This great, I havent heard of powershift being used in any racing program yet, but this should bring back a lot of feedback to R&D, and we should see much improvements thanks to this racing program.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/2012-formula-ford-frankfurt/


All-New Formula Ford Races Into View For 2012 At Frankfurt Show

• Ford unveils bold new 2012-specification Formula Ford car, making increasing use of road car technologies and featuring latest 1.6-litre Ford EcoBoost engine
• New car to be initially introduced in 2012 Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain. Plans being finalised to introduce the car into new and existing championships around the globe
• All-new design is first tubular steel single seat car to meet latest FIA safety standards. Compliance to FIA standards opens up markets for the formula
• Formula Ford continues to be a key proving ground for development of driving and engineering talent, from where successful careers in Formula 1 have been achieved by many

FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 12, 2011 – Ford today unveiled a bold new 2012-specification
Formula Ford car to visitors at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It's the formula that has been an
essential step in the professional racing driver's career for more than 40 years and this all-new
car for next season will have talented young drivers around the world eager to get behind the
wheel to prove their mettle.

The new-generation Formula Ford cars will use a production-based 1.6-litre Ford EcoBoost
direct injection, turbocharged engine, limited to producing around 165PS and 220Nm, and
mated to a 6-speed sequential transmission with mechanical shift mechanism. The 2012
specification car represents another advance in technology and performance for the formula.

Freedom of chassis design, engine build and numerous technical items of specification have
always been standout features of Formula Ford and this continues with the 2012 specification
car. With only Formula 1 and Formula 3 offering this same level of freedom, it helps drive
technical standards to exceptionally high levels from car manufacturers, teams and drivers alike.
The different implications of car set-up and each individual chassis variation, create a steep
learning curve for drivers in particular, helping to accelerate the development of their abilities to take the next step in motorsport.

Ford's global kinetic design philosophy is also echoed in the new-generation car, giving fans of
the championship a style they can easily recognise. Car manufacturers will still be able to add
that crucial individual touch to their cars though, with only the requirement to keep specific parts developed for aerodynamic equivalence mandated in the regulations.

Creating a safe environment is a key concern for Formula Ford, and the new car boasts
increased levels of safety including a tubular chassis - the first in a single seat racer to comply with the latest, stringent FIA safety standards - front and rear carbon crash structures, side intrusion panels, FIA specification head restraint system, wheel tethers and an FIA removable seat.

FIA compliance will allow the 2012 specification car to be applicable for Formula Ford
championships around the globe, especially in emerging markets where alignment to FIA
regulations is commonplace.

"The 2012 specification car's FIA approved safety attributes, powerful Ford EcoBoost engine
and striking kinetic design, make for a really appealing proposition for race teams and drivers," said Mike Norton, motorsport manager, Ford of Europe. "Formula Ford is already well-known as the perfect proving ground for up-and-coming drivers and engineers, and it is Ford's desire to continue nurturing this by supporting teams and manufacturers across the globe with the safest environment, latest technologies and most attractive packages. Formula Ford is in its 44th consecutive year and remains a very popular choice for drivers around the world. Many Formula Ford drivers have gone onto careers in Formula 1. This is a great compliment to Formula Ford and we are at Ford proud of this achievement."

For race teams and car manufactures Formula Ford represents a fantastic opportunity to prove
their abilities and highlights Ford's dedication to continuing its support of motorsport. From
World Rally Championship to single seat racing, Ford's motorsport heritage is one of the longest and strongest of any manufacturer. The 2012 specification Formula Ford car will carry that torch into the future with some style.

The main problem here is that the race car DCT will not be programmed for fuel efficiency like it is in the street cars, so I am not sure that this would help the as you mention.
But anything is possible.

6-speed sequential transmission with mechanical shift mechanism.

That doesn't sound like a DCT transmission to me. More like the trans from a WRC car.

^^ This. Sounds like exactly the same thing that is used in the new S2000 spec wrc cars. Note that this year they stepped away from electronic shifting and have switched back to a mechanical, sequential gearbox.

Also, electronic shifted transmissions have been common in top level racing for a while now. The problem is getting lazy americans to stop whining that the shifting is to harsh, or makes, gasp, some chattering clutch noise.

I think there's some room for concern for the future of Ford's PowerShift technology. It will be dropped in favor of an 8-speed traditional automatic for the 2013 Fiesta (along with a 1.0L, 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine). No word on whether the Focus will get similar treatment. With all the complaints of the PowerShift transmission consumers have been filing, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised (and somewhat disappointed) if they're planning to put it on hiatus indefinitely.

Posted via FF Mobile I saw powershift on the side of the car, so assumed thats what it was using. My point was racing programs have brought technology to the public for generations and is one of the best R&D programs you can have.

That doesn't sound like a DCT transmission to me. More like the trans from a WRC car.

Yep... they're not going to use a DCT that shifts for the driver in a racing series. That's a big no-no.

A big part of wrangling the speed out of the car is knowing when to shift properly.

I agree with drkknight. Racing has always done great things for cars. where do you think we got rotor style brakes? they may not be using the DCT but it will do wonders for the ecoboost. They will be able to see how it works at its peak. even in racing they are always looking for ways to keep the car on the track longer. If they can get a racecar to save gas what do you think they will be able to do with a daily driver? I think its awesome how much ford is getting into the motorsports, and the little motorsports. ya there are alot of people that see the big racing like nascar but the enthusiasts go to the little stuff cause they can be more involved. I think ford is doing a good job here.

^^ I don't really think Formula Ford tech will trickle down to the masses. I'm just glad they are updating the engine from the old 1.6L Kent. In the US, the SCCA has really forced Ford to do this, as they had allowed competitors to replace the ancient kent motor with a honda motor from the Fit.

It will be interesting to see how the grassroots/amateur motorsports level will adapt to a turbocharged engine in entry level formula cars.

With rumors pointing towards Ford going back to TC-ATs, I'm afraid we'll see the end of the more performance oriented DCT design on the consumer side like the last few times it was introduced to the public by a big auto producer.

It will be interesting to see how the grassroots/amateur motorsports level will adapt to a turbocharged engine in entry level formula cars.

Agreed, and find the truth to what Carrol Shelby said long ago: "If you're experiencing turbo lag, then you're not driving it right."

Someone had that on their signature a long time ago.