Focus on Speed

Ford of Europe's best-selling Focus gets a new performance model, going on sale this fall. The Focus ST is powered by a turbocharged Duratec ST, 2.5 litre, 5-cylinder engine delivering an impressive 225 PS (almost 222hp.) Equipped with a slick-operating six-speed manual gearbox and capable of a top speed in excess of 240 km/h (around 150 mph), it needs only 6.8 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (6.5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph).

The Focus chassis has been modified and stiffened for the ST as well as being lowered by 25mm (almost one inch.) Handling has been refined through stiffening of the front and rear springs and an increased anti-roll bar.

The brakes have been upgraded to 320mm x 28 mm front ventilated discs that are fitted with large calipers and pads to provide better initial bite.

Safety features include a rigid passenger cell, footwell protection, collapsible steering column and pedals and side impact protection door beams. Among the passive safety systems are driver and passenger front and side airbags, pyrotechnic belt pre-tensioners and neck injury protection system on front seats.

Inside the passenger cabin, the Focus ST includes a unique additional instrument pod, covering turbocharger boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure.

On the outside, the ST's front bumper has been emphasized to give the Focus ST a lowered look incorporating an aggressive inverted-trapezoid lower grille. Flanking the top of the lower grille, fog lamp openings are trimmed in brushed aluminum.

 

yeah, i just posted a similar thread on my local racing forum. possibly the best ford product being made right now. What a beast.

 

is that the same engine Volvo uses?

 

yup. gotta love product haring....makes you wonder why the new mazdaspeed 3 won't be a 5cyl turbo doesn't it?? 230hp 233lb-ft.