Almost a year after appearing at the 2010 Paris Motor Show in concept form, Ford has lifted the covers off the production version of its new global performance model, the Focus ST. If you remember the showcar's looks and specifications, there is nothing surprising about the production version of the five-door hatchback.
What comes as a surprise though is the introduction of a station wagon body style of the Focus ST. However, unlike the hatch that will be sold across the globe, the Focus ST Wagon will be offered exclusively in Europe - at least for now.
Both the Focus ST hatch and Wagon sport the same 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine delivering a maximum output of 250-horsepower and a peak torque of 360Nm (265.5 lb-ft), matched to a 6-speed manual transmission that delivers power to the front wheels only.
Ford claims that the four-banger is more potent as well as more fuel efficient than the previous ST's Volvo-sourced five-cylinder unit, while Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles, says the it will deliver an equally exciting sound.
“People loved the sound of the previous Focus ST,” said Capito. “The physics and acoustics of a 5-cylinder engine compared to a 4-cylinder are very different, but like Beethoven and Mozart – both of whom created fantastic yet very different music – we believe the engine note of the new Focus ST will delight enthusiasts in the same way.”
Ford's engineers have uprated the ST's suspension and brake bits while the performance model also comes equipped with a more aggressive tuning of Ford’s Torque Steer Compensation (TSC) system and an enhanced version of the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with three modes to choose from.
The ST rides on a set of 18-inch alloy wheels shod in high performance 235/40R18 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tires. ST customers will also be able to opt for a ‘Performance Pack’ which offers the wheels in black with a high contrast red finish on the performance brake calipers.
On the outside, the ST gains a different front grille and an aero package with a front apron, side skirts, roof spoiler and a rear apron/diffuser, while interior parts include a set of Recaro sport seats and bespoke trim.
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