The new Duratec 1600cc 110 PS engine, which has been in development for the last 12 months, will be available from the end of 2009 with a price tag expected to be around £5,000. The new engine can be fitted into new Formula Ford chassis, or in older cars as a replacement for the 1600cc Kent or Zetec 1800cc engines.

“The new power unit will be ideal for fitment in new chassis; it will be a stepping stone to the more powerful Duratec engines used in the MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain and other series worldwide,” says Norton, “and the engine will be made available throughout world, from the US to Europe, Australia to Africa.”

The highly robust and efficient 1.6 litre Duratec engine, as used in the Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta road cars, has proven a very successful race engine in Formula Ford championships around the world

The 1600cc 110 PS specification:

·         Ford Duratec all-aluminium 1600cc 16-valve engine

·         Unique induction system with K&N cone filter, bespoke throttle body and cast aluminium alloy inlet manifold

·         Unique Formula Ford dry-sump system with twin scavenge, single pressure and separate toothed-belt drive

·         Formula Ford specific ‘stretchy’ belt front end accessory drive to standard water pump

·         Bespoke motorsport ECU

·         Bespoke motorsport engine wiring harness

·         Power output: 110PS @ 6750rpm

·         Torque: 150Nm @ 5250