The Formula Ford EcoBoost open-wheel road racer has landed in Australia for the first time in the lead up to a special Ford ‘Go Further’ event which will take place later this week. Technically road legal, the ultra frugal machine features a tuned version of the company’s new 1.0-litre turbo three cylinder.
Powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder, similar to what is now available in the Fiesta hatch, the Formula Ford produces an impressive 152kW of power. It shows the full potential of Ford’s EcoBoost sub-brand philosophy.
The car recently posted one of the fastest ever lap times around the Nurburgring in Germany, with a time of 7:22. This puts it ahead of vehicles like the Lamborghini Aventador and Ferrari Enzo. Bob Graziano, Ford President and CEO, recently said,
“We built this road-legal race car to demonstrate the outer limits of the 1.0-litre EcoBoost in terms of performance and fuel efficiency. Once you experience the innovative 1.0-litre EcoBoost’s blend of performance and economy, everything else seems old school.”
Ford is aiming to introduce EcoBoost engines to all of its vehicles in the future, with up to 80 per cent of all nameplates set to showcase the technology by the end of this year.
In Australia, EcoBoost engines can be found in the Fiesta, Focus, Mondeo, and Falcon, as well as the new Ford Kuga EcoBoost. In fact, the only passenger vehicles that aren’t offered with the technology are the Territory and Ranger.
Ford Australia is expected to make some major announcements this week in regards to the future of the company.
