The two Puma Kit-Cars are quite difference in terms of the philosophy behind their design. The 1400cc VK14 Puma Kit-Car uses numerous production-derived components. 150bhp engine was considered to be entirely appropriate for the type of motorsport it was aimed at. Appropriate specification to other components also helped to keep the price on target for the market.

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The 1600cc Puma VK16 (S1600) employs a host of specialist Motorsport parts, for example, the brake system has 4-piston calipers with ventilated discs and a proper pedal box with adjustment front / rear brake bias. The entire rear suspension was replaced by an all-new Ford Racing designed independent rear beam assembly - the 1400 has a reinforced version of the standard unit.

 

The 1600 engine produces 33% more power thanks to completely new intake and exhaust systems - the 1400 breathes through a standard intake system. The 1600 is fitted with a six-speed gearbox - the 1400 retains the standard 5-speed gearbox casing from the road car.

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The VK16 (S1600) Puma also features a much improved aerodynamic package. While the rear wing may certainly look good, it is there because it worked.

 

Testing showed that at 140kph the rear wing generated 50 kilograms of downforce which helped the balance of the car, there was also a much more sophisticated treatment of the air flow around the front of the car. Ford Racing used a similar approach to that used in Super-Touring cars. The air goes in through the radiator and vents out sideways ahead of the front wheels - creating downforce.