- Competes with: Mazdaspeed3, Honda Civic Si, Subaru WRX
- Looks like: Focus SVT fanatics will be rewarded for their patience
- Drivetrain: 247-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, six-speed manual transmission
- Hits dealerships: 2012
Ever since the North American and European Focus coalesced into the
same uniform model for 2012, American sport enthusiasts have been
anticipating a replacement of the SVT, the high-performance Focus model
that was killed nearly eight years ago.
Next year, these faithful will get what they wanted in the guise of
the Ford Focus ST. This pocket rocket will be powered by the first
EcoBoost engine announced for the U.S. Focus, a 247-horsepower,
2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 250 pounds-feet of torque.
Those estimates are pending final SAE ratings. The motor will be mated
to a six-speed manual transmission only.
There are many more mechanical changes behind the robust engine in the
Focus ST, however. Ford has reworked the suspension by upgrading the
shock absorbers and springs. The rear suspension has been revised with
uprated suspension knuckles and an all-new antiroll bar design. Overall,
the sport-tuned suspension offers less ground clearance, but better
cornering abilities, says Ford.
The electronic stability system and Torque Vectoring Control
programming have been revised in the ST, too. The stability control has
three modes to choose from, including an intermediate “reduced or
wide-slip mode,” which turns off traction control off and intrudes only
when absolutely necessary. Stability control can be turned off, but the
Torque Vectoring Control will remain active, no matter the setting.
Torque Vectoring Control, which is also found on the base Focus, applies
brake torque to the inner wheel to reduce understeer.
The electronic power-assisted steering also has a torque steer
compensation program, which detects torque steer and counteracts it when
necessary.
Besides all the technical upgrades, the ST also shows off its more
aggressive nature inside and out. The ST features large 18-inch wheels
and unique exterior ground effects kit. A large lowered honeycomb front
grille and a Ford badge moved high on the front leading edge of hood
make the ST instantly recognizable. Within the cabin, the ST is comes
with Recaro-brand sport seats and partial and full leather upholstery
are available. The pedals, steering wheel and gearshift designs are
unique to the ST, too.
We’ll have more information on the Focus ST once the 2011 L.A. Auto
Show gets underway, but for now, check out the additional photos below.
Click any image for larger version.
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