09-03-2010
Focus ST gets ready to roar
Next hot hatch to use 2.0-litre turbo power!
It's official – Ford is readying a hot hatch version of the new Focus!
Speaking at the Geneva Motor Show, product development boss Derrick
Kuzak confirmed that a new fast version of the latest third-generation
model is on the way. “It will get a turbocharged EcoBoost engine, be
exciting to drive, great to look at and certainly worth waiting for,”
Kuzak said. Likely to be badged ST, the newcomer will ditch the current
car’s 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine for a more efficient and powerful
direct-injection unit.
Insiders suggest this will be a 2.0-litre engine offering 250bhp and
350Nm of torque. This should power the new ST from 0-60mph in six
seconds, and on to a top speed of 155mph. That will put it ahead of the
VW Golf GTI and on terms with the Renaultsport Mégane 250. While
enthusiasts will miss the sound of the old ST’s warbling five-cylinder
unit, they’ll welcome the new car’s increased efficiency. Fuel economy
is expected to be 35mpg combined, while emissions of 175g/km are
predicted. Add in torque vectoring electronics and a range of driving
modes – two of the new Focus’ key features – and it should be thrilling
to drive.
According to Kuzak, the new car will be a “global performance model” so
will be sold both in Europe and the US for the first time. Development
is being undertaken by the man behind the current RS, Jost Capito, who
is Ford’s performance car boss and heads a team of expert engineers.
It’s likely to be available in five-door form, as well as a so far
unrevealed three-door bodystyle. There’s even the possibility of a new
coupé variant. An on-sale date has yet to be confirmed. The standard
Focus hatch goes on sale early in 2011, so the ST is unlikely to appear
until later next year at the earliest. Before then, Ford will launch a
last-of-the-line RS ‘Clubsport’ with more power and tweaked suspension.
The firm will then embark on a replacement for the RS, which will get
the same turbocharged 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine as the ST, hooked up to
a hybrid system complete with four-wheel drive.
Bron| AutoExpress
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