The Frankfurt Motor Show plays host to all sorts of vehicles. Whether they're production debuts, concepts, exotics, or aftermarket works, there's plenty of room for vehicles of all shapes and sizes for the world's biggest auto show. And yes, that also includes race car prototypes such as the Formula Ford->ke31 Racer.

Scheduled to compete in the British Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship next year, the quirky little single-seat race car is being built using a tubular steel frame that meets the FIA's safety standards. It also carries plenty of safety features, including front and rear carbon crash structures, side intrusion panels, wheel tethers, a removable seat, and last but not least, an FIA approved head restraint system.

Talking about the engine that makes the race car run, the 2012 Formula Ford Racer will carry a 1.6-liter Ford EcoBoost direct injection turbo engine mated to a six-speed sequential transmission with a mechanical shift mechanism. The output generated by the engine hits 165 horsepower and 162 lb/ft of torque, which isn't overwhelming, but is right in-line with FIA standards.

More details about the Formula Ford Race Car will be unveiled at a later date. For now, you can check out the photos of the eccentric-looking racer.

UPDATE 09/04/2012: Ford->ke31 has just proven that power isn't everything. Their unique Formula Ford race car powered by Ford’s tiny 1.0-liter EcoBoost petrol engine managed to lap the 'Ring in an impressive 7:22, or in the 11th fastest lap ever at the Nürburgring’s famed Nordschleife circuit.

This very cool 1.0 liter engine delivers a total of 205 HP and is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. This is enough power to sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in less than four seconds and up to a top speed of 158 mph. The vehicle completed the 20.832 km (12.94 mile) Nordschleife circuit at an average speed of 105 mph.

"We wanted to prove that size doesn’t matter by showing everyone what an amazingly capable engine we have developed in the 1.0-litre EcoBoost," said Roelant de Waard, vice president of Marketing and Sales, Ford of Europe. "What better way than by beating some of the best supercars in the world on the Nordschleife, while using a fraction of the fuel."

2012 Formula Ford Race Car

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Formula Ford Race Car
  • Engine/Motor: Ford EcoBoost direct injection turbo engine
  • Horsepower: 165
  • Torque: 162
  • Transmission: six-speed sequential transmission with a mechanical shift mechanism
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

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