The Formula Ford EcoBoost has taken different shapes since making its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show->ke235. Back then, it was a quirky, single-seat race car that resembled a high-tech go-kart more than nothing else. But now, it looks like an actual Formula One race car->ke148 that even has its own rear wing.

That's a credit to Ford->ke31, which spent the last few years improving every nook and cranny of the little race car. All that work has culminated in the car's planned adoption to FIA Formula 4 regulations and guidelines in Britain beginning in 2015.

This paves the way for the Formula Ford EcoBoost to compete in a new racing series that will be created as a stepping stone for young race car drivers on their way to the pinnacle of auto racing, Formula One->ke190.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Formula Ford EcoBoost.

2015 Formula Ford EcoBoost

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Formula Ford EcoBoost
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
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Formula Ford EcoBoost In Detail

The U.S. automaker's new deal with the UK's Motor Sports Association now calls for the Formula Ford EcoBoost to once again evolve into a real-life race car. It will now feature an FIA-F3 regulated carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, a far departure from the

tubular-steel frame that was used in its first incarnation. More importantly, the race car also receives new front and rear wings, slick tires, a semi-auto ‘paddle’ gearshift system, and a 1.6-liter, EcoBoost engine that's significantly bigger than the 1.0-liter, direct-injected engine of the initial version.

Ford made no mention of the race car's new output numbers, but with the 1.0 producing 205 horsepower, it's safe to assume that the new, 1.6-liter-powered race car will have more ponies at its disposal.

The 2015 Formula Ford EcoBoost is expected to cost €38,000, which is about $51,800 based exchange rates on 7/16/2014.

Competitors

KTM X-Bow

This isn't so much a direct competitor as it is a hypothetical look at how the Formula Ford EcoBoost performs when it lines up beside a KTM X-Bow or a BAC Mono just to see how it stacks up against these open-top road runners.

The X-Bow was designed with power and speed in mind. Power comes in the form of a lightweight, 2.0-liter, TSFI four-banger that produces 281 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 309 pound-feet of torque at 3,200 rpm, allowing it to hit 62 mph in just 4.1 seconds to go with a top speed of 143 mph.

That should be enough to take the fight to the Formula Ford EcoBoost, even if the Ford racer's 158-mph top speed is enough to handle the X-Bow.

BAC Mono

The BAC Mono is another open-top roadster that has the look of a world-beater. Fortunately, it has the performance credentials to justify its $130,000 price tag.

Okay, that's still a little too much to spend on a certified toy for big boys, but the Mono justifies the hefty price by featuring a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 280 horsepower.

That allows the Mono to hit an impressive top speed of 170 mph, which is a little higher than the Formula Ford EcoBoost.

2012 Formula Ford Race Car