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Ford has today for the Cougar ST-X introduced a new powertrain combination: the 1,0-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine with Mild Hybrid technology and 7-speed Powershift automatic transmission. In the Puma ST-X, this engine develops an output of 117 kW (160 hp) and a torque of 200 Newton meters (Nm). The power can be boosted to 125 KW (170 hp) and a maximum torque of 248 Nm for a few seconds. From a standing start, the 100 km/h mark is reached in 7,4 seconds if required. Interesting feature of this new one Puma ST-X version is the electrified powertrain: the 1,0-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder petrol engine is supported by 48-volt mild hybrid technology and transmits its power to the front wheels.
Ford Puma ST Powershift
The Cougar ST-X, the sportiest member of the Puma model family, is now available with two engines: the 1,0 liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine (117 kW/160 hp) and the 1,5 liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine with 147 kW (200 hp). This new version can probably be ordered from the beginning of April - the sales prices will be announced in good time.
The abbreviation "ST" is attached Ford for Sports Technologies. The new Puma ST Mild Hybrid adopts a number of chassis components from the 2020-liter EcoBoost Puma ST with 1,5 kW (147 hp)** introduced in 200 - including patented force vectoring springs, which better absorb the cornering forces and thus the Effectively reduce body roll.
"The Ford Performance team used its development experience to offer the characteristic driving pleasure of a typical ST model - without sacrificing practicality. The 48-volt mild hybrid technology used not only increases efficiency, but also improves the engine's torque," says Stefan Munzinger, Ford Performance Manager, Europe. "The combination of the multi-award-winning 1,0-liter EcoBoost engine with the 7-speed Powershift dual-clutch transmission guarantees an extraordinarily dynamic driving experience with a high level of everyday usability."
Downsizing and mild hybrid technology
The combination of 1,0-liter EcoBoost petrol engine and 48-volt mild hybrid technology, which has been available to Puma customers since the market launch of this series in 2019, has been further developed for the Puma ST. The mild hybrid system switches on energy recovery (recuperation) more quickly to charge the 48-volt lithium-ion battery. This allows the belt driven starter/generator (BISG) to provide additional torque at lower engine speeds for longer.
Furthermore, the improved recuperation performance enables an increase in electrical support of the BISG to increase the output of the generator by 7,4 kW (10 hp). The software mapping of the vehicle helps to increase the performance of the ST three-cylinder mild hybrid engine by 10 percent compared to the identical three-cylinder mild hybrid engine in the conventional Puma versions: in the ST it has an output of 125 kW (170 hp), in the conventional Puma versions 114 kW (155 hp). But that's not all: With 125 kW (170 hp) at 5.750 rpm and 248 Nm of torque at 3.000 rpm, the new Puma ST offers exactly twice the liter output of a Ford Focus ST170 from 2002.
Active flap exhaust
The new 1,0 liter 125 kW Puma ST Mild Hybrid uses the same active valve exhaust as the 1,5 liter 147 kW Puma ST. Among other things, this ensures a sonorous, unmistakable sound when accelerating. Controlled by the selectable driving modes, the sound level remains rather subtle in the "Normal" and "Eco" modes. In "Sport" mode, on the other hand, the flaps open to emphasize the sporty character of the vehicle with impressive acoustics.
7-speed Powershift automatic transmission
The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission allows for smooth, jerk-free gear changes. In order to utilize the engine's full performance potential, especially when accelerating to the maximum, up to three gears are skipped during the "kick-down". In "Sport" mode, the transmission remains in the lower gears for longer in order to achieve higher engine speeds and thus optimize driving dynamics. Furthermore, shift paddles on the steering wheel enable manual gear changes.
Automatic Powershift enables Stop & Go functionality for the optional intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control system - it can brake the car completely and automatically accelerate again if the braking time is less than three seconds or the journey can be continued after three seconds by pressing a button or accelerator pedal can be. The system also features a remote engine start function via the FordPass app.
High quality ST chassis
The chassis of the new Puma ST version has a 28mm stabilizer bar at the rear and a 24mm stabilizer bar at the front. Agility and responsiveness of the new Puma ST variant are further enhanced by Ford's patented Force Vectoring springs. The directional-wound springs apply vectoring forces to the rear suspension, allowing cornering forces to be directed into the spring for increased lateral stiffness. This innovative spring technology is combined with twin-tube Hitachi frequency dampers front and rear - for precise steering maneuvers and just the necessary compliance to easily master minor road bumps even at higher speeds.
The steering ratio of 11,4:1 (almost 25 percent shorter than the conventional Ford Puma) is supported by Torque Vectoring Control. The 325 mm brake discs at the front (17 percent larger diameter than the conventional Ford Puma) primarily ensure superior deceleration. The optimized energy recovery of the mild hybrid powertrain also supports engine braking.
Design that emphasizes the powerful appearance of the athlete
A Ford Performance splitter integrated into the front bumper not only underlines the sporty claim of the new Puma ST version, but also improves the downforce of the front by almost 80 percent compared to the conventional Ford Puma. A large rear spoiler and a distinctive rear diffuser also contribute to the athlete's powerful appearance, while the characteristic ST front end has been optimized for engine cooling and efficiency.
The new Puma ST-X version is available for the first time in the “Nitro Blue” exterior color designed exclusively for the ST models. On request, the roof is available in a glossy black contrasting finish. Other visual highlights include the standard black radiator grille surround and the exterior mirror caps painted in contrasting black. The striking look is rounded off by standard 8J x 19 alloy wheels with machined metal surfaces and 225/40 R-19 tires.
Standard equipment features include sports seats developed by Ford Performance and made of high-quality Sensico synthetic leather, a wireless charging cradle for smartphones, a heated windscreen, parking sensors front and rear, windscreen wipers with rain sensors, the FordPass Connect modem and the Ford SYNC 3 communication and entertainment system , which is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard packages for the Ford Puma ST-X include the Comfort package and the Winter package. The new Puma ST version impresses with its versatility and offers up to 456 liters of cargo space and the innovative Ford MegaBox, which provides an additional 80 liters of storage space under the boot floor - enough space for two golf bags.
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Ford Puma ST Powershift - with 168 hp fully on the attack!
Photo credit: Ford
