New Ford Puma ST Powershift

Featured in:
May 2023

Ford introduces new Puma ST Powershift SUV with most powerful version of multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine and seven-speed automatic transmission.

Responsive, rewarding, fun-to-drive Ford Performance dynamics are now set to be enjoyed by even greater numbers of SUV customers as Ford reveals the new Puma ST Powershift 1 – introducing the most powerful version of Ford’s multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine ever.

“The Ford Performance team called on all of its experience developing the original Puma ST to deliver ST signature fun-to-drive without losing the practicality of our compact SUV, and our new Powershift derivative is even more versatile. We’re using 48-volt mild hybrid technology not just to improve efficiency but also to enhance peak power and torque,” said Stefan Muenzinger, Ford Performance manager, Europe. “The multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is combined with a paddle-shift-operable, seven-speed, dual-clutch Ford Powershift transmission – fusing an energised driving experience and everyday usability.”

The 1.0-litre EcoBoost Hybrid 48-volt mild hybrid technology offered to Puma customers since the SUV’s launch in 2019 is enhanced to deliver even greater performance for Puma ST Powershift.

The mild hybrid system engages energy recovery more quickly than in other applications for faster recharging of the 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack. This enables the belt-driven integrated starter/generator (BISG) to offer a longer boost period of torque supplementation for enhanced performance at lower engine rpm. In addition, the increased energy recuperation allows a further 10 PS of electric assist from the BISG to boost peak power.

Combined with unique software tuning for the turbocharged, direct injected, three-cylinder petrol engine, the result is an almost 10 per cent increase in peak power compared with the 155 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost Hybrid engine. Delivering up to 170 PS at 5,750 rpm and up to 248Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, the Puma ST Powershift produces exactly twice the power-per-litre of a 2002 Focus ST170.

Puma ST Powershift benefits from the same active exhaust valve technology as Puma ST for increased performance and a distinctive ST engine note under acceleration. Controlled by the selectable Drive Modes, the active exhaust valve remains closed in Normal and Eco modes for everyday refinement, but opens in Sport mode to intensify the sporty sound.

With Sport Drive Mode engaged, the transmission also holds lower gears for longer, for sportier responses. In addition, steering wheel paddle shifters allow manual control of shift points for full driver engagement.



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