Ford’s Shift from Hot Hatches to Electric Performance Vehicles
Ford’s iconic hot hatches, the Fiesta ST and soon-to-be-retired Focus ST, may seem like a chapter closing, but Ford is not stepping away from performance. Instead, the brand is gearing up for a reimagined future in the electric vehicle (EV) market. Ford’s ST and RS badges, synonymous with performance, hold potential for a return in the electric era.
The Vision: Electrified ST and RS Badges
Jan Herzog, Ford Europe’s Product Marketing Manager, recently revealed aspirations in an Auto Express interview to introduce ST or RS variants in their electric lineup. This move suggests Ford’s commitment to maintaining its performance heritage even as it transitions to electric.
The Emergence of the Puma Gen-E
In Europe, Ford’s Puma Gen-E represents a compact electric crossover that could lead the charge as the next ST model. The current version, with 166 horsepower, mirrors the gasoline-powered Puma ST. Future versions are expected to feature enhanced power, sportier suspension, and chassis tuning. Herzog implied that, if not the current model, the next iteration of the Puma EV could proudly wear the ST badge, marking Ford’s first electric vehicle in this category.
The Role of Mustang Mach-E in the U.S.
In the United States, the Mustang Mach-E GT serves as a robust example with 480 horsepower and dual motors, offering formidable performance. An off-road variant, the Mach-E Rally, is also available, showcasing Ford’s versatility in electric performance. The possibility of an even more powerful Mach-E RS version remains on the horizon, expanding the brand’s electric offerings.
Global Trends in Electric Performance Vehicles
Ford is not alone in this pursuit. Brands like Mini and Peugeot are reviving their performance names, like JCW and GTI, for the electric era. This trend highlights a collective industry shift towards integrating excitement and performance into electric vehicles.
Ford’s Commitment to Performance
According to Ford’s Design Director, Amko Leenarts, the company’s extensive involvement in motorsports, spanning Formula 1, Dakar, WRC, Pikes Peak, and NASCAR, influences their road vehicles. This dedication underscores Ford’s ongoing investment in performance, suggesting that electric vehicles will continue to deliver thrilling driving experiences.
Conclusion: Evolving but Not Departing
While the era of lightweight, turbocharged four-cylinder hatchbacks may be waning, the transition to electric power presents new opportunities. Electric vehicles offer instant torque, a low center of gravity, and precision tuning, enhancing the driving experience. Ford’s message is clear: fun will not fade away but will evolve with new power sources.
By embracing electrification, Ford’s ST and RS badges are poised for an exciting comeback, promising to retain the brand’s spirited driving essence in a sustainable future.
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This blog post highlights Ford’s transition into the electric vehicle era while retaining its performance legacy. It focuses on the future potential of the ST and RS badges in Ford’s electric lineup, particularly with models like the Puma Gen-E and Mustang Mach-E. The article also considers global trends and Ford’s motorsport influences, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to delivering exciting, high-performance electric vehicles.