Four new Fords for Frankfurt

FORD has confirmed it will reveal no fewer than four new global vehicles on the eve of the Frankfurt motor show on September 12, at least two of which should hit Australian showrooms next year.

Taking top billing on Ford’s massive 3200 square-metre exhibit – the company’s largest ever at the bi-annual German auto extravaganza – will be “a major new design” concept, which could preview an all-new Blue Oval sportscar if this intriguing teaser image is any guide.

Ford has revealed it will also announce “details of the next Focus performance car” at Frankfurt, where the number two US auto-maker will stage an adjacent 2800 square-metre outdoor test track to exhibit technologies such as Active City Stop and Active Park Assist as part of its interactive ‘Drive Experience’ display.

This suggest Ford will unveil the production version of its next-generation Focus ST, which appeared in concept guise at last September's Paris show and will next year replace the Focus XR5 as the flagship of the third-generation Focus range launched in Australia this week.



The new Focus ST – a badge that will replace the XR5 nameplate in the Focus line-up here – should be powered by a 184kW/360Nm version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine that is already seen in the Mondeo and will power Ford Australia’s first four-cylinder Falcon from early 2012.

We expect one of the two other Ford debuts at Frankfurt to be the production version of the compact Vertrek SUV concept that made its world premiere at this year’s Detroit show and previews the replacement for both Europe’s Kuga and the aged Escape sold in Asia Pacific markets.

“Ford plans to make a strong statement at the Frankfurt motor show, with several very exciting global product reveals and our significantly expanded show stand,” said Ford of Europe chairman and CEO Stephen Odell.

“We’re excited to be showing customers our best-ever vehicle line-up and a special glimpse of the future.” Mr Odell will be joined by the Ford Motor Company’s design group vice-president and chief creative officer J Mays, as well as global product development group vice-president Derrick Kuzak at Ford’s show-eve product reveal.