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After a very long wait, Ford has finally unveiled the production version of the dramatic new Focus ST at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and they’ve also announced that, next to the standard five-door model, Europeans will also be getting a station wagon version. The Focus ST is Ford’s first truly global performance car and Ford promises it will combine power with fuel efficiency and an impressive handling characteristic. For the new model, Ford has tuned the 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost engine with a redesigned intake and a new exhaust system with a unique engine calibration for a total output of 250 HP. The engine was combined with a 6-speed manual transmission which has also been specially revised for the ST. Ford has also announced that many of the design elements seen in the Focus ST will also be used in all the future ST models. These elements include the aggressively enhanced front and rear bumpers and the addition of a rear spoiler and sideskirts, plus a unique signature color. UPDATE 05/01/2012: All hatchback performance enthusiasts are monitoring the upcoming release of the new Ford Focus ST salivating like a pack of dogs surrounding a meaty T-bone steak. There is good reason for this excitement, as this 2.0-liter turbocharged Focus pumps out a stout 247 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, which is an astonishing 45 percent more horsepower and 83 percent more torque than the final model year of the Focus SVT (2004). Well, the Ford Focus ST ordering books are now open and prices have been revealed. Let’s start with the base model Focus ST, which it is set at $23,700. The Ford Focus ST2 (group 201A) has a base MSRP of $26,205 minus a $120 discount and the ST3 (group 202A) has a base MSRP of $28,540 minus a $405 discount. Granted, this is all barring dealerships doing the ultimate screw-the-customer move and slapping a “Market-Based Markup” on the sticker price. Hit the jump for more pricing details! UPDATE 07/17/12: Ford has released a new video of their highly amazing Focus ST doing what it does best: running roughshod over the race track and calling out some of its competitors. Heck, Ken Block and Tanner Foust are also in the video. Good times all around! Check it out by clicking on the photo above! UPDATE 01/22/13: The Ford Focus ST is now available in the UK with a base price £16,995. Depending on the trim and options you avail, expect that price to go up significantly. Hit the jump to read more about the Ford Focus ST. Exterior and Interior  The new Ford Focus ST uses the striking kinetic design of the standard Focus, but adds the muscular presence and specific performance cues of an ST model. The model will be offered in either Tangerine Scream, Performance Blue, Race Red, or White combined with a set of 18" alloy wheels in the iconic Y-shaped spoke design. The most impressive design elements of the new ST will be Ford’s signature trapezoidal grille at the front, sculpted side skirts, and the dynamic rear bumper with prominent diffuser-style vents in the lower fascia. There is also the highly effective roof spoiler and unique center-exit exhaust with a stunning tailpipe design influenced by the exclusive hexagonal mesh of the front bumper.  The interior will get Recaro seats and specially designed pedals, a new steering wheel, and gearshift. The rear seats ahve also been given extra padding to allow for a more comfortable ride. Engine Under the hood of the new Focus ST, Ford has placed a revised version of the 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost engine delivering 250 HP. It gets redesigned intakes and a new exhaust system with unique engine calibration. The engine will be mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, which has specially revised gearing to produce the maximum punch from each throw of the gear shift. There will also be a tuned suspension setup that will lower the ST chassis by 10mm for a more aggressive stance while the center of gravity is brought closer to the road, which aids in precise cornering. Prices Let’s start with the base model Focus ST, which it is set at $23,700. The Ford Focus ST2 (group 201A) has a base MSRP of $26,205 minus a $120 discount and the ST3 (group 202A) has a base MSRP of $28,540 minus a $405 discount. Granted, this is all barring dealerships doing the ultimate screw-the-customer move and slapping a “Market-Based Markup” on the sticker price. In addition to the various groups there are also five optional items. These items include: moonroof ($895), navigation ($795), Tangerine Scream Tricoat paint ($495), engine block heater ($35), and a FREE front license plate bracket. Knowing that the 2013 Focus ST will lead the dollar-for-power rating in the hot hatchback market is a sweet deal and we need to tip our hats to ncurrier88 at Ford ST Nation for digging up this leak. Two things that a lot of people may overlook here are the other numbers on this sheet – “dealer price” and “dealer invoice with holdback.” See that magical word “holdback,” that’s called profit. Keep this in mind when the salesman says “this is my invoice price,” that’s what he means, not what the car actually cost the dealer. A good negotiating tip to know! Build and price your very own Ford Focus ST by clicking here! Competition Up until 2009 when Ford unveiled the Focus RS, the ST reigned supreme as the most powerful and fastest Focus models offered. Competitors had plenty of reasons to fear then and Ford has given them more reasons now. With its new look and technology, the Focus ST is as impressive as ever. The Volkswagen Golf GTI fits into the competition niche for the Focus ST, but falls behind with its old design and lower output. The Golf GTI is powered by a 2.0 Liter 16 Valve dual overhead cam (DOHC) turbocharged and intercooled four cylinder producing 200 HP and 207 lb-ft of torque.  Improved appearance Revised engine and transmission Impressive performance numbers Only Europe gets station wagon version 22 comments: Ford Focus ST an orange ford ST with mate black powder coated rims! what can be better? (except a cosworth version of it?)
i wish there were more cars like this. and i’m sad it is better than the golf. it was the first hot hatchback and that shall be remembered.
i just love the looks of this car. add with the great performance, and you have the best car in it’s price range!
there are other hot hatchback there: audi s3, bmw m1. but those are more expensive. and i’m not sure they are more a car than the ST here.
it is more powerful than the golf, bigger, better looking and better equipped. i guess it is a better car. and i hate that, because i was golf fan. you did notice the "was" there, right?
250 HP and 265 torque. beat that, competition! and let’s remember that this is the stock ST, not some after market rocket.
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Posted on
10.18.2012 @ 17:37