Ford’s little engine with a big heart
Published: 13/06/2012
Ford’s new 123bhp, one-litre EcoBoost engine in the new Focus has proved its performance by setting 16 Federation Internationale de l’Automobile world speed records.
Drivers including World Rally Championships star Jari-Matti Latvala set the records at the CERAM test circuit in Mortefontaine, France.
“This little engine punches way above its weight when it comes to performance,” said Latvala, whose regular ride is a 300bhp Ford Fiesta RS World Rally Car.
“The records prove the Focus one-litre EcoBoost can be lots of fun.”
The three Ford Focus one-litre EcoBoost models set the “sub-one-litre class” world records for recorded times covering one mile from a standing and flying start, and for highest average speeds recorded over distances from 6.21 miles.
The cars also set highest average speed records over timed sessions lasting one, six, 12 and 24 hours.
The highest average speed recorded was 118.7mph during the setting of the world record for the highest average speed over one hour.
The EcoBoost Focus went on sale in the UK in February.
The car is capable of 0-62mph acceleration in 11.3sec and a top speed of 120mph. It delivers 56.5mpg and CO emissions of 114g/km.
