Mondeo ST220
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>FORD MONDEO ST220: MONDEO SAFETY WITH ST PERFORMANCE<ul type="square">
· No-compromise safety with ABS, ESP and Ford Mondeo 'Intelligent Protection System' (IPS) as standard
· Refined Duratec ST 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 220PS @ 6,000 rpm and 275Nm torque @ 4,750rpm
· Unique luxury interior, including Recaro heated leather front seats
· Latest technology options, including satellite navigation and Ford Telematics
· On sale in UK May 2002, prices announced in April[/list]
BRENTWOOD, 12 March, 2002 ? The Ford Mondeo is set to go from strength to strength this summer with the launch of the range flagship model, the ST220, offering refined performance, latest technology and building on Mondeo's reputation as 'one of the safest places to be'.
Key standard features of the Mondeo ST220 include:
· Performance-tuned suspension
· Unique 18-inch, 16-spoke alloy wheels with 225/40R18 tyres
· Subtle performance styling including sports front grille, front and rear bumpers, rear 'lip' spoiler and twin stainless steel exhaust pipes
· Recaro full leather heated front seats with power adjustment
· Six CD autochanger
· Ford Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (ETAC)
· Ford 'Intelligent Protection System' (IPS) with high level of safety equipment including: ABS, ESP, active head restraints, de-coupling pedal assembly, collapsible steering column, Ford 'Beltminder' seatbelt alert and five three-point seatbelts, dual stage front, front seat side and side curtain airbags
· Choice of six colours, including Infra Red and Performance Blue, both unique to ST220 in the Mondeo range
"Mondeo ST220 is a grand tourer for customers who appreciate performance but demand the highest level of safety and luxury", explained Keith Kershaw, large car marketing manager, Ford of Britain.
Mondeo ST220 will be available in all body styles from launch in May 2002 ? four-door, five-door and estate ? with prices announced in April 2002.
Mondeo Safety with ST Performance
Mondeo ST220 is powered by a specially engineered, Duratec ST 3.0-litre, V6 24-valve engine.
The quad-cam aluminium V6 features a performance-optimised intake system delivering smooth pulling power of 220PS at 6,000 rpm and 275Nm of torque at 4,750rpm. As a result, Mondeo ST220 will achieve a 0-60 mph of 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 151mph.
Despite these performance credentials, the Mondeo ST220 will return a combined fuel consumption of 27.7mpg and 244g/km CO2.
The method of power and torque delivery is the true definition of Mondeo ST220. The Duratec V6 is fitted with a stainless steel, free-flow, dual exhaust system engineered to minimise performance-robbing back pressure. Together with the optimised intake system, it gives the Mondeo ST220?s V6 a pleasingly sporty sound while delivering power smoothly and predictably across the rev range.
Unique Gearing / Driveline Refinement
All Mondeo ST220 models are equipped with Ford?s MTX75 five-speed manual transmission configured especially for this performance application. The gearbox has been specially matched to the Duratec ST V6 engine?s output, but with additional emphasis on shifting quality and smoothness, reflecting Mondeo ST220?s premium performance character.
Unique gear ratios have been selected to match the output of the Duratec ST V6 engine and provide the right balance for sporty driving around town and high-speed cruising on motorways. Mondeo ST220 has a top speed of 151 mph.
Ford engineers worked to match the gearbox with the engine?s performance attributes. Each gear was tuned for the right performance feel, especially the all-important fifth gear. It needed just the right balance between performance responsiveness and comfortable Motorway-style cruising.
Also key to the transmission and driveline performance is the adoption of a new dual-mass flywheel. This feature counteracts vibrations and harshness transmitted from the engine into the transmission, contributing to greatly improved refinement.
Safe Mondeo underpinnings
The safe underpinnings of the standard Mondeo ? known as 'one of the safest places to be' ? have been tuned for the demands of the ST220?s higher performance level. Lowered by 15 mm, the performance-tuned suspension provides the Mondeo ST220 with a road-hugging stance, augmented by the low-profile P225/40R18 performance tyres.
Mondeo ST220?s steering system features faster gearing for performance-oriented responsiveness.
Ride characteristics have been carefully honed to deliver a combination of responsiveness and luxury befitting a performance derivative of the Mondeo brand. Damping levels are optimised to retain Mondeo?s ride comfort and control, especially over rough-roads.
"We started with the acclaimed driving quality of the new Mondeo and magnified it," said chief programme engineer, Jürgen Gagstatter. "With that foundation, we?ve created a vehicle that is really exhilarating to drive and extremely well balanced. It also comes with the kind of executive appointments that you?d expect from a new Mondeo at the top of the range, including the safety assurance provided by Ford's standard Intelligent Protection System."
Mondeo ST220 retains Mondeo's renown 'Intelligent Protection System' (IPS), comprising six airbags as standard, plus the new Ford 'Beltminder' seatbelt monitoring system, which issues an audible alert if the vehicle is driven over 5mph without the driver's seatbelt fastened. ABS and ESP are also offered as standard to optimise braking and control.
Stopping Mondeo ST220
Befitting its performance, Mondeo ST220 offers robust braking capabilities that reinforce its driver?s confidence.
ST220 features 300 mm ventilated disc brakes at the front, each with single pot callipers equipped with large, 57 mm pistons to exert powerful pressure on the brake pads. At the rear, solid discs measuring 280 mm are fitted.
The brake system delivers 62 mph to zero braking distances of 37 metres.
Ford Mondeo ST220 also is prepared for situations when an exemplary suspension and a brilliant driver unexpectedly reach the physical limits of the car.
Beyond the normal anti-lock braking system (ABS), Mondeo ST220 also comes with a standard electronic stability program (ESP) that comes into play if the driver encounters unexpected road conditions. If the car registers understeer, the brakes on the inside of the curve automatically engage. ESP is able to assist the driver in 'oversteer' situations by initiating the front brakes on the outside of the turn to bring the car, even on icy roads, back in line with the driver?s intentions.
The traction of the ST220 benefits from intelligent electronics as well. If one of the front wheels encounters reduced traction and spins, a computerised traction control system initiates a differential lock that brakes the spinning wheel while continuing to transmit power to the other wheel.
Distinctive performance design
From the rear bumper forward, a sculpted aerodynamic bottom lip runs the entire length of the body, adding emphasis to the vehicle's ground-hugging stance. Front wings with pronounced wheel arch flares further differentiate the car and hint at its spirited driving credentials.
Grille inserts feature a machined diamond-mesh pattern inspired by the production Mondeo, but enhanced in scale for a feeling of sportiness and substance. The large-mesh is the background for a larger Ford oval badge, and the body-colour grille surround is bolder and more purposeful.
The lower portion of the front bumper is accentuated by high-intensity fog lamps pushed to the far edges and set in a contrasting black recessed background with machined aluminium bezels.
At the rear, the large, diagonally cut, round dual exhaust outlets of stainless steel reinforce the statement of power and purpose, emerging from a black, mesh-style, trapezoidal inset in the central lower portion of the body-colour bumper.
Interior Luxury
Reflecting its status as a flagship executive grand tourer, Mondeo ST220?s interior is dominated by the luxurious feel of leather.
A choice of three colours ? Infra Red, Grey and Black ? are available for the ST220 leather interior, with all cars featuring power adjustable, heated leather Recaro front seats, leather trimmed steering wheel and gearknob.
The ST220's black instrument panel features a unique, high-gloss black centre console and gear-lever bezel, with a trip computer and remote control in-dash six-CD autochanger fitted as standard.
Options include the latest technology voice-activated Ford Telematics system ?comprising traffic information, emergency and operator services and handsfree phone, all integrated into the audio system and activated by four simple function buttons ? and Ford's 9000 series satellite navigation system with audible route guidance and colour mapping screen.
?Every Ford Mondeo is about the smart choice - you want and need safety and practicality in a family car but you don?t want to sacrifice driving dynamics and enjoyment. Mondeo ST220 delivers that promise?, concludes Keith Kershaw.
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