SPIED: "Next Gen" Fiesta Test Mule?

[BoostBumps]

http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/future-cars/news/a25286/spied-2017-ford-fiesta-rs/

http://blog.caranddriver.com/spied-2017-ford-fiesta-rs/

http://www.autoblog.com/2015/03/16/ford-fiesta-rs-spy-shots/

http://www.autoevolution.com/news/2...irst-time-shows-aggresive-body-kit-93337.html

"With a big-mouth air inlet and wider fender flares, this Ford test mule sure looks like it could be the rumored Fiesta RS."

"What's this? Well, it's a dusty, sort of cobbled-together-looking Ford Fiesta hatchback. But look more closely. See that altered front bodywork with the giant air inlets? The tacked-on fender flares? The apparent intercooler peering out from behind the grille? This, friends, is no ordinary Fiesta - it's almost assuredly a test mule for a hot-rodded Fiesta RS that Ford could be cooking up for 2017."

"Our spy's sleuthy photos of this Fiesta test mule sure seem to support that assumption. Running around in a convoy that included two camouflaged Focus RS prototypes, the wee Fiesta appears to have a wide-mouthed (and likely temporary) grille echoing the big air inlets of the bigger Focus RS behind it. It's also sprouted tacked-on fender flares and some temporary rear bodywork, both of which were seen on Focus RS prototypes when they were in the early test-mule stages."





Comment / Observation: Look closer (below) as it appears as if they have covered up something internally behind the grill on this test mule.....

 

[airjor13]

I want to believe, but ultimately I don't think so. In the front, it looks like a small, vertical I/C on the passenger side.....or is it an oil cooler...LOL

But interestingly, it looks like an Focus RS mule behind it...and the Fiesta mule is really jacked up high....possibility like AWD high..

 

[Chris G]

Well that would certainly be interesting...

 

[doubletap]

Could be but I'm more inclined to believe that this is the new FiST.

 

[CanadianGuy]

could be testing things to update the 1.0 intercooler.... Mind you is that a tow hitch?

 

[LT Berzerker]

Why would they be running this old of a platform into a new trim lvl for a 2017 release...I mean the current platform has been in the market since 08.... Just an observation

 

[DirtyBlueshirt]

could be testing things to update the 1.0 intercooler.... Mind you is that a tow hitch?

Test mules often have tow hitches to drag along larger sensor equipment if needed.

 

[DirtyBlueshirt]

Why would they be running this old of a platform into a new trim lvl for a 2017 release...I mean the current platform has been in the market since 08.... Just an observation

It's my understanding from talks with Ford Engineers that the basic wheelbase will remain the same in Gen 8. They were asking questions like "If you could add space in the front, rear seats, or cargo area, but the overall floor space would remain the same, where would you add space" and along those lines. In that sense, it's not surprising that the powertrain will be workable with the current unibody.

 

[DirtyBlueshirt]

...and the Fiesta mule is really jacked up high....possibility like AWD high..

That'll be the big clue. Also suspension modifications for the Gen8 wheelbase may not be fully compatible with the Gen7 unibody.

 

[rooSTer]

Doesn't look AWD to me.

 

[lessard.dcj]

one thing i will add is if this is an RS proto, then im guessing that they should put 5x100 wheels on and not the poop 4x108.

Now i know that this is supposed to have a bunch of things not finalized/in testing, so who knows...

 

[airjor13]

one thing i will add is if this is an RS proto, then im guessing that they should put 5x100 wheels on and not the poop 4x108.

Now i know that this is supposed to have a bunch of things not finalized/in testing, so who knows...

If anything, it will probably be 5X108, ford doesn't do 5X100

 

[Perfblue15]

Im guessing its not a rs or awd. In the pics you can almost see the soild beam rear axle.

 

[lessard.dcj]

Im guessing its not a rs or awd. In the pics you can almost see the soild beam rear axle.

All part of the testing...

 

[DirtyBlueshirt]

All part of the testing...

True. This is a first peek. They could have different mules in various stages of powertrain development.

 

[Sourskittle]

I love the solid beam rear. Weight is da devil !!! Ask most focus ST's a race
Ford should confiscate my engine for test muling, lol. They could VERY easily rate it at 250hp, and they have the power to tune it correctly

 

[tjmccart]

If Ford is building a Fiesta RS, I highly doubt it'll be AWD.

 

[Sourskittle]

I hope its AWD !!! That way, I never have to want it, lol.

 

[kevinatfms]

Im putting money on the next generation(7th?) Fiesta using an old chassis mule to test a new 1.0L Ecoboost powertrain. Same intercooler as the outgoing 1.0L Ecoboost cars along with the factory 2" exhaust. I dont see anything more.

Ill wait till the huge intercooler version comes before saying its an RS mule. Check what the Focus RS mules looked like, yep big intercooler.

Id say, if they start showing spy shots of a test mule ST with bolted fenders, larger wheels/brakes with dual outlet exhaust....that's your RS.

This is not the Fiesta RS.

 

[airjor13]