Ford Focus ST
9/12/11, 12:06 PM
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Ford Focus ST
An all-new Focus ST range, which includes an estate version for the first time, has been launched on the eve of the Frankfurt motor show.
Both versions of the Focus ST will go on sale in 2012, although no on sale dates or prices have been revealed.
The Focus ST is the first car developed by Ford’s Global Performance Vehicles group, headed by Jost Capito, the man responsible for the most recent Focus RS.
The Focus ST has made it into production virtually unchanged from the concept seen at last year’s Paris show. It is set to be sold in more than 40 countries on six continents.
The ST gets a substantially more aggressive look than its more humble siblings, including a large trapezoidal grille, a single centre-mounted rear exhaust, an eye-catching Tangerine Scream exterior colour, side skirts, a rear spoiler and a bolder new rear bumper with integrated diffuser. Inside, ST Focuses get Recaro front seats and a new bench in the rear. The pedals, steering wheel and gearlever are also new, and there is a special headlining.
Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine with 247bhp and 265lb ft, but Ford has yet to confirm performance figures. However, Ford promises a 20 per cent boost in fuel economy over the previous Focus ST’s 2.5-litre, five-cylinder engine, along with lower CO2 emissions. A tall sixth ratio for its six-speed manual ’box helps.
Dynamic features include a new variable-ratio steering rack and an electronic Torque Steer Compensation system that works in conjunction with the electric power steering.
The stability control system has three selectable modes that alter the level of its intervention, including a setting that switches it off altogether. Other features include Enhanced Torque Vectoring Control and Cornering Under Steer Control systems, which work together to reduce understeer.
The Focus ST sits 10mm lower than standard Focuses thanks to new dampers and springs. The rear suspension of ST models also has uprated knuckles compared with standard cars and new anti-roll bars.
All STs ride on 18in alloy wheels that feature an evolution of the previous ST’s Y-shaped spokes. These are wrapped in 235/40 R18 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tyres, which will be sold as standard on STs everywhere in the world.
Ford says the chance to launch a five-door estate version of the ST in Europe was “irresistible”. It is identical to the standard hatchback, with only the angle of the rear dampers adjusted to maintain its optimum luggage capacity.
“There’s nothing comparable in the market to the Focus ST wagon,” said Capito. “We have high hopes for it to be a success.”
Focus ST-R
A new racing version of the Focus, the ST-R, was also revealed. Separate from the Team Aon Global Focus that competes in the BTCC, the ST-R has been developed by Ford Racing to compete in a variety of North American racing series. The firm also hopes that it will be raced in European championships and major events, including the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
Technical details on the factory-prepared ST-R are limited, but Ford has confirmed that it will use a version of the 2.0-litre Ecoboost engine along with an FIA rollcage, upgraded brakes and track-tuned suspension.
http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsAr...llCars/259085/
Both versions of the Focus ST will go on sale in 2012, although no on sale dates or prices have been revealed.
The Focus ST is the first car developed by Ford’s Global Performance Vehicles group, headed by Jost Capito, the man responsible for the most recent Focus RS.
The Focus ST has made it into production virtually unchanged from the concept seen at last year’s Paris show. It is set to be sold in more than 40 countries on six continents.
The ST gets a substantially more aggressive look than its more humble siblings, including a large trapezoidal grille, a single centre-mounted rear exhaust, an eye-catching Tangerine Scream exterior colour, side skirts, a rear spoiler and a bolder new rear bumper with integrated diffuser. Inside, ST Focuses get Recaro front seats and a new bench in the rear. The pedals, steering wheel and gearlever are also new, and there is a special headlining.
Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine with 247bhp and 265lb ft, but Ford has yet to confirm performance figures. However, Ford promises a 20 per cent boost in fuel economy over the previous Focus ST’s 2.5-litre, five-cylinder engine, along with lower CO2 emissions. A tall sixth ratio for its six-speed manual ’box helps.
Dynamic features include a new variable-ratio steering rack and an electronic Torque Steer Compensation system that works in conjunction with the electric power steering.
The stability control system has three selectable modes that alter the level of its intervention, including a setting that switches it off altogether. Other features include Enhanced Torque Vectoring Control and Cornering Under Steer Control systems, which work together to reduce understeer.
The Focus ST sits 10mm lower than standard Focuses thanks to new dampers and springs. The rear suspension of ST models also has uprated knuckles compared with standard cars and new anti-roll bars.
All STs ride on 18in alloy wheels that feature an evolution of the previous ST’s Y-shaped spokes. These are wrapped in 235/40 R18 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tyres, which will be sold as standard on STs everywhere in the world.
Ford says the chance to launch a five-door estate version of the ST in Europe was “irresistible”. It is identical to the standard hatchback, with only the angle of the rear dampers adjusted to maintain its optimum luggage capacity.
“There’s nothing comparable in the market to the Focus ST wagon,” said Capito. “We have high hopes for it to be a success.”
Focus ST-R
A new racing version of the Focus, the ST-R, was also revealed. Separate from the Team Aon Global Focus that competes in the BTCC, the ST-R has been developed by Ford Racing to compete in a variety of North American racing series. The firm also hopes that it will be raced in European championships and major events, including the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
Technical details on the factory-prepared ST-R are limited, but Ford has confirmed that it will use a version of the 2.0-litre Ecoboost engine along with an FIA rollcage, upgraded brakes and track-tuned suspension.
http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsAr...llCars/259085/
. . . . that's a UK Press Release, so I bet we won't get the wagon. )
9/12/11, 12:40 PM
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Ford 1.0L EcoBoost three-cylinder finds a home in the Euro-spec Focus
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/12/f...the-euro-spec/
Ford's EcoBoost offerings may have started off big and powerful, but the Blue Oval is quickly moving towards small and thrifty. Ford will soon offer its smallest turbocharged offering yet, as a new 1.0-liter, three-cylinder has been announced in advance of the Frankfurt Motor Show.
The new EcoBoost truoke will be available in the Ford Focus, C-Max and B-Max, and it will be available in 99 horsepower and 118 hp variants. A respectable 125 pound-feet of torque is available from a scant 1,300 rpm thanks to a turbocharger that can spool up to 250,000 revolutions per minute. Ford was able to extract so much power out of such a small, boosted engine thanks to improved twin variable camshaft design and an exhaust manifold cast that is cast into the cylinder head. And get this: While other EcoBoost offerings start with an aluminum block, the 1.0-liter includes an iron engine block, which isn't only cheaper, it reduces engine warmup time by 50 percent.
The key benefits sought from engine downsizing, of course, are improved fuel economy and lowered emissions. In this scenario, Ford promises 120 g/km C02, which works out to right around 45.5 miles per gallon (U.S.) on the European cycle. That 120 g/km figure, in case you're wondering, is identical to the much smaller Scion iQ, which gets a 36 city / 37 highway EPA rating. The diminutive engine will be fitted with five-speed and six-speed manual transmissions.
The three-liter EcoBoost will start off as a Europe-only affair, arriving early in 2012. Ford hasn't announced any availability of this engine in the U.S., though presumably consistently high fuel prices could change that over time. Hit the jump to read over the Ford press release.
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/12/f...the-euro-spec/
Ford's EcoBoost offerings may have started off big and powerful, but the Blue Oval is quickly moving towards small and thrifty. Ford will soon offer its smallest turbocharged offering yet, as a new 1.0-liter, three-cylinder has been announced in advance of the Frankfurt Motor Show.
The new EcoBoost truoke will be available in the Ford Focus, C-Max and B-Max, and it will be available in 99 horsepower and 118 hp variants. A respectable 125 pound-feet of torque is available from a scant 1,300 rpm thanks to a turbocharger that can spool up to 250,000 revolutions per minute. Ford was able to extract so much power out of such a small, boosted engine thanks to improved twin variable camshaft design and an exhaust manifold cast that is cast into the cylinder head. And get this: While other EcoBoost offerings start with an aluminum block, the 1.0-liter includes an iron engine block, which isn't only cheaper, it reduces engine warmup time by 50 percent.
The key benefits sought from engine downsizing, of course, are improved fuel economy and lowered emissions. In this scenario, Ford promises 120 g/km C02, which works out to right around 45.5 miles per gallon (U.S.) on the European cycle. That 120 g/km figure, in case you're wondering, is identical to the much smaller Scion iQ, which gets a 36 city / 37 highway EPA rating. The diminutive engine will be fitted with five-speed and six-speed manual transmissions.
The three-liter EcoBoost will start off as a Europe-only affair, arriving early in 2012. Ford hasn't announced any availability of this engine in the U.S., though presumably consistently high fuel prices could change that over time. Hit the jump to read over the Ford press release.
9/12/11, 04:59 PM
#6
I like the ST fascia in white or red, but not in yellow. I'd really like to see it in other colors before making my final judgement. The ST-R looks sharp, star wheels and all. Glad to see Ford finally has a horse in the arena with the GTI and Mazdaspeed3.
4/10/12, 08:39 AM
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I asked my Ford rep when she was here last week for wholesale and she didn't have any info. She was kinda surprised that they were taking this long on it. The cars are at the NY Auto Show (they look AWESOME). The decals on them say "late 2012". So hopefully by summer we'll start to get more info on it. 
4/10/12, 09:00 AM
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I asked my Ford rep when she was here last week for wholesale and she didn't have any info. She was kinda surprised that they were taking this long on it. The cars are at the NY Auto Show (they look AWESOME). The decals on them say "late 2012". So hopefully by summer we'll start to get more info on it.
If I ever want a FWD car to replace my mustang this will be it for sure.
