At the Los Angeles Auto Show Ford showed off its new high performance 2012 Ford Focus ST the United States has been waiting for. For the first time, one common Focus ST model is being developed and built for worldwide markets.
The Focus ST development program is administered by Ford’s global performance vehicles group, which comprises Team RS (Europe) and SVT (U.S.) engineers, who are dedicated to developing and tuning products like the formidable Focus RS, Shelby GT500 and F-150 SVT Raptor. Because this is a worldwide model, it will wear the ST badge, where America only performance vehicles will wear the SVT badge.
Powering Focus ST is a high-output derivative of the efficient new 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost I-4 engine. This advanced EcoBoost engine is being specially developed for the new Focus ST to ensure that the car gets the muscular performance – and inspirational sound – that it deserves. It also marks the first application of the four-cylinder EcoBoost engine in a high-performance model.
This engine features specially designed intake and exhaust systems and a unique calibration to deliver the desired level of power and responsiveness. The engine retains robust torque delivery – a signature attribute of Ford EcoBoost designs – and a strong torque curve over a broad range.
One of a completely new generation of downsized, high-efficiency, low-CO2 engines from Ford, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost is a lightweight, all-aluminum design that combines three technologies – high-pressure direct injection, low-inertia turbocharging and twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) – to create an advanced combustion system that brings new levels of performance and fuel efficiency to engines in this power range.
The standard transmission for Focus ST is a six-speed manual gearbox, optimized with sporting ratios carefully matched to the performance characteristics of the EcoBoost engine.
Genuine performance and handling
The global performance vehicle specialists have a mission: to ensure the new Focus ST delivers pure performance and handling to exceed the expectations of the global automotive enthusiast community.
Focus ST will feature a comprehensive range of enhancements including a lowered chassis, high-performance brakes and unique suspension tuning that will enable the vehicle to deliver exceptional handling and agility.
ST will benefit from the performance improvements being delivered by the next-generation Focus vehicle architecture. Features like a stronger, stiffer body structure, optimized front and rear suspension system designs, and a new variable-ratio electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system all contribute to superior vehicle dynamics and improved refinement.
Focus ST drivers will also be able to take advantage of the unprecedented level of smart new technologies, including advanced new driver assistance, powertrain, chassis and active safety features.
Many of these features, such as the advanced new torque vectoring control system – which acts like a limited-slip differential to enhance cornering stability and agility – have a direct impact on taking sportive driving quality to an even higher level.
“The technology on the Focus ST will provide enthusiasts with an exceptional driving experience,” said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles.
The new Focus ST features a highly distinctive sports exterior, providing significant functional and aerodynamic benefits and clearly differentiating ST from other models in the new Focus family.
While sharing the already sleek and dynamic profile of the new Focus five-door, the ST features unique front and rear end designs, together with muscular extended rocker panels and a striking new alloy wheel aesthetic.
The sporting design language is particularly evident at the front end, where the twin upper and lower grilles of the standard car are replaced by a prominent new one-piece design.
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.
The front spoiler has a completely new configuration, with a deep central splitter framed by small motorsports-inspired spoiler blades on either side, which sweep around 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 treatment in the acclaimed European Focus RS model.
The more assertive, sporting character of the front end is completed by details like the matching black finish to the headlamp bezels, and the bold red ST badge on the one-piece grille.
From the side, muscular extended rocker panels emphasize the lowered chassis, and the bold wheel arches are filled with 19-inch alloy wheels with a unique Y-spoke design. This wheel and tire combination will give the Focus ST great road-holding grip.
The Focus ST on display is drenched in vibrant Tangerine Scream paint. The rear bumper and lower fascia is also completely new, with prominent diffuser-style vents on either side that mirror the form of the front spoiler blades. Taillamps with a dark-smoked tint enhance the sporty feel.
The new Focus ST has a high-performance exhaust system, which exits the vehicle through a central dual-pipe outlet. The exhaust outlet has been given a highly distinctive design treatment with a muscular form and is tuned to deliver a confident growl under power.
The car’s aerodynamic package is completed by a highly effective integrated roof spoiler, which has been optimized to deliver improved high-speed stability and reduced drag. The large spoiler on Focus ST incorporates ducting to the rear window and has been carefully integrated with the vehicle tailgate and roof.
The performance theme from the exterior is echoed inside the car, with a very bold high-contrast sport cockpit featuring Recaro seats, unique instrumentation and modern, highly technical finishes, combining to give the enthusiast driver a sense of being one with the vehicle.
Dramatically bolstered and rally-inspired leather and fabric front seats provide an ideal balance between sporting support and long-distance comfort. The seats are finished in high-quality charcoal black leather, offset by bold orange-gold panels in a neoprene fabric and vibrant yellow-gold contrast stitching. The central charcoal black fabric seat panels feature a rugged embossed design in the style of a performance tire tread pattern. The rear seats are finished in the same distinctive style.
Focus ST adds three additional gauges for turbo boost, oil pressure and oil temperature, housed in a dedicated binnacle on the upper instrument panel; the instrument cluster features unique ST sports graphics with red needle pointers, and the center console has a technical carbon-effect finish. ST instrumentation is geared to keep the ST driver informed while concentrated on the serious pursuit of enthusiastic driving.
The sporty interior environment features a black headliner, steering wheel and gear shift knob plus metal racing-inspired clutch, brake and accelerator pedals combining to provide both sporty luxury and light weight.
“The Focus ST is a serious driving machine, bringing high performance – previously reserved for our European customers – to enthusiast drivers all over the world,” said Capito.
