Ford
has started production of the most powerful Ka variant in the world at its Brazilian
São Bernardo do Campo plant, São Paulo state, writes Rogério
Louro Alves.
The European-designed Ka has 50hp and 60hp 1.3-litre OHV engines in other markets
but the new Brazilian model has a locally-made Zetec Rocam eight-valve, 1.6-litre
OHC engine developing 95 hp.
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The Brazilian Zetec Rocam engine family, which includes a one-litre version
also available in the locally-built Ka, has been produced since 1999 at a plant
in Taubaté, also in São Paulo state.
The Rocam engine is the only Ford Zetec engine with eight valves; those built
in other countries have 16-valve heads.
Initially, the Ka 1.6 is for export only with the first shipments to Mexico
beginning in March. Brazilian sales will start in May.
Ford first revealed the 1.6-litre Zetec Rocam 6 engine in the Ka Black concept
exhibited at the São Paulo International Auto Show last October.
The engine is also available in the Brazilian-made Escort, Fiesta and Fiesta
Courier pick-up models.
