Ford pits Focus ST against its rivals... including a BMW M3

Just about every car in the industry has a short list of natural rivals. The way we see it, the cars going head-to-head with the 2013 Ford Focus ST are the Mazdaspeed3, Subaru WRX and Volkswagen GTI. Consider: each of these models has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and is offered in a five-door hatchback shape.

One car we wouldn't naturally think of as a competitor to the Focus ST, though, is the BMW M3. Ford, on the other hand, seems to think the two models can be stacked up against one another... well, enough at least to include BMW's V8-powered screamer in its latest web video for the ST.

Here are some stats: The Focus ST boasts 252 horsepower, 270 pound-feed of torque and costs $24,495. The BMW M3 pumps out 414 horses, 295 lb-ft and gouges the wallet to the tune of $62,295... not to mention the fact that it has two doors and a trunk instead of hatch. Not much in common, then.

Curious to see how Ford pitches the Focus ST against the BMW M3? Check out the video below.

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Forze V hydrogen fuel cell racer places against standard gas racers

In brief: The Forze V hydrogen fuel cell Formula car has raced against and placed well against gasoline-powered Formula racers at Silverstone.

Make/Model: Forze V
Manufacturer: Delft University of Technology, Netherlands

Students at the Delft University of Technology in the Nethelrands have been working on the Forze concept Formula racer for a while now. The latest iteration, the 5th-generation (called the V), was recently pitted against other Formula racers at the Formula Student Competition at the Silverstone Circuit.

The hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric V placed 29th out of over 100 racers, most of which were gasoline-powered. It was the only alt-fueled vehicle to place in the top 1/3 in the race, which included some battery electrics.

The fuel cell stack in the Forze V is an 18kW unit that drives two electric motors. Regenerative braking stores energy that can be used for a quick burst of up to 60kW (80hp).

For these miniature Formula cars, top speeds are under 100mph and the Forze V's top speed is 75mph. It accelerates from 0-60mph in under 5 seconds and it can travel at one hour at top speed with a full tank of H2.

The Forze has been under development for six years.

Photo credits: Delft University of Technology

This site follows the emergence, application and development of transportation innovation. Reference to manufacturers, makes and models, and other automotive-related businesses are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement by FutureCars.com.

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<i>Automobile</i> pits classic 190E against original M3, and then buys the winner

If you were to compile a list of the greatest sports sedans ever made, what would you put at the very top?

Raise your hand if you said the BMW M3. Now, everybody, put your hands down.

But what if we told you that BMW's standard-bearer was actually created in response to a four-cylinder-powered Mercedes-Benz produced for competition that the factory didn't even want to be a part of? History books tell us that the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 made its first major impact on the world scene when a young Ayrton Senna piloted one to victory at the Nürburgring in a promotional race in 1984.

BMW responded in 1986 with the E30 M3. It boasted more power and less weight, and the two machines did battle in touring and rally racing for the next decade. But which one is a better car?

Automobile Magazine decided to find out. One stock 190E 2.3-16 and one stock M3 (though a later Sport Evo model, making the comparo a bit lopsided) were procured in Germany and driven 'round the 'Ring. We won't spoil the video by telling you which was declared the victor, but we will tell you that host Jason Cammisa purchased one of them and shipped it home.

Scroll down below to watch the video, and to find out which machine has a new home in California.

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Forze V hydrogen fuel cell racer places against standard gas racers

In brief: The Forze V hydrogen fuel cell Formula car has raced against and placed well against gasoline-powered Formula racers at Silverstone.

Make/Model: Forze V
Manufacturer: Delft University of Technology, Netherlands

Students at the Delft University of Technology in the Nethelrands have been working on the Forze concept Formula racer for a while now. The latest iteration, the 5th-generation (called the V), was recently pitted against other Formula racers at the Formula Student Competition at the Silverstone Circuit.

The hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric V placed 29th out of over 100 racers, most of which were gasoline-powered. It was the only alt-fueled vehicle to place in the top 1/3 in the race, which included some battery electrics.

The fuel cell stack in the Forze V is an 18kW unit that drives two electric motors. Regenerative braking stores energy that can be used for a quick burst of up to 60kW (80hp).

For these miniature Formula cars, top speeds are under 100mph and the Forze V's top speed is 75mph. It accelerates from 0-60mph in under 5 seconds and it can travel at one hour at top speed with a full tank of H2.

The Forze has been under development for six years.

Photo credits: Delft University of Technology

This site follows the emergence, application and development of transportation innovation. Reference to manufacturers, makes and models, and other automotive-related businesses are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement by FutureCars.com.

View the original article here

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.