The eyes of the automotive world continue to focus on the Los Angeles Auto Show, and it’s no surprise after another vehicle made its debut at the event.
This time it was the turn of the North American 2011 Ford Fiesta, which will be available in both four-door and five-door body styles and comes with a choice of 15 class-exclusive technologies and projected fuel economy of 40mpg.
Featuring a 1.6litre DOHC I-4 engine, the Fiesta delivers an estimated 119hp at 6,000rpm and 109lb-ft of torque at 4,250rpm. It includes twin independent variable camshaft timing that allows the engine to be downsized for enhanced fuel economy while optimising the camshaft phasing for throttle response and flexibility.
In an effort to enhance fuel economy further, the powertrain weight was kept as low as possible, while the Fiesta is also being launched with an all-new six-speed automatic transmission that combines the responsive performance of a manual shift with the convenience of an automatic.
Known as Powershift, it is a dual dry clutch transmission that operates with sealed internal lubrication that reduces fuel consumption by limiting the friction. Twin internal clutches keep it in constant mesh while continually optimising for maximum responsiveness.
The new Ford Fiesta will also include electric power assist steering that saves weight and improves fuel economy by reducing parasitic drag on the engine. It also enables something called ‘active nibble cancellation’ which senses for irregularity in wheel balance and the related steering wheel vibration it can cause.
The new Ford Fiesta is the latest stage under the ONE Ford plan to develop vehicles that meet differing needs of consumers all around the world. The car is already the number two selling vehicle in Europe and more than 500,000 Fiestas have been sold since it was launched last autumn.
