Ford's Fiesta rallyeconcept introduced at Birmingham Motor Show in 2002. We'd keep the rollcage, paint it black, swap in a 1.6L Duratorq diesel engine, and race it all over Los Angeles.
It's no secret that Ford has a stable of winners in the European and South American market. One of its global platforms that has shown remarkable staying power is the venerable Ford Fiesta. Initially dubbed the Bobcat, the platform was claimed to be the first "universal car" offered by Ford since the Model T. The production platform was named Fiesta, which initially appeared in 1976, and has been a global mainstay for more than 30 years. The Fiesta continues its sales success with its diesel engine option, to the delight of both repeat buyers and newcomers alike. Sadly, the Fiesta was killed off from the U.S. market years ago.
Ford's current generation Fiesta Zetec S with a 1.6L Duratorq engine as sold in Europe.
EUROPEAN ROOTS
The project began with a request for $200,000 and 12 months to develop the new vehicle. It was answered with an offer of only $100,000 and eight months of development time.
A Ford Europe team was assembled, with the goal of developing a small car for European production, along with the possibility of offering a universal for the countries of the Third World.
The world platform would be an unsophisticated unit, produced as simply as possible and economical to purchase, operate, and maintain. The base requirements dictated a platform with room for four adults, a good-sized trunk, acceleration from 0-50 mph in 25-30 seconds, and a top speed of 55-60 mph. The target volume was 250,000 cars a year without taking away from Ford's existing European operations. As for price, the Fiesta was not to exceed 60 percent of that of the basic Ford Escort.