The Motor Report Auto News Blog

It’s neither a true automatic nor a true manual, but thanks to some clever engineering the twin-clutch gearbox manages to combine nearly all of the positive aspects of both while simultaneously eliminating the negatives. Twin-clutch gearboxes have traditionally found favour in high-performance applications, with their high efficiency, strength and lightning-quick shift times making them perfect for machines like the Bugatti Veyron, Nissan GT-R and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.

However, the qualities that make a twin-clutch gearbox so good for performance cars also make perfect sense when applied to more mundane machinery, and Ford have announced that the 2008 Focus and C-MAX people carrier are now available with the quick-shifting ‘box, dubbed the “Powershift”.
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To wrap up the current generation of Fiesta, Ford UK have released the limited-edition Fiesta ST 500 which promises sharper handling and edgier styling over the regular Fiesta compact car.

The engine is still the same 110kW 2-litre inline four that powers the standard Fiesta ST and all the other goodies that make the ST so enjoyable are also present: the lower and stiffer suspension, the quicker steering ratio and the short-shifter equipped close-ratio gearbox. The ST 500 adds a set of black 17-inch rims, red brake calipers, faux carbon-fibre interior trim, leather trim, a Sony stereo and some exterior graphics that are intended to echo those of the Escort RS2000.
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We were last given a glimpse of the ‘in-development’ Focus RS when Ford released a teaser image of the super-hatches front end early this year. Well, the kind folks in Ford Europe’s marketing department have provided us with some more official images, this time in the form of some in-house spy photos to help ease our pain as we wait on the disrobing of the production version at this years London Motor Show in late July.

Snapped at the Nurburgring, the images depict an early build prototype sporting pumped wheel arches, bonnet venting and a massive intercooler, racking up the track miles as it undergoes performance and durability testing ahead of its launch in 2009.

The principal architect of the Focus RS project is Ford of Europe’s Vehicle Line Director for Performance Vehicles, Jost Capito, whose Team RS development group were responsible for the first generation Focus RS in 2002, and more recently, the Fiesta ST and the new Focus ST.
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Ford have reported a 2008 first quarter net income of $100 million, an improvement of $382 million from the same quarter last year – a sign that their downsizing strategy is starting to pay dividends.

Ford’s first quarter revenue was (excluding special items) $39.4 billion, down from $43 billion a year ago. When the 2007 results are adjusted to exclude Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin revenue for 2008 has actually increased.
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