Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost sets 16 world speed records

Ford’s new 125PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine in the Ford Focus has proved its surprising performance by setting 16 Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) world speed records over distances from 0.6 miles to 2,550.5 miles.
 
Drivers including World Rally Championships star, Jari-Matti Latvala, set the records at the CERAM test circuit in Mortefontaine, France, over two days at the end of last month. Latvala and eight journalists from France and the U.S. drove three Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost cars identical to those sold in dealerships throughout Europe.
 
“This little engine punches way above its weight when it comes to performance,” said Latvala, whose regular ride is a 304PS Ford Fiesta RS World Rally Car. “The records prove the Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost can be lots of fun – as well as a very frugal car.”
 
To be eligible, each car was required to be run-in under the supervision of an official FFSA (Fédération Française du Sport Automobile) steward, after being selected from the Ford manufacturing facility in Saarlouis, Germany.
 
The three Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost models set the “sub-1.0-litre class” world records for recorded times covering one mile from a standing and flying start; and for highest average speeds recorded over distances from 10km (6.21 miles) to 4,104.7km (2,550.5  miles). The cars also set highest average speed records over timed sessions lasting one, six, 12 and 24 hours.
 
The highest average speed recorded was 118.7mph during the setting of the world record for the highest average speed over one hour.
 
The 125PS Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost went on sale in the UK in February and already accounts for 25 per cent of total Ford Focus orders. The car is capable of 0-62mph acceleration in 11.3sec and a top speed of 120mph. It delivers 56.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 114g/km.  A 100PS version of the 1.0-litre engine delivers best-in-class fuel efficiency of 58.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 109g/km.