Ford’s performance-oriented ST and RS badges would possibly quickly discover their manner onto the corporate’s electrical autos as gasoline fashions are phased out. The Puma Gen-E is anticipated to be the primary electrical mannequin to obtain the ST distinction.
Ford’s ST and RS badges grew to become widespread with fashions just like the Fiesta ST, Focus ST, and Focus RS, and there are indications they might make a robust return, however in an electrified kind. It has been some time since Ford provided an RS automobile within the U.S., with the Focus ST persevering with to be obtainable in Europe, not less than till it’s discontinued later this 12 months. Nevertheless, the ST badge will not be utterly retired; the Explorer ST is offered within the U.S., and the Puma ST is current in Europe.
The Puma ST can be obtainable as an all-electric model referred to as the Puma Gen-E, which is prone to be the primary to obtain the sporty enhancement. In a dialog with Autocar, Jan Herzon, Ford’s European product advertising chief, expressed enthusiasm for introducing an ST or RS variant for his or her electrical vary.
Whereas there is no such thing as a set timeline, indications recommend that an ST model of the Puma Gen-E is on the horizon, with Herzog stating {that a} sportier electrical crossover is “undoubtedly coming, if not on this mannequin then within the subsequent.” Given the Puma’s success in Europe after the discontinuation of the Fiesta and the decline in Focus gross sales, it makes sensible sense for Ford to speculate additional in a automobile with robust gross sales potential. Nevertheless, Ford’s European advertising chief was hesitant to supply particular particulars on when a sporty model of the Puma Gen-E or perhaps a Mustang Mach-E can be launched.
For the Mach-E, a performance-oriented ST or RS variant is probably not as transformative, because the GT mannequin already incorporates a dual-motor setup with 480 horsepower. Moreover, the Mach-E Rally exists as a extra area of interest providing. Conversely, a compact crossover just like the Puma can be a perfect candidate for extra sturdy motors and a refined suspension system, as demonstrated by the present gas-powered Puma ST.
Final 12 months, Amko Leenarts, Ford of Europe’s design director, confirmed that the way forward for quick Fords is safe. He highlighted the model’s ubiquitous presence and its affect on on a regular basis autos, emphasizing the need for Ford to evolve its normal automobile strains globally.
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