Let’s face it, short of the ST model, the Ford Fiesta isn't much of a car. It is the epitome of a point-A-to-point-B car with just enough features to keep entry-level buyers occupied.

The latest project that Ford->ke31 is working on in cooperation with Schaeffler demonstrates than even cars like the Fiesta->ke1170 can become even more agile and somewhat fun to drive.

Their Fiesta-based eWheelDrive car project drops the conventional gasoline engine in favor of two electric motors placed in each of the rear wheels. This compact system may lead to four-door sedans of the future having a footprint similar to that of current two-person cars today. Additionally, it will offer the possibility to move sideways into parking spaces, so all of you folks that stink at parallel parking may finally enjoy parking in the city.

What really makes this system is its surprising amount of power. Sure, the system maxes out at only 80 kW (110 horsepower) but that’s not all that comes into play here. The two electric motors twist out a stump-ripping 700 Nm (516 pound-feet) of torque from the second you push the accelerator pedal.

So, while this system may only allow the eWheelDrive project to hit about 100 mph, its 0-to-30 mph and 0-to-60 mph times are bound to be pure awesomeness. It really depends on how the drive system is geared, but the potential is definitely there.

Ford hopes to have two new drivable vehicles by 2015. Stay tuned for more info.

Click past the jump to read more about the standard Ford Fiesta.

2013 Ford Fiesta eWheelDrive

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Ford Fiesta eWheelDrive
  • Horsepower: 110
  • Torque: 516
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

About the Standard Ford Fiesta

Ford Fiesta has a long history; it has been available in Europe since 1976 and following a short stint in the 1980s and 1990s in the U.S. market, it arrived in the U.S. again in 2010. The American version received an update for the 2013 model year and comes with design cues inspired by the latest Ford global design language and concept vehicles.

The revised Fiesta gets a new trapezoidal front grille, laser-cut headlamps with daytime running lamps that use LED technology, and a new power-dome hood design.

Under the hood, the Fiesta comes standard with a 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that delivers an estimated 119 horsepower and 109 pound-feet of torque. The ST variant, on the other hand, comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 197 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque.

In the U.S., the Fiesta is priced from $13,200 and the Fiesta ST starts at $21,400.