Ford Fiesta ST coming late 2012: report

According to UK publication Autocar, Ford will launch the Fiesta ST late next year, coinciding with the standard Fiesta’s mid-life model refresh.

Reports suggest the front-wheel drive Fiesta ST will be powered by a 134kW version of Ford’s 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine and is expected to be teamed with a six-speed manual transmission.

Ford currently uses a version of the same engine in its all-wheel drive Fiesta WRC cars.

The images seen here (taken last year) reveal a pre-production vehicle based on the current Fiesta design. It incorporates a larger front air intake similar to the Focus RS, sporty side skirts, extended rear spoiler, rear diffuser with twin chrome exhaust pipes and contrasting black panel highlights.

A shot of the interior also reveals racy yellow Recaro sports seats.

Ford has so far remained quiet on the Fiesta ST, but expect to hear more about it as its supposed late-2012 launch approaches.