A seventh-generation Ford Fiesta ST transformed into a 500-horsepower beast, proving why it’s the ultimate sleeper hot hatch.
While Ford’s hatchbacks have largely disappeared from the U.S. market in favor of SUVs, enthusiasts across the pond continue to push these compact cars to their limits. One recent project has redefined what’s possible with the Ford Fiesta ST, transforming the humble hatchback into a 500-horsepower sleeper that rivals even the most revered performance cars.
The starting point was a seventh-generation Fiesta ST, a model known for its nimble handling and accessible price tag. This particular vehicle, however, wasn’t your typical enthusiast’s car. Jamie from Devil Developments, a UK-based tuning shop, explained that the Fiesta had spent most of its life as a workhorse, serving as a shop van with its rear seats removed and a plastic bulkhead installed. After the original engine blew, the car was slated for a dramatic transformation.
The solution? Swap the engine with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost from the larger Ford Focus RS. This powerplant, paired with a custom-built turbocharger and upgraded internals, delivers a staggering 500 horsepower. The power-to-weight ratio is nothing short of extraordinary, turning the compact Fiesta into a rocket on wheels while maintaining the unassuming appearance of a practical hatchback.
Devil Developments didn’t stop at the engine. The chassis was reinforced to handle the immense power, and the suspension was upgraded with coilovers for improved handling and control. A limited-slip differential was added to ensure the car could put its newfound power to the pavement effectively.
What makes this 500-horsepower Fiesta ST a true sleeper is its exterior, which remains deceptively ordinary. Its understated design ensures it flies under the radar, making it the perfect car for surprising unsuspecting rivals at the track or on the street.
This remarkable transformation demonstrates the potential of hot hatchbacks and the creativity of the tuning community, proving that even a former shop van can be reborn as an adrenaline-pumping performance machine.
