Ford Fiesta ST Confirmed
With strong reception to the Fiesta ST concept, Ford will move ahead with plans to bring the sub-compact hot hatch to market the automaker has confirmed.
hot hatch
Ford Focus ST Takes on Rivals in New ‘Sessions’ YouTube Series
To help promote the launch of the brad’s new hot hatch, Ford has released the first in a series of YouTube short films titled “Focus ST Sessions.”
Ford Focus ST Fuel Economy Released: 32 MPG Highway
When you think of a hatchback with 252 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, good gas milage is probably far from being in the list of top priorities, but would you complain if it came with the package anyway?
Mercedes A45 AMG Promises to be Brand’s Most Powerful 4-Cylinder
Set to take on the Audi RS3 and BMW M135i, neither of which are available in North America, Mercedes has reportedly confirmed details of its upcoming premium hot-hatch, which will wear the A45 AMG badge.
Ford Fiesta RS Rumored
While the thought of an ultra hot-hatch version of the new Focus has been under consideration for quite some time, Ford is also now considering, instead, the possibility of a Fiesta RS.
Ford Focus ST Performance Academy Offers Free Hot Lap Training
Driving enthusiasts in select cities across the U.S. will have the chance to drive Ford Focus ST with professional race instruction this summer.
2013 Ford Focus ST Pricing Leaked: $23,700
According to a leaked spec sheet, Ford‘s upcoming Focus ST global hot hatch will start at $23,700 ($24,495 with the $795 destination charge). Since its inception, Ford’s former Global Performance Vehicles chief Jost Capito intended for the Ford Focus ST to be at the top of its class, “We want to have the best hot hatch...
Ford Focus RS Development Delayed
In an interview, Ford vehicle line director Gunnar Herrman reported that development on the next-generation Focus RS hot hatch have been delayed to bump development of various other vehicles and its trims and variants, especially the Ford Kuga/Escape and the Ford Focus Electric. Simply, Herrmann explained that “It’s just because we have other priorities to...
Citroën DS4 R Concept is a Hot Hatch to Pine Over: Geneva Motor Show Preview
Citroën has just released official images of its latest hot-hatch concept model set to premiere at the upcoming 2012 Geneva Motor Show. It’s images like these that convince us the North American market could really use some French metal. In terms of hardware, the Citroën DS4 Racing concept receives the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine found in...
Chevy Sonic RS Gets Added Style and Handling, Not Power: Detroit Auto Show Preview
As rumored, Chevy has unveiled a new Sonic RS model with a long list of extras, improving the cars looks and handling. Plus, the new sport-tuned Sonic RS also comes equipped with the Chevrolet MyLink telematics system with a 7-inch color touchscreen. Available only in the 5-door hatchback style, the car gets a new aero...
Fiat 500 Abarth Video – First Look: 2011 LA Auto Show
The Fiat 500 was just an appetizer. This is the car Fiat fans have really been waiting for, the 500 Abarth. Built by the automaker’s in-house tuning division, the Abarth model gets a long list of upgrades, from a lower and stiffer suspension, to upgraded wheels and, most importantly, a turbocharged mated to the 1.4-liter...
Ford Fiesta ST Concept Revealed Ahead Of LA Auto Show Debut
For long one of the most beloved hot hatches in Europe, the Ford Fiesta ST Concept will be unveiled at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. Recently at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Ford revealed a three-door ST concept, a sign that perhaps the hot-hatch sub-compact would not be offered in North America. This new five-door...
Fiat 500 Abarth Confirmed for LA Auto Show Debut
Fiat has officially confirmed it will add a third model to its U.S. lineup, debuting the new 500 Abarth at the LA Auto Show. Looking like a kitted-out version of the standard 500, this car is certain to hit the sweet spot with enthusiasts, and is expected to come equipped with a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder...
Ford Focus ST To Debut At Frankfurt Auto Show, Details Released In Advance
For the European market, the thought of another high performance Ford Focus has become banal, but North America is eagerly awaiting the launch of the first “Euro” hot hatch variant of the Focus, with the upcoming Ford Focus ST. The original Focus SVT was based on a European model called the Focus ST170, but the...
Ford Focus Facebook Fans Get Exclusive Insights Into New Focus ST
Facebook is more than just a place where you can find out what your friends are up to – it’s also a great place to get the scoop on the latest auto innovations and news. And if you’re a Ford Focus Facebook fan, you’ll be the first to know about the all-new Ford Focus ST....
Next-Gen Ford Focus RS Confirmed
With 305 turbocharged horsepower the Focus RS might just have been the ultimate hot-hatch. Now, for the first time, Ford has confirmed it will have a successor, arriving in late 2013 or early 2014 with at least 350-hp while sticking to its front-wheel-drive strategy. Gunnar Hermann, Ford’s global chief of small cars, has gone on...
Next Volkswagen GTI Details Emerged
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is the original hot-hatchback. While many have followed this recipe of putting a tuned engine in a practical hatchback, thanks to its ever evolving state, the GTI is still on the scene and getting faster and faster. Now news from Europe suggests that the next generation GTI will just get a...
Volkswagen Golf R Set For U.S Debut Early In 2012
The eagerly anticipated high performance Volkswagen Golf R has been confirmed for sale in the U.S in early 2012. With the cancellation of the GTI Edition 35, and the outgoing R32 beast, VDub enthusiasts will be extremely pleased to know that a hot-hatch version of the Golf is coming. Volkswagen’s product and technology communications manager Mark Gillies...
Volkswagen GTI Edition 35 Coming to America With 235-hp
Volkswagen‘s hot new ‘Edition 35‘ version of the GTI will make the jump across the Atlantic, pleasing performance junkies and Vee-Dub fans across the nation. Recently unveiled at the 2011 Worthersee Tour GTI meet, 35th anniversary edition of the original hot hatch may not arrive right away… and it might get a name change too....
Polo R “Likely” Admits Volkswagen Exec
Previous reports of a high-performance R version of the Volkswagen Polo sub-compact have been downplayed in the past, but the German automaker rejuvenated enthusiasm in the idea when it revealed the new Polo R WRC race car last week. With R decals displayed prominently across the car, it’s a clear hint that the Polo R...
Kia To Build Volkswagen Golf GTI Rival, Front-Drive Convertible By 2014
Kia is forging ahead with plans to build a rival to the Volkswagen Golf GTI, complete with a turbocharged engine and class-leading driving dynamics. The new car will be part of Kia’s effort to differentiate itself from Hyundai by focusing on performance and excitement. The GTI rival will likely be based on the well-received Cee’d, which...
Ford Fiesta ST: Hot Hatch Sub-Compact to Boast 180-HP
Ford‘s new Focus ST is set to get a little brother. Planned to launch in 2012, the Fiesta ST will deliver hot hatch thrills in an even smaller package, with the B-Class car getting a 180-hp version of Ford’s 1.6-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine. What isn’t clear is if the Fiesta ST will make its way...
Chevrolet Cruze SS Being Developed By Holden
With the Chevrolet Cobalt SS being a critical (if not commercial) success, General Motors has been pushing for an SS version of their new Chevrolet Cruze small car, and the program looks like it’s a go, with much of the work being done by their Australian Holden division. While details are still preliminary, a more...
Kia Rio Hot Hatch Under Consideration to Spice Up Brand’s Image
Kia‘s new designs are helping brand the Korean automaker in a more positive light, particularly here in North America with the stylish new Optima. But in other parts of the world mid-size sedan’s don’t hold the same cache, nor do they sell all that well, so Kia is looking at alternative ways to create a...
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