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According to khabarkhodromA more powerful Puma ST sounds
great.
A hybrid version of the Ford Puma ST appears to be on
the horizon, judging by these spy shots from the Nürburgring. The sporty
crossover looks practically identical to the model available now, but the
yellow sticker on the rear window tells us the powertrain has some level of
electrification.
Unfortunately, details about the Puma ST's hybrid setup
aren't available yet. Our spies think the sporty little crossover might pack an
electrically assisted version of the current model's turbocharged 1.5-liter
three-cylinder engine. The existing mill makes 197 horsepower (147 kilowatts)
and 214 pound-feet (290 Newton-meters) or 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) with overboost.
The current Puma ST can hit 62 miles per hour (100
kilometers per hour) in 6.7 seconds. The top speed is 137 mph (220 kph).
While not visible here, we would expect Ford to make
some design tweaks to the Puma ST hybrid as a way to differentiate it from the
existing model. Even a different wheel-and-tire package and body graphics would
be enough.
A hybrid Ford Puma will start competing in the 2022
World Rally Championship, so it'll make sense to ha e a similar road-going
version. This is the classic "win on Sunday, sell on Monday"
strategy.
The Puma rally car will use a 1.6-liter turbocharged
engine running on biofuel. The electric motor will add 134 hp (100 kW) to the
vehicle's output, and there will be a 3.9 kilowatt-hour battery pack.
"The M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 will put hybrid power
to the ultimate test, and prove that the technology is capable of delivering
thrilling performance," said Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford
Performance.
The regular Puma already has an electrified powertrain
by offering a mild-hybrid 1.0-liter engine. It makes a mere 125 hp (93 kW). The
car is also available with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Buyers
can add an optional adaptive cruise control system with stop-and-go
functionality.