Scientists at Rome University...
Scientists at Rome University have been leading the ÷£2million project for more than two years, but Bertone’s sketches for the driver’s seat show that something extraordinary is being plan÷ned by the Swedish manufacturer.
Is this the new knight...
Is this the new knight of the road? Not quite. Ford says it has given this limited-edition Focus ST Black a makeover inspired by K.I.T.T., the four-wheeled star of Eighties US TV show Knight Rider.
Most of the changes to this special Focus are visual. All-black paintwork is complemented by orange pinstripes along the flanks and around the foglights set in the front bumper. Big 19-inch OZ alloy wheels – again finished in black – complete the car’s sinister look.
Inside, you’ll find Recaro seats with piping to match the exterior stripes. Further additions include piano black inserts for the dash and a new three-spoke leather steering wheel.
Elsewhere it’s standard ST, with the same char÷ismatic 222bhp 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine, six-speed gearbox and sharp-handling chassis. Ford plans to build only 50 Focus ST Black models at present, and sadly they are all bound for Switzerland. Yet it’s not only the blue oval that is denying UK enthusiasts the chance to buy an exclusive hot hatch. General Motors has just announced a Nürburgring Edition of the Opel Astra OPC, the European equivalent of Vauxhall’s VXR brand. The model gets chequered decals on the bonnet and roof, while the headrests are stitched with a map of the famous circuit.