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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