Ford Fiesta ST gets optional LSD & Launch Control, coming to Malaysia?



Ford has announced a new range of Sports Technologies for the new Ford Fiesta ST where customers will have the option for a Limited Slip Differential (LSD), Ford-patented force vectoring springs and Launch Control to deliver an even more engaging driving experience.

The third-generation Fiesta ST will be offered, for the first time, with an optional Quaife LSD fitted onto the front axle, helping to optimise front-end traction during cornering. The LSD works in tandem with the Torque Vectoring Control that reduces understeer by applying braking force on the inner front wheel when cornering.

European Ford Performance director, Leo Roeks said, “Performance car drivers will be familiar with the dreaded ‘one-wheel peel’, where a fast corner exit is hampered by an overload of torque to the inside wheel.”

“We’ve tuned the all-new Fiesta ST’s mechanical LSD option to work seamlessly with enhanced Torque Vectoring Control to deliver the best possible natural traction without ‘burning away’ excess torque with brake interventions,” Roeks added.

Developed in-house, the force vectoring springs are non-uniform, non-interchangeable, directionally-wound springs that are mounted to the standard dampers. The result is increased lateral stiffness, sharper turn-in, more responsive steering inputs without compromising on comfort and ride quality. The new springs also forego the Watt’s linkage solution typically used to enhance stiffness, saving 10 kilograms.

Lastly, the optional Launch Control module allows drivers to achieve consistent and fast launches by simply activating the sequence in the instrument cluster. When prompted, the driver will have to hold the throttle fully open and allow engine speed to build up to the optimum point. Once the car is prepared for launch, all the driver needs to do is release the clutch for the perfect standing start.

With the 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder EcoBoost engine that deploys 197 hp and 290 Nm to the front wheels, the little hot hatch will sprint to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds with Launch Control activated. Row through all six gears yourself and you’ll reach a top speed of 231 km/h.

Other features available on the Fiesta ST includes cylinder deactivation technology that improves fuel economy by up to 11 percent, Active Exhaust Valve technology that intensifies the exhaust note on demand, selectable Drive Modes – Normal, Sport and Track, the SYNC 3 infotainment system, B&O PLAY high-end audio system, Lane Keeping Aid, Traffic Sign Recognition and more.

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the official distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia had the previous-generation Ford Fiesta ST on sale that proved to be quite a popular choice among driving enthusiasts. Looking at how they also introduced high-performance models like the Mustang GT, it should be a matter of time till we see this manual hatchback in showrooms.


IMAGE GALLERY

Ford Fiesta ST with Sports Technologies