The performance capabilities of the new Ford Fiesta ST is demonstrated by a new film that features it in a rather unusual location: 1200 feet below ground in one of Europe’s largest salt mines.
With World Rally Championship driver Elfyn Evans at the wheel, the Fiesta ST is seen slipping, sliding and jumping in the mine. The sound of the 200-horsepower, 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine is amplified by its surroundings as it tackles a high-speed drop through the narrow entrance tunnel.
“The salt is actually like fine gravel to drive on, quite slippery to be honest, especially on road tires,” said Evans. “You expect it to be claustrophobic but actually it’s quite the opposite, a great place to really enjoy the new Fiesta ST.”
Ford chose the secret salt mine location for the TV advert, titled ‘Undertrack,’ precisely to emphasize the car’s amazing handling and powertrain flexibility. The entire spot was filmed within the mine’s 37 miles of tunnels, where temperatures are a constant 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Safety precautions required that a skeleton crew was used for the three-day shoot amid strict precautions.
“The drama of the tunnels and the chance to show off Fiesta ST’s ability on a different type of surface were a big part of choosing this unique location,” said Leo Roeks, Ford Performance director. “It wasn’t a typical race track, it was somewhere we could drive this great car to its full potential.”