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Fastest Fiesta and super SUVs announced in Frankfurt show
publication date: Sep 14, 2011
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author/source: Robin Roberts
Ford showcased its
vision to take its ST performance family around the world with the surprise
reveal of an exciting new Fiesta ST Concept powered by a high performance
engine from the Bridgend plant 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 Fiesta ST
joining the Focus ST would bring Ford performance to drivers in two major
global segments.
The covers finally
came off the production version of the dramatic new Focus ST five-door at the
Frankfurt Motor Show and European customers can also choose a stylish wagon
version of the Focus ST, which will launch alongside the five-door model in
2012.
| | | Land Rover has
unveiled two new concepts for the Land Rover Defender, the iconic go-anywhere
vehicle.
Named DC100 and
DC100 Sport, the two concepts showcase the direction and thinking behind the
ongoing development of the new Land Rover Defender, intended for production in
2015.
DC100 and DC100
Sport capture the flexibility, adaptability and configurability that have always
been key attributes of Land Rover and continue in today's Defender. DC100 demonstrates
the future of Land Rover's capability and versatility; DC100 Sport is a convertible active
expression of freedom and leisure. |  | | Both concepts are
based on the same shared 100-inch wheelbase. | | |  | A new Maserati vehicle in the sport luxury
SUV segment will represent a natural direction for Maserati to enlarge its
product range and strengthen its presence in the sport luxury market.
For some reason SUVs today never seem to
offer the kind of uplifting driving pleasure and luxury atmosphere that are two
givens of today's high-end sports and luxury cars. | And this is precisely what
Maserati set out to do with its new sport luxury SUV concept that is being
unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show today, the forerunner of the future
Maserati range, creating at once discontinuity by entering a new segment, and
continuity by maintaining the integrity of Maserati's DNA.
The essence and all major system components
of the Maserati sport luxury SUV will unmistakably be Maserati: style, engine,
suspensions, brakes, handling and performance will all be 100% Maserati in
picture-perfect continuity with the brand's core values of sportiness, style,
elegance, luxury, performance and craftsmanship.
New-generation high-tech Maserati
proprietary engines will be designed in Modena by Paolo Martinelli - Head of
the Maserati Powertrain Department and for nearly 30 years at Ferrari, where he
also served as engine chief of the Formula One racing team - and will be
produced in Maranello by Ferrari. An AT 8 speed automatic transmission and
specific performance settings such as suspensions, brakes, steering will be
exclusively developed in Modena for the Maserati sport luxury SUV by the
Maserati Product Development Department.
| | |  | Full details have
emerged of the all new Eterniti Hemera super SUV.
It will be the
first product in a space which Bentley, Maserati and Aston Martin, with the
Lagonda brand, have identified for future product. It will utilise the platform
of the Volkswagen Touareg but modified to give 620bhp and exceed 180mph. | The Hemera will
feature a limousine-like rear cabin, including twin electrically-reclining rear
seats with heating and cooling, twin iPads with wireless keyboards, and a
drinks chiller. This satisfies a specific - and currently unmet - need,
particularly in Asian markets, for a car suitable for being chauffeured in as
well as driving.
Unlike a
conventional limousine, an SUV's relatively compact footprint and wheelbase
allow it to offer excellent handling and driver appeal, and the ride height and
ruggedness are suitable for poor road surfaces which can make limousines and
conventional high-performance cars impractical.
Production will
start early in 2012, with deliveries by the summer. Prices have yet to be
confirmed, but will be around £150,000 for the standard vehicle. Buyers will
receive a full, three-year warranty.
Warranty and
servicing work will be carried out on-site in London, with collect-and-return
and supplemented by a ‘flying doctor' service. Customers will have access to
finance and insurance depending on the market. |
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