Ford Puma ST hybrid, the most powerful version spotted at the Nurburgring
Ford Puma ST hybrid
The US carmaker has apparently set to work studying the Ford Puma ST hybrid. In fact, some spy photos have recently been unveiled that immortalize the Blue Oval vehicle on the Nurburgring circuit. So, it seems to be clear that a much more powerful - and obviously less polluting - version of the Ford brand crossover could arrive. Thanks to the spy photos, it is in fact possible to immediately notice the presence of a yellow sticker positioned on the rear window of the car, this indicates the presence of a hybrid propulsion.However, the aesthetic appearance seems to be almost the same to the one that characterizes the petrol version, without presenting - therefore - some novelties from the design point of view. In any case, it is not excluded that in a probable final version there may be aesthetic innovations both inside and outside the new model. Apparently, the Ford Puma ST hybrid should be equipped with a 1.6 turbo engine powered by biofuel, which will be accompanied by an electric powertrain that could reach 134 hp. Furthermore, according to rumors, there will be a 3.9 kWh battery. However, there is still no information on what could be the maximum power that the new Puma ST hybrid can reach even if, certainly, it will be more powerful than the traditional version.
In this regard, it should be remembered that the road version of the Ford Puma ST is capable of delivering a power of 197 hp and 320 Nm of torque. The Blue Oval vehicle makes an acceleration shot from 0 to 100 km / h within 6.7 seconds and can reach a top speed of 220 km / h. Therefore, with these characteristics, the Puma ST is positioned among the fastest crossovers in its segment. Despite this, it would seem that there is a new "opponent" to beat and it is the Hyundai Kona N, which - thanks to a 2.0 - is capable of delivering a power of 280 HP.
Ford Puma ST Spied Testing WIth Hybrid Powertrain
A hybrid version of the Ford Puma ST appears to be on the horizon, judging by these spy shots from the Nürburgring. The sporty crossover looks practically identical to the model available now, but the yellow sticker on the rear window tells us the powertrain has some level of electrification.
Unfortunately, details about the Puma ST's hybrid setup aren't available yet. Our spies think the sporty little crossover might pack an electrically assisted version of the current model's turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine. The existing mill makes 197 horsepower (147 kilowatts) and 214 pound-feet (290 Newton-meters) or 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) with overboost.
The current Puma ST can hit 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) in 6.7 seconds. The top speed is 137 mph (220 kph).
While not visible here, we would expect Ford to make some design tweaks to the Puma ST hybrid as a way to differentiate it from the existing model. Even a different wheel-and-tire package and body graphics would be enough.
A hybrid Ford Puma will start competing in the 2022 World Rally Championship, so it'll make sense to have a similar road-going version. This is the classic 'win on Sunday, sell on Monday' strategy.
The Puma rally car will use a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine running on biofuel. The electric motor will add 134 hp (100 kW) to the vehicle's output, and there will be a 3.9 kilowatt-hour battery pack.
'The M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 will put hybrid power to the ultimate test, and prove that the technology is capable of delivering thrilling performance,' said Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance.
The regular Puma already has an electrified powertrain by offering a mild-hybrid 1.0-liter engine. It makes a mere 125 hp (93 kW). The car is also available with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Buyers can add an optional adaptive cruise control system with stop-and-go functionality.
Source: CarPix
