Daily Archives: June 22, 2016
Spy Shots Of The 2018 Ford Fiesta ST Emerge
Ford is currently working on their next-generation Ford Fiesta hatchback. Lucky are we today that we found some spy shots of the prototype for the new ST model.
It was amazing how the engineers tried to make the 2018 prototype look like the regular Fiesta, but some clues in terms of its exterior have given way for us to take a good guess of how sporty this ST model is going to be.
The most obvious new features are the uprated wheels, tires and brakes. The Ford Fiesta ST should have multi-spokes because its maker has been trying to hide larger brakes, although the front rotors and calipers don’t actually look bigger than normal.
There are also dual-exhaust tips at the rear and a seemingly large intercooler at the front. A new spoiler is also spotted and it looks bigger than the Fiesta previewed a few weeks ago.
Based on the photos, the engineers are using the current Ford Fiesta ST as a benchmark.
In terms of powertrain, we expect the new ST to retain front-wheel drive, manual transmissions and the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. But since this is the next-generation ST and it promised to be sportier, we should see some extra horsepower.
To recall, Ford has just launched a special Fiesta ST200 to mark the impending end of the current Fiesta range. And though that wasn’t intended for the US market, its turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder should fit well with the offering in this new ST.
The same engine will produce a fairly average 212 horsepower. With this, we’re hoping there’s also a hotter Fiesta RS somewhere in the future.
This new Fiesta, including the ST model, will debut next year as a 2018 model. Reports said it can make its debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show.
Ford is reportedly also planning to launch a next-generation Focus, which will come in as a later model compared to the 2018 Fiesta ST.
2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sportwagon Becomes A Worthy Rival To Merc And BMW
The 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sportwagon is not only reviving the Giulia nameplate last used in 1978, it is an updated Alfa Romeo 159 introduced in 2011. But much more than that, the new Giulia features premium interior and powerful drivetrains that make it a worthy rival for the likes of the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Based on a rendering provided by Top Speed , the sportwagon will share the looks of the sedan—from the nose to the B-pillar. It is toward the rear only where styling difference will commence. There will be an additional quarter window between the rear-door glass and the C-pillar, as well as a new fascia design and tailgate.
The sportwagon should be retaining the sedan’s taillights and bumper design, but will combine them with a sloping roof, narrow rear windscreen, and a spoiler on top.
If there’s going to be a QV version, there’s bound to be larger front intakes, prominent splitter, front vents, a large roof spoiler, and a diffuser.
Inside, the Giulia will have premium features enough to rival the 3-Series and the C-Class. The seats and door panels are made of fine leather while wood grain is used on top of each door panel. On the dashboard, it will come with the Tan and Black interior option.
The sportwagon will share the sedan’s “human-machine interface” concept as the dash and the console will have all the basic controls—a start button and an infotainment system with an 8.8-inch screen, active voice activation, and Apple iOS or Android connectivity.
For now, what’s confirmed is the sportwagon will have the gasoline unit and two diesel units. The gasoline option has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that pumps out 197 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with an 8-speed auto transmission.
The diesel unit comes with a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder with two options—one that cranks out 148 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque and one that produces 177 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque.
Official introduction of the Giulia Sportwagon will likely happen in 2017.
