strategy to engineer global production cars and develop global performance versions from them comes another fantastic opportunity in the motorsport arena.

“The Focus, and especially the Focus ST, is a great platform for motorsport,” explained Capito. “We’re developing a global race car on the ST platform that will meet global regulations and race in major national championships around the world from next year. We’ve had so much interest from teams around the world, they love the exterior, they know the Focus already has exceptional handling, and they are excited Ford is supporting it.”

The global Focus Touring Car has already seen action in the 2011 British Touring Car Championship. This is the first race car to emerge from Ford’s global motorsport strategy, wherein the company is supporting private race teams around the world in developing one common race car to S2000 specification.

The experience gained from the development team on the track can also be fed back into performance enhancements on future production cars.

Also making its Frankfurt show debut is Ford’s FIA World Rally Championship challenger, Fiesta RS WRC. The 295-horsepower 1.6-liter EcoBoost-powered racer is the first Ford rally car to run direct injection gas technology and it achieved a historic podium lockout on its competitive debut in Sweden earlier this year. As well as works drivers Mikko Hirvonen, Jari-Matti Latvala and Khalid Al Qassimi, world-famous American stunt driver Ken Block pilots a Fiesta RS WRC for the Ford-supported Monster World Rally team in the championship.

The Fiesta Rallycross – powered by a 2.0-liter Duratec Ford engine capable of more than 780 horsepower – is another example of Ford’s global motorsport approach, as it competes in the Global RallyCross Championship, European Rallycross Championship and X Games.

This year, Fiesta has already won three rounds of the North American Global RallyCross Championship, sweeping both the AWD SuperRally and RallyCross events. July’s 1-2-3 finish by Brian Deegan, Tanner Foust and Marcus Grönholm at the 2011 X Games RallyCross final marked the third year in a row Fiesta has triumphed there.

- By: Omar Rana

Can’t get enough of Ken Block? Need some more Block after Gymkhana 4? Lucky for you Ken has just released a new video as he shakes down the Ford Fiesta RS WRC for the first time in tarmac trim during practice for Rally Germany.

He recorded the whole thing with a GoPro helmet HD cam.

Check it out after the jump.

- By: egmCarTech Staff

Ford’s efforts to step up their game have definitely been paying off. Anyone who has been in a recent Ford product knows this and the Deaborn make has no plans of stopping.

In a small press conference, Ford said that they’ll be focusing their products around improving fuel economy, reducing weight and making the engines lighter and smaller without a sacrifice in performance, safety or luxury. Additionally, since the Mercury brand received the axe not too long ago, Ford said that their chance to really focus on their lineup is now.

Here are some of the outlines for Ford’s plans.

The Fiesta, although new as of 2010 as a 2011 model, will most likely get a new 1.0L three-banger EcoBoost engine for 2013 or 2014. A mid-cycle refresh is expected in 2014.

The Focus is also new as of this year. An electric version is planned for release in 2012, while the hot performance ST version with Ford’s 2.0L turbocharged EcoBoost engine will hit our shores in 2012. An all-wheel drive RS model is also a possibility (keep your fingers crossed).

The Mustang will be completely redesigned for 2015 as the nameplate turns 50 years old at the turn of the year 2014. The new Mustang is rumored to get a completely new platform with…get this…fully independent rear suspension, moving away from the ancient old solid-rear axle.

The Fusion is expected to get a redesign for 2013 while the current Fusion could receive Ford’s new EcoBoost four-banger. As a result, the V6 may be dropped. However, rumor also has it that Ford is currently trying to develop 2.5L and 2.7L EcoBoost V6s for 2014 and 2015 and the Fusion may see this engine.

The Taurus will be restyled for 2013 and we were able to catch a glimpse of it at this past year’s New York Auto Show. Additionally, a reworked 3.5L EcoBoost V6 will find its way into the updated SHO. A new base engine will be the new 2.0L EcoBoost four-banger while the new 2.5L EcoBoost V6 as aforementioned in the Fusion bit will also make its way into the Taurus by 2015.

A new, completely redesigned Escape will come in 2013 and is most likely to be based on the next-generation European Kuga crossover, which is also based on the new Ford Focus platform. But the biggest issue for the Escape is the question as to whether a new Escape Hybrid will make a comeback, as Ford did not make a comment.

The Edge has just received a mid-cycle refresh so a complete redesign is not expected until 2014 or 2015. The same could be said for the Explorer, which is new as of this year so a mid-cycle refresh should occur at the same time the new Edge comes out.

The Flex crossover will get a small refresh for the 2012 model year while a complete redesign is expected for 2015. The engine choices for the new Flex in 2015 are still in the unknown, but chances are the new 2.0L EcoBoost inline-4 will make its way into the Flex.

The Expedition is said to get a refresh for 2012 or 2013. Also, because of the success with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 in the F150, Ford said that the same engine could make its way into the Expedition. And to make things even sweeter, the Expedition’s “Triton” V8 will be phased out and replaced by the epic new 5.0L V8 that first debuted in the Mustang.

The F150 is expected to be completely redesigned for 2015 or 2016 while the Super Duty versions will be refreshed in 2014 after already receiving some minor updates.

The Transit Connect has been around since December of 2010 so a redesign isn’t expected until 2013. And lastly, the Econoline is rumored to be replaced in 2014 by a derivative of the European-developed Transit.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Automotive News

We know it was only back in September that Ken Block brought us Gymkhana Three. But we’ve been eagerly waiting on the release of the next Gymkhana… until now.

That’s right ladies and gentlemen, it is August 16 and Mr. Block has finally released Gymkhana FOUR – a new 9-minute ‘Hollywood Megamercial’ featuring the new Ford Fiesta RS WRC HFHV.

Gymkhana FOUR was Ben Conrad (Zombieland and 30 Seconds or Less) and his team at Logan. The video also features Featuring robotic sharks, deranged zombies, and a hilarious cameo by the Epic Meal Time guys.

Okay, enough talking – hit the jump and sit back for Gymkhana FOUR.

- By: Omar Rana

Ford is obviously known as an American automobile manufacturer. However, Ford’s prominence is also very well established in the European market, thanks to Ford’s UK branch. To celebrate Ford being in Britain for 100 years, Ford has just unveiled a special edition Fiesta for the UK market.

Called the Ford Fiesta Centura, the special edition Fiesta is based on the Fiesta Zetec and adds about £1,800 worth of options to that. Some of these options include unique Panther Black paint, chrome mirror and door caps, LED daytime runners, 16-inch seven spoke alloys, automatic headlamps and wipers, reverse parking sensors, and a parking camera screen mounted in the rear view mirror.

“Fiesta has been a UK favourite its entire lifetime and it was a natural choice to use this great icon to help mark our centenary,” said Anthony Ireson, Ford of Britina’s marketing director. “With a unique specification and affordable price, the Centura will appeal to thousands of customers, and we anticipate strong demand – who knows it might even become a collector’s car one day!”

The Fiesta Centura comes with a 1.25L gasoline engine that produces 81-hp.

2011 Ford Fiesta Centura:

- By: Chris Chin

Ken Block has been a very busy man and still is as he is currently on tour, showing off his Gymkhana skills around the world. Just recently however, Block released his first teaser for his fourth installment to his ever so famous Gymkhana stunt video collection.

As we’ve provided coverage earlier, Ken Block will be getting a new rally Fiesta, dubbed the Hybrid Function Hoon Machine, that will have an all-new hybrid function and will be the starring car for his fourth video.

To have a look at the teaser, check it out after the jump. Gymkhana FOUR comes out on Tuesday August 16th, 2011.

- By: Chris Chin

The European-born Ford Fiesta, which we happen to be just getting for the first time in this country, celebrates its 35 birthday and production marker of 15 million units this year.

To celebrate the Fiesta’s birthday, Ford has announced that they introduced two new colors for the Fiesta with some new exterior updates as well for the Fiesta Titanium. Those updates include new wheels, some chrome finishing to the grill and a woven headliner. Partial leather seats is a new option for the inside too.

Click here for more news on the Ford Fiesta.

“The Fiesta is a special car that has a special place in the hearts of European customers and car lovers around the world,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service for Ford of Europe. “It’s a testament to the original Fiesta from 1976 and the engineers who have developed and improved the car through more than three decades that the Fiesta remains one of the world’s most popular cars.”

Refresher: The Ford Fiesta is powered by a 1.6L DOHC 4-cylinder engine making 120-hp with a peak torque of 109 lb-ft. The EPA rated the 2012 Fiesta at 29/40 mpg (city/highway) when mated to a 6-speed PowerShift automatic transmission and 28/37 mpg when mated to a 5-speed manual. Pricing for the 2012 Ford Fiesta starts at $13,200.

2012 Ford Fiesta:

- By: Chris Chin

Ken Block and DC announced today that production on Gymkhana FOUR has begun and fans can expect all of the driving precision, speed, and tire smoke that Ken has become known on a worldwide scale for to be taken to a whole new level with

Gymkhana FOUR will be released later this summer.

To build buzz around Ken Block‘s upcoming release, DC has launched a Gymkhana FOUR web page today at: http://www.dcshoes.com/auto. If you’re a fan, then you can check the website for exclusive photos and news leading up to the release of Gymkhana FOUR.

“I’m unbelievably stoked about how Gymkhana FOUR is going,” said Ken. “I did it in a brand new racecar that we’ve just finished building and it’s an absolute beast. Plus, the concept for this next chapter is on a completely new level. The locations we visited and action we documented are absolutely wild. Fans are going to be floored when they see the finished clip. I can say with full confidence that Gymkhana FOUR is going to be better than Gymkhana THREE. And that is saying a lot, because I thought I would never be able to outdo GYM3.”

The car Ken will use in Gymkhana FOUR will be the new Ford Fiesta RS WRC HFHV, which he released earlier this week.

- By: Omar Rana

For the seventh consecutive year, Porsche is the highest-ranking nameplate in the 2011 APEAL Study by J.D. Power and Associates. Hyundai also improved from 2010 more than any other nameplate this year, while Jeep and Chrysler also improved considerably.

BMW and Dodge each had three models each that received the segment-level awards. BMW models receiving awards incldued the new X3, Z4 Roadster and the 5 Series. Dodge received awards for the Challenger, Charger and Durango.

Ford and Honda also received two model-level awards, with Ford receiving awards for the all-new Fiesta and F-150 LD and Honda receiving awards for the Ridgeline and redesigned Odyssey.

“The auto industry has taken a battering during the past few years,” said David Sargent, vice president of global vehicle research at J.D. Power and Associates. “However, it is clear that throughout this period, automakers have never lost sight of the fact that survival—and ultimately success—only comes from winning over customers in the showroom. Offering highly appealing vehicles is one of the primary means to succeed.”

Hit the jump for the complete ranking.

2011 APEAL Study by J.D. Power and Associates:

- By: Omar Rana

Not too long ago, we informed you of Ken Block’s latest Gymkhana tour, where he shows off his driving skills by thrashing a WRC-spec Ford Fiesta around a several stage rally crossed at his Gymkhana events around the world. At the Los Angeles, California show of the Gymkhana World Tour, Ken Block unveiled his latest weapon to tackle the rally courses.

As expected, it is a current WRC-Spec Ford Fiesta, but it features a new hybrid function that works in conjunction with the engine. Called the Ford Fiesta RS WRC HFHV, which stands for Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle, Ken Block’s latest car had its normal 1.6L four-banger replaced with a Pipo Moteurs-built, 2.0L four-banger that’s based on the old motor.

The AWD system in the Fiesta was designed and built by Sadev and features a 6-Speed sequential manual with three adjustable and mechanical differentials.

“The H.F.H.V. is the best of all worlds for me,” said Ken Block himself. “The current WRC Fiesta is the greatest handling car I have driven, but it lacks the sheer grunt that the 2.0L engine in the WRC Focus created. The H.F.H.V. brings those two things together, and the result is a manic beast that is just too much fun to drive.”

- By: Chris Chin

As announced last week, Ken Block and Ford have teamed up to launch a Gymkhana World Tour, which will feature stops in Austria, Australia and the United States.

“Designed to bring the Gymkhana experience to a live audience, each GWT stop will be unique not only in its location but in the content and layout of the Gymkhana course,” Ford said in a statement. “Out of each stop on the tour, Monster World Rally Team will create mini Gymkhana videos which will showcase the event.”

Block will take his Ford Fiesta on tour, which will coincide with key competition dates for Block in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and at X Games 17.

“I’m really excited about my Gymkhana World Tour this summer. I’m delighted that Ford is continuing to support my love of Gymkhana in the way that they are,” said Block. “It’s something that I really enjoy doing and the fans love it as well, so to have Ford on board as I go to do this sort of thing is amazing.”

The Gymkhana World Tour will stop in Vienna, Austria on July 10 followed by a stop in the United States on July 23 at the Dodger Stadium in an elevated area overlooking down town Los Angeles. The final stop in Australia will be held the week prior to the Rally Australia at Calder Park in Melbourne on September 2-3.

- By: Omar Rana