1999 Ford Puma

Puma came in four versions over the years: 1.4 (90 bhp), 1.6 (103 bhp), 1.7 VCT (125 PS), and 1.7 Ford Racing VCT (155 PS) each of which powered by Ford's 16v Sigma engines branded as Zetec-S. The car was based on the Ford Fiesta with new engines (from Yamaha), a new body and modified suspension, as well as other changes. 1.7 Pumas came with Ford's Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) system, and both low speed TCS (traction control system) and ABS (anti-lock brakes system), 1.4 Pumas had an option of anti-lock brakes.

Weighing approximately 1,050 kg (2,293 lb), the relatively decent amount of power was sufficient to give the car exciting performance.[citation needed] The 1.7 version accelerated from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/ h) in 8.8 seconds, and could accelerate from 30 to 70 mph (48 to 112 km/ h) in 8.8 seconds.

Ford Racing Puma

The Ford Racing Puma was created by the Ford Rally specialist team at Boreham, lead by Peter Beattie. The production run was initially pencilled to run for 1000 units, 500 destined for the German market, 500 for the UK. All conversions were carried out by Tickford, Daventry UK. The vehicle featured a modified version of the 1.7 Zetec-S engine which produced 155bhp and 119 lbs/ ft of torque. It could also accelerate to 62mph in 7.9 seconds. As well as this there were other modifications including wider bodywork and track front and rear, disc brakes to the rear and larger race-spec Alcon discs/ 4 pot calipers up front, Sparco bucket seats, blue Alcantara trim, 17" Speedline rims. Ultimately, Racing Puma was only sold in the right-hand drive format to the UK market. All were produced in Ford Racing Blue paint, (same as the paint used on Focus RS), which was otherwise not available on Pumas in the UK market. Less than half were actually sold to customers due to the vehicle's high price/ bhp often cited as a reason for this. The lower than anticipated demand saw Ford offering Racing Pumas to senior managers through their MRC scheme, which enabled cars to continue being registered and converted.[citation needed]