Ford Focus ST

new Ford Focus ST the development is being led by Team RS performance specialists based in Europe, building on their extensive experience in engineering sought-after cars like the previous ST models and legendary RS series.

"The new Focus ST will be our first true global performance vehicle and we are excited about the chance to give many customers worldwide their first taste of Ford's acclaimed ST heritage," said Jost Capito, Director of Global Performance Vehicles. "Like the ST and RS models before it, the Ford Focus ST will be the result of painstaking tuning around the curves of the Nürburgring, along high-speed German autobahns, and down classic British B-roads.

"For European drivers, the Ford Focus ST will bring the same distinctive qualities of pure dynamics and performance that have created the unique appeal of our ST heritage.

More Performance - and More Economy - from Ford EcoBoost Power

At the heart of the appeal of the next-generation Focus ST is a high-output 250 PS derivative of the efficient and advanced new 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost four-cylinder petrol engine.

Succeeding the turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder unit of the current European model, this unique 250 PS Ford EcoBoost engine is being specially developed for the new Focus ST to ensure that the car gets the muscular performance - and the inspirational sound - which it deserves. It also marks the first application of the four-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine in a high performance model.

One of a completely new generation of downsized, high-efficiency, low-CO2 petrol engines from Ford, the 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost is a lightweight, all-aluminium design which combines three technologies - high-pressure direct injection, low-inertia turbocharging and twin independent variable cam timing - to create an advanced combustion system which brings new levels of performance and fuel efficiency to petrol engines in this power range.

The standard transmission for the Ford Focus ST is a 6-speed manual gearbox, optimised with more sporting ratios carefully matched to the performance characteristics of the engine.

Genuine Performance and Handling

Ford Team RS performance vehicle specialists have a mission: to ensure that the new Ford Focus ST delivers the pure performance and handling everyone expects from a genuine Ford ST model.

Compared to the standard Focus, the ST model will feature a comprehensive range of enhancements including a chassis lowered by 10mm, a substantially different variable ratio steering system, high performance brakes and unique suspension tuning, that will enable the vehicle to deliver the acclaimed ST handling agility and poise.

Naturally, the ST will also benefit from the performance improvements being delivered by the next-generation Focus vehicle architecture. Features like a stronger, stiffer body structure, optimised front and rear suspension system designs, and a new electric power assisted steering (EPAS) system all contribute to superior vehicle dynamics and improved refinement.

Unprecedented Level of Smart Technologies

Ford Focus ST drivers will also be able to take advantage of the unprecedented level of smart new technologies incorporated in Ford's latest global C-car platform, including

"This is the third generation Ford Focus ST and we are determined that the new car will continue the strong heritage of affordable, high performance ST models into the future," said Jost Capito. "The technology on offer with Ford's new global C-car platform will also help to ensure that the Ford Focus ST provides enthusiasts with an exceptional driving experience."

Unique High-Performance Exterior

The new Focus ST features a highly distinctive sports exterior, providing significant functional and aerodynamic benefits and clearly differentiating the ST derivative from other models in the new Focus family.

Representing the sportiest definition yet of Ford's signature trapezoidal grille, the bold one-piece design is placed higher on the nose of the vehicle, and incorporates a distinctive hexagonal mesh finished in high gloss black.

The front spoiler has a completely new configuration, with a deep central splitter framed by small motorsport-inspired spoiler blades on either side, which sweep round and encompass the fog lamps. The spoiler blades are linked to the rest of the body lines through the grille structure, which is reminiscent of the similar treatment in the current Focus RS model.

The more assertive, sporting character of the front end is completed by details like the gloss black finish to the headlamp bezels, and the bold red ST badge on the one-piece grille.

From the side, muscular extended rocker panels emphasise the lowered chassis, and the bold wheel arches are filled with 19-inch alloy wheels which are the latest evolution of the classic Y-spoke ST wheel.

Dynamic Rear End Treatment

The rear bumper and lower fascia is also completely new, with prominent diffuser-style vents on either side which mirror the form of the front spoiler blades. Rear lamps with a dark smoked tint enhance the sporty feel.

The car's aerodynamic package is completed by a highly effective integrated roof spoiler, which has been optimised to deliver improved high-speed stability and reduced drag. With a larger, more exaggerated design than the spoiler on the current Ford Focus ST, it incorporates ducting to the rear screen and has been carefully integrated with the vehicle tailgate and roof.

Dramatic New Body Colour

The Paris preview car is finished in a dramatic new 'Tangerine Scream' body colour, which reflects the exciting and energetic new character of the Ford Focus ST.

A spiritual successor to the signature Electric Orange finish of the current Ford Focus ST, Tangerine Scream is a very intense and vibrant high-saturation metallic yellow-gold tone

To complement the vibrant exterior colour, the 19-inch alloy wheels have a warm, anodised Golden Graphite finish. Their sophisticated five-spoke design is contrasted by the brake calipers which are brightly painted in body colour.

Bold High-Contrast Sports Cockpit

The performance theme from the exterior is echoed inside the car, with a very bold high-contrast sports cockpit featuring Recaro seats, unique instrumentation and modern, highly technical finishes.

Dramatically-bolstered and rally-inspired Recaro leather and fabric front seats provide an ideal balance between sporting support and long-distance comfort, and form the centrepiece of the cabin.

Throughout the cabin, unique details ensure that the Ford Focus ST clearly signals its sporting intent. Three additional gauges for turbo boost, oil pressure and oil temperature are housed in a dedicated binnacle on the upper instrument panel; the instrument cluster features unique ST sports graphics with red needle pointers; and the centre console has a technical carbon-effect finish.

The interior has the signature ST treatment of a dark interior environment, with black headlining, bespoke steering wheel and a gear knob featuring the ST logo, plus metal racing pedals.

The premium sports feel of the cabin is enhanced by a generous use of Charcoal Black leather with vibrant yellow-gold contrast stitching on many of the interior surfaces, including the seats, door panels, central armrest, steering wheel, gearshift gaiter and the top of the instrument binnacle.

"The Ford Focus ST will be a serious driving machine, and we have developed a purposeful exterior combined with a cockpit that blends sporting function with impressive comfort," said Stephen Odell. "The approach of form following function is a key part of the ST DNA, and we have remained true to that both inside and outside the vehicle."