#ModifiedFiesta

Ford has just released a new sport appearance package for the 2012 Fiesta, adding some exterior goodies and perhaps even a slight improvement in acceleration.

In total, eight modified Fiestas will be on display and Ford has given us a sneak peak at just what to expect.

Most exciting is a Ford Racing Performance Parts version of the cat that will make 350-hp thanks to a 2.3-liter version of Ford’s 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine.

“The goal of our 350-horsepower Fiesta is really twofold – first to reinforce Fiesta’s fun-to-drive nature with an extreme version that captures the attention of the influential enthusiast, and second, to introduce the Ford Racing/EcoBoost connection in a way that’s unexpected and outrageous,” said Mickey Matus, Ford Racing Performance group marketing manager. “In both cases, we’re targeting the discriminating performance enthusiast with our message. After all, they are the people others rely on for automotive expertise and recommendations.”

Some of the added parts are already available through Ford Racing, like a short throw shifter, exhaust and 17-inch wheels. Perhaps Ford is using the SEMA Show to test the waters and see if more high-powered options would be of interest to Fiesta owners.

The Ford Racing Fiesta will be on display in a vibrant blue and will be auctioned off to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF).

Another in-house project will be the Ford Vehicle Personalization Fiesta with a body kit, special wheels and a unique grille as well as a new interior package that will be offered to customers shortly.

As for the other six, they are currently under construction by the Universal Technical Institute, 3dCarbon, L&G Enterprises, H&R Springs, Steeda Autosports (should be a cool one) and FSWerks.

Check out our complete SEMA Preview here, which will be updated with live coverage of the 2010 SEMA Show starting November 2nd.

Official release after the jump:

The Universal Technical Institute (UTI) has teamed up with Tjin Edition to design a one-of-a-kind 2011 Ford Fiesta that will debut at SEMA 2010. Best of all, the Ford Fiesta will be built as a giveaway in a sweepstakes that opens up on November 2nd, 2010, the first day of SEMA.

Not many details have been revealed about the project, but given Tjin Edition’s past history we’re anticipating that it’ll be a killer car. Prior to be given away, it’ll tour numerous UTI campuses and other automotive events, showing off what can be done with a little creativity and experience.

Several partners are already on board with the project giving us a good idea of what the car will look like. Peeking underneath the car cover in the render is clearly a site of wheels from FIVE:AD with Air Lift Suspension ensuring the car has the profile it needs no matter the situation. Baer brakes will be peeking between the spokes while Yokohama tires will be wrapping the wheels. Exterior goodies will be coming from DuPont paint, 3dCarbon and StreetGlow while interior will receive goods from Trent’s Trick Upholstery, Autometer, Status Racing, Image Dynamics and Scosche. Performance looks to be contributed by MagnaFlow, SPEC and Nitrous Express.

Official press release available after the break.

Ford is making a major push in marketing their Fiesta to the trendy, hip youth market of tomorrow…or today’s automotive enthusiasts. From teaming up with Ken Block to custom commercials on American Idol, to the impressive Fiesta Movement social marketing phenomenon, Ford seems to have a lot of bases covered. Their emphasis has been on customization and personalizing the trendy Fiesta, offering versatility and custom graphics. But now Ford has taken another leap by announcing their Fiesta body kits and accessories.

Starting with the aesthetics, Ford will be releasing a four-piece body kit for the Fiesta which includes a front air dam, side skirts and rear valence. Custom graphics ranging from tattoo-style, bubbles, flames and even ninja blades. For the interior, illuminated door sills, LED cup holder lights, armrest and a shift knob that’s illuminated with a gear number can all be added.

Obviously these aren’t for everybody, but you can’t knock Ford for trying to appeal to somebody. The more boring accessories are pretty run-of-the-mill including floor mats and splash guards. One thing’s for sure though, the Fiesta should be quite successful and we’ll be seeing quite a lot of them in the near future.

View the official press release after the break.

GALLERY: Ford Fiesta Body Kits and Accessories

Read AutoGuide’s Ford Fiesta First Drive by Clicking Here