Ford Puma Teased As Model Not Available Here

I don't know how many times in the last few years I have talked about Ford vehicles that are available everywhere by the U.S. of A. I do know that it has been a lot.

Ford Puma Available There, Not Here

So, it comes as little wonder when there is talk about a new, sleek, Ford Puma crossover on the other side of the Atlantic there is nothing but a huge silence on this side of the Atlantic.

In this case, spy shots and some company information has dribbled out that shows Ford building a sleek performance version of its mini-crossover Puma.

And, when I had a chance to see spy shots of the new model, I thought to myself that if Ford had the good marketing sense to bring the Puma over here, the automaker would have lots of trouble keeping them in stock.

I daresay that if Ford offered the Puma here, they would have to ration them.

Ford Puma Lines Sleek

Their great lines and good looks would have them flying off lots (something which couldn't hurt as the automaker has had a down quarter). However, they won't be available for sale here. About all I can do is complain about the lack of the model here and let you know a bit about what we're missing.

Perhaps if we get a tsunami (some people call it a tidal wave) of support going on this side of the pond, Ford will relent and bring it over to this side of the water.

In case you would like to know, here's what we know now about the 2020 Puma ST. The standard Puma ST model will be getting cosmetic updates. To put the Puma ST in context, it sits above EcoSport in Europe's lineup. The EcoSport and the Fiesta hatchback share their platforms.

Ford is planning to add a performance version of the Puma ST. Interestingly, it will have the same name as the standard Puma ST. This means there will be problems identifying the differing versions. Recently, some spy shots of the performance model have circulated that illustrated the performance version.

Ford Puma Image Distributed

The automaker recently put out a preview image of the performance Puma ST. The preview image does two things:

1. It acknowledges the performance version existence.
2. It illustrates what the performance version will look like.

Yahoo Motors suggests a bit more about identifying the performance vehicle. It says the wheels in spy shots are similar in design to the Fiesta ST. By extension, it suggests that the Puma ST will be using a similar design. It may be sharing its powertrain with the Fiesta.

Looking at the Fiesta ST powerteam, the 1.5-liter, three-cylinder engine cranks out 200 horsepower and 290 Nm of torque. This powerteam will shoot the hot supermini from 0 to 100 kph (0 to 62 mph) in 6.7 seconds. The top end is just at 144 mph.

Ford Puma Runs At Nurburgring

Meanwhile, Germany's Nurburgring has been host to the test mules have been seen at Germany's Nurburgring going through their paces. The prototype design suggests that:

• The performance model may sport a lower body kit that extends around the body save for a splitter-style bumper that extends around the prototype to the rear which houses twin exhausts.
• The performance model also looks to include a stiffer lower suspension and larger brake discs. And, there may be an optional limited-slip differential, selectable driving modes, and a launch control function.

Marc Stern has been an auto writer since 1971. It was a position that filled two boyhood dreams: One was that I would write, and two that I write about cars. When I took over as my newspaper's auto editor, I began a 32-year career as an automotive columnist. There isn't much on four wheels that I haven't driven or reviewed. My work has appeared in Popular Mechanics, Mechanix Illustrated, AutoWeek, SuperStock, Trailer Life, Old Cars Weekly, Special Interest Autos, and others. Today, I am the Ford F150 reporter for Torque News. I write how-to and help columns for online sites such as Fixya.com and others. You can follow me on Twitter or Facebook. Most of Marc's stories can be found at Torque News Ford coverage. Check back again and search for Torque News Ford F-150 news for more F-150 truck news coverage.