Last week, A 1.0 liter Ecoboost Formula Ford completed a lap around the Nürburgring Nordschleife in just 7:22. Considering the tiny 1.0 liter engine only produces 202-hp, it's absolutely remarkable to see the Ford turn out a lap even faster than the mega Ferrari Enzo and Pagani Zonda.
However, despite the 1.0 Ecoboost's awesome demonstration of performance, Ford's three-cylinder turbocharged powerplant turned out not to be the main headline after all. According to Evo magazine, the particular Formula Ford in question actually possessed some interesting hardware including fenders, lights, and even a horn -- all things necessary to make it street-legal.
Then, in a Ford event held in Amsterdam, a spokesperson had allegedly confirmed Ford's intent to build a very small, limited batch of road-going Formula Fords for the UK market. According to the anonymous source, the streetable Formula Ford is expected to hit the market "well under" £100,00, aimed for affluent adrenaline junkies that appreciate a toy they can drive on the street as well as take to the track. Based on weight and power output, the street legal Formula Ford will face the Ariel Atom as its most direct competitor. However, considering the Atom's cult following and a more reasonable £60,000 pricetag for a 2012 Ariel Atom, Ford must be very careful with its pricing strategies.
Given the stringent U.S. safety regulations, it's highly unlikely that Ford will bring over a similarly outfitted Formula Ford over to the North American market. However, if posed as a kit car or strictly as a track weapon, then there can be a glimmer of hope for the street-legal Formula to enter our market as well, that is, if it's truly confirmed to enter any market at all.
While the street-legal fixtures on the Nürburgring-tested Formula Ford is undeniable, one wonders whether a hardcore, bare-bone sports car legitimately has a place in Ford's line-up at all. We certainly don't think so and reserve heavy skepticism until further information is disclosed.
