Ford’s latest US Escape SUV is making its Russian debut alongside the redesigned Fiesta and Focus RS.
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Visitors will also see the Explorer America Concept, which showcases a number of technology and engineering innovations designed to deliver fuel economy improvements of between 20 to 30%.
Russian dealer showrooms will have the new Escape a little later this year. It will join the Kuga, Ranger and Explorer to further strengthen Ford’s position in the growing Russian SUV market.
Already this year sales in this market segment have grown by 20% when compared to the same period in 2007.
The new Escape is powered by a 2.3 litre petrol engine with four-speed automatic transmission. It is available in two trim series – XLT or Limited.
With the Explorer being a long-time favourite with Russian consumers, the America concept is one possible direction for future sport utility vehicles but also illustrates how the automaker’s sustainability-minded actions – from turbo-charged direct injection petrol engines, more fuel-efficient transmissions, weight savings and improved aerodynamics – can be packaged in a single vehicle.
The high-efficiency engine is one of the new family of EcoBoost petrol engines which deliver better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.
The Focus RS will go on sale in 2009 and is being created by a small team of dedicated engineers, under the direction of Jost Capito, Ford of Europe’s vehicle line director for performance vehicles.
The Moscow show car previews the design intent for a final production vehicle, although as development work continues, some final details may change before volume production begins in Saarlouis, Germany.
With target power output of 300PS, the RS will be equipped with an innovative front wheel drive system, with a combination of a Quaife limited slip differential and new ‘RevoKnuckle’ front suspension technology for excellent traction and driveability, despite its high power output.
