The production version of the dramatic new Focus ST five-door has been unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with one less cylinder.
The new Focus ST is powered by the 246 hp 2.0-litre all-aluminum Ford EcoBoost engine which features high pressure direct injection, low-inertia turbocharging and Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing (Ti-VCT).
Redesigned intake and exhaust systems with unique engine calibration deliver the ideal level of power and responsiveness with the torque figure at 360Nm. Compared to the 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder engine in the previous-generation European Focus ST, the new 4-cylinder engine offers increased performance, but its smaller capacity and innovative technology also allow it to be more fuel efficient.
The EcoBoost 2.0 in the Focus ST is expected to cut both CO2 emissions and fuel consumption by more than 20 per cent from the previous-generation European model when fuel consumption data is certified.
“This is the first time we have used a 4-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine in a high performance model and the results are phenomenal,” said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development. “Drivers will have a lot of power and torque throughout the rev range to use. For everyday driving, though, the characteristics of this car will let them drive in a more fuel efficient way than previously, which is an essential part of the ST’s DNA.”
Mated to the 2.0-litre engine is a 6-speed manual transmission, which has specially revised gearing to produce the maximum punch from each throw of the gear shift. The Global Performance Vehicles group spent significant attention to detail to ensure the ratio of sixth gear was perfectly in tune with the Focus ST, giving the driver optimum performance while remaining long enough to help maintain excellent fuel economy on longer runs.
It’s not only the engine note that sounds fantastic on the new Focus ST. The exhaust system, with unique centre exit tailpipes, has been tuned to deliver a perfectly balanced audible experience. Enthusiastic drivers will be rewarded with an orchestra of sporty sounds to heighten their driving adventure, but should they want a more relaxing drive, the refinement of the cabin and tuning of exhaust and engine note will give them exactly that at lower RPM.
Control-wise, the new car features Ford’s new Ford variable ratio Sport Steering System, Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) is also enhanced with Ford’s Torque Steer Compensation (TSC) system, which is said to eliminate torque steer.
Further enhancements have also been made to the Focus ST’s Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), with an enhanced Torque Vectoring Control, in which brake torque is applied to the inner wheel of the Focus through a corner, reducing the understeer behaviour and allowing for more traction, much like a traditional limited slip differential.
The new car also has Cornering Under Steer Control (CUSC), which applies torque to create yaw torque based on the vehicle’s understeer behaviour prior to ESP, both in power-on and power-off conditions.
Working in harmony with the advanced driver assistance features is the finely tuned suspension setup of the new Focus ST. Uprated shock absorbers and springs lower the ST chassis by 10mm for a more aggressive stance while the centre of gravity is brought closer to the road, which aids precise cornering. The rear suspension has been revised with a number of new parts developed specifically for the Focus ST. Key components are the uprated suspension knuckles and an all-new anti-roll bar design, both the result of the development team’s desire to give drivers an outstanding amount of feedback and control.
The rear suspension of the five-door and the wagon versions of Focus ST differ slightly. The wagon features angled shock absorbers – as in the base model – to maintain the optimum amount of capacity in the luggage compartment.
The iconic Y-shaped spoke design of the previous generation Focus ST has evolved for the new incarnation. A set of 18-inch alloy wheels carry on the recognised Focus ST style but subtle revisions bring them up-to-date for 2012.
ST customers will now have an additional ‘Performance Pack’ option which offers the wheels in black with a high contrast red finish on the performance brake calipers. Wrapped around the alloy wheels are high performance 235/40R18 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tyres, developed after rigorous testing on all kind of road surfaces and conditions, including the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany.
“The same tyres will be offered on the Focus ST in every country,” said Tonn. “They are designed to extract the best performance from the car on all road conditions. They don’t compromise on performance and get the best out of the chassis and driver systems of the vehicle.”
More demanding trackies, the Focus ST-R is purpose-built for the track by Ford Racing in North America as a fully-prepared competition car. It features a powerful 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine, FIA regulation roll cage, uprated brakes and track-tuned suspension.
The all-new Focus ST-R has been crafted by engineers at Ford Racing with technical support from Ford’s Global Performance Vehicles group, to allow it to compete in a huge variety of series, including Grand-Am ST, World Challenge TC and Canadian Touring Car Series. Ford also hopes teams will race the car in key European motorsport series and major national events such as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.
“From the beginning, the Focus and new Focus ST were designed to be driver’s cars,” saidJost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development.“The road-going Focus features best-in-class brakes, handling and powertrains and the design and functionality of the various vehicle systems have helped us to develop a global technical specification for teams wanting to race the new Focus cost effectively. Ford Racing in North America has taken this effort and developed the new Focus ST-R and is a perfect example of how a great production car inspires a competitive race car for enthusiasts.”
