April 1st, 2013 by Jesse Sears
In a surprise bit of news from the Blue Oval, we’ve just learned that Ford will bring back its much-beloved classic, the Pinto, as an all-new model. And it will be coming to dealerships in just a few months. All set to be revealed at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show and go on sale to Chinese buyers immediately with a U.S. release in Spring 2014, the Pinto will be an exciting addition to a Ford small car lineup that also includes the 2014 Ford Focus and updated Ford Fiesta.
Think of the new Pinto as a sportier small choice, along the lines of a more compact Mustang. We’ve confirmed a few classic Pinto features that will reappear: the rear-wheel drive, tiny little Pinto will be available in sedan, hatch and wagon forms.
Power will come from a single-barrel-carbureted 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 75 horsepower, the first non-fuel-injected gas engine Ford has offered in some time. Fuel efficiency should approach 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, Ford says. An up-level supercharged EcoBoost carbureted four-cylinder will raise power output to an even 100, while fuel efficiency will remain at 14 city/19 highway.
The new 2014 car will keep retro Pinto styling intact. (1977 model shown)
Just like the classic Pinto, the gas tank will be located beneath the trunk, just in front of the rear bumper, for better weight distribution. Ford promises modern safety thanks to a lightweight piece of carbon fiber shielding the passenger compartment from any fire damage should a rear-end collision and explosion occur, but the NHTSA has issued a preemptive mandatory recall, promising that legal action will be taken if a single Pinto reaches customer hands without a complete redesign of the fuel delivery system.
Like in the 1970s, when the Pinto was the ultimate status symbol of youth and ‘cool’, Ford hopes the Pinto will inject new life to its showrooms. Pricing will start at around $19,999 when the Pinto goes on sale on April 1, 2014.
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