Ford\ntoday revealed the all-new Focus ST \u2013 developed by Ford Performance to deliver\nnimble hot-hatchback thrills in a stylish, comfortable and practical family car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The\nall-new Focus ST builds on the class-leading driving dynamics of the fourth\ngeneration Focus in five-door hatch and estate body styles. Ford\u2019s new C2\narchitecture is enhanced with unique suspension, braking and powertrain\nconfigurations for the most responsive and agile Focus ST driving experience ever\n\u2013 on road and track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A\nnew engine line-up creates up to 12 per cent more power and 17 per cent more\ntorque compared with the previous generation Focus ST. Ford\u2019s 280PS 2.3-litre EcoBoost\npetrol engine and 190PS 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine* both deliver a broad\nspread of power and torque across the rev-range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ford\u2019s\nfirst application of an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) for a\nfront-wheel drive vehicle further enhances the cornering and stability of new\nFocus ST, sharpening responses to changing grip levels and driver inputs using\ncomputer-controlled pre-emptive actuation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A\nchoice of six-speed manual or new, quick-shifting, seven-speed automatic\ntransmissions is offered, and Selectable Drive Modes technology is introduced to\nthe Focus ST for the first time, enabling drivers to adjust the vehicle\u2019s\ncharacter to suit the driving scenario. Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) \u2013\nstandard for five-door EcoBoost variants \u2013 enhances the short long arm (SLA)\nindependent rear suspension configuration for ultimate refinement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIntelligent\ntechnologies like eLSD and CCD make our all-new Focus ST the most \u2018Jekyll and\nHyde\u2019 yet, able to switch from refined tourer to focussed performance car at the\npush of a button,\u201d said Leo Roeks, Ford Performance director, Europe. \u201cWe\u2019ve\nincorporated learnings from programmes including the Ford GT and Focus RS to\ndevelop a mid-size performance car with a degree of flexibility that\u2019s unique\nin its segment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A\nnew generation of Ford\u2019s 2.3-litre EcoBoost all-aluminium engine is the most\npowerful ever offered for a Focus ST. Using advanced turbocharging technology\nto deliver 280PS power at 5,500rpm and 420Nm of torque from 3,000rpm to 4,000rpm,\nit is also the most free-revving Focus ST engine ever, and supports anticipated\n0-62mph acceleration in less than six seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Engine\nresponse is enhanced using a low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger, which\nscavenges exhaust gas energy more effectively using separated channels to\nminimise interference between gas pulses. An electronically actuated waste-gate\nallows closer control of boost pressures for optimised engine performance. In\naddition, a unique exhaust system that reduces back pressure, bespoke air\nintake system and optimised intercooler further improve breathing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Innovative\nanti-lag technology developed for the Ford GT supercar and F-150 Raptor pick-up\nis introduced to the Focus ST, for immediate power delivery in Sport and Track\ndrive modes. Anti\u2011lag keeps the throttle open when the driver lifts off the\naccelerator pedal, alleviating the reversal of air flow from the turbocharger\nto maintain compressor wheel speed and enabling boost pressure to build faster\non demand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ford\u2019s\n190PS 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine is the most powerful diesel engine ever offered\nfor a Ford Focus model, delivering peak power at 3,500rpm and 400Nm of torque\nbetween 2,000rpm and 3,000rpm \u2013 and 360Nm from 1,500rpm \u2013 for immediate and\nlinear acceleration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The\ndiesel variant features a low-inertia variable geometry turbocharger; steel\npistons for less expansion when hot; and an integrated\nintake system with innovative mirror-image porting for optimised combustion help\nto deliver a diesel powertrain that produces 10 per cent more power and more than\ntwice as much torque as the 2.0\u2011litre Duratec ST petrol engine in the first generation\nFocus ST170.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The\nFocus ST\u2019s six-speed manual transmission enables more urgent gear-changes and provides\na sportier feel with a shift-throw reduction of seven per cent compared with\nthe standard all-new Focus. Ford\u2019s new rev-matching technology that debuted on\nthe new Ford Mustang is also introduced as part of an optional Performance Pack\nfor 2.3-litre EcoBoost manual models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Delivering\nsmoother, faster downshifts, the technology is accompanied by a shift indicator\nlight, and uses the engine\u2019s electronic control system to briefly \u201cblip\u201d the\nthrottle as the driver engages a lower gear \u2013 matching the engine rotation\nspeed to that of the gear that is being selected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rev-matching\nenables less-experienced performance drivers to benefit from the seamless,\nmomentum-maintaining gearshifts delivered by the \u201cheel-and-toe\u201d driving\ntechnique, while also enabling experienced performance drivers to deactivate\nthe system if they prefer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gear\ndifferentiation on the new seven-speed variant of Ford\u2019s automatic transmission\nis optimised for performance, and Adaptive Shift Scheduling \u2013 which assesses individual\ndriving styles to optimise gearshift timings \u2013 is enhanced to offer more\nflexibility and the ability to differentiate between road and track use. Drivers\ncan select gears manually using steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe\nEcoBoost petrol and EcoBlue diesel powertrains have unique characters, but are\nequally charismatic,\u201d Roeks said. \u201cThe Focus ST\u2019s sporty \u2018pops and bangs\u2019\nsoundtrack perfectly matches the car\u2019s feisty performance and is an essential\npart of the ST experience.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Building\non accomplished Ford Focus driving dynamics, the new Focus ST was developed to blend\nB-road fun-to-drive, legitimate track-day performance, and everyday usability\nbetter than any vehicle in its class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The\nSLA suspension configuration helps optimise the vehicle\u2019s responses to driver\ninputs without sacrificing comfort, and includes a unique geometry for estate\nmodels that repositions the dampers, helping the vehicle remain nimble and\nresponsive even when fully loaded. The agile and energetic character of the\nstandard Focus is retained using the original spring specifications, with damping\nstiffness increased up to 20 per cent at the front and 13 per cent at the rear,\nwhile ride height is reduced by 10mm, to improve road-holding and response in\nperformance driving scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ford\u2019s\nsophisticated CCD technology is offered as part of the Performance Pack for five-door\nEcoBoost models, and every two milliseconds\nmonitors suspension, body, steering and\nbraking inputs to adjust damping responses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The\ndriving experience is further enhanced using eLSD technology for Focus ST 2.3-litre EcoBoost\nmodels. Incorporated into the transmission, the system uses hydraulically\nactivated clutches to limit the engine torque delivered to a wheel that has\nreduced traction on the road surface, and redistributes up to 100 per cent of\navailable torque to the wheel with more traction to counteract wheelspin that\ncan hamper acceleration through, and out of, corners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The\nBorg Warner-developed technology is faster to deploy and offers greater\nprecision than a traditional mechanical LSD. The system can pre-emptively\nadjust torque distribution using inputs from powertrain and vehicle dynamics\nsensors, rather than responding to wheelspin as it occurs, and can gradually apply\ndifferential locking for fine-tuning performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Focus\nST 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel models feature Torque Vectoring Control technology,\nwhich improves road holding and reduces understeer by applying brake force to\nthe inside front wheel when cornering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The\nall-new Focus ST steals Ford\u2019s fastest-steering-response crown from the\nacclaimed Fiesta ST. The electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system is 15\nper cent faster than the standard Focus, requiring just two turns lock-to-lock.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Class-leading\nconnected feel is supported by unique steering knuckle geometry, with a rod\nattachment point 9mm further forward and 6.5mm higher than the standard Focus for\nsharper responses. New Steering Torque Disturbance Reduction software for EPAS\nalso helps reduce torque steer, making it even easier to deploy the Focus ST\u2019s\npower and torque via bespoke-specification Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Larger\nfront and rear brake components provide the foundation for a high performance\nbraking system with improved stopping power and fade resistance. Front disc\ndimensions have grown to 330mm x 27mm and feature dual-piston callipers. Rear\ndiscs now measure 302mm x 11mm. Focus ST braking performance was verified using\nthe same demanding test procedures as the Ford GT supercar, and achieved almost\nfour-times the fade resistance performance of the previous generation Focus ST in\ntesting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The\nC2 architecture\u2019s Electric Brake Booster (EBB) further demonstrates its\nadvantages in the Focus ST application. The technology builds brake pressure\nfaster than a hydraulic system for a more connected, confident and consistent\npedal feel across a broader range of operating conditions. For the Focus ST,\nthis means the system can both mitigate for changes in braking behaviour\nexperienced during high performance driving, and can adjust the braking feel\nand dynamics to match the selected Drive Mode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Focus\nST features three drive modes as standard – Slippery\/Wet, Normal, Sport and \u2013 for\nmodels equipped with the Performance Pack \u2013 Track Drive Modes adjust eLSD, CCD,\nEPAS, throttle mapping, automatic transmission shift scheduling, electronic\nstability control, electronic sound enhancement (ESE) and climate settings to\nsuit the driving scenario. A dedicated \u201cSport\u201d button on the flat-bottomed\nsteering wheel gives direct access to Sport mode, and an additional \u201cMode\u201d\nbutton allows drivers to quickly scroll through the drive mode options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSelecting\nTrack mode instantly makes braking response more direct and edgy; introduces\nhigher steering efforts for more feedback; tunes the throttle to be more\naggressive; instructs the eLSD to deliver maximum traction; and gives drivers\nmore leeway within the ESC system,\u201d said David Put, Ford Performance vehicle\ndynamics. \u201cDrivers can have full confidence in the Focus ST\u2019s ability to\ndeliver on the track.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The\ntraditional Focus ST gauge cluster benefits from a contemporary execution\ninspired by the Ford GT. Digital turbocharger boost pressure, oil pressure and\noil temperature gauges are now displayed in a bespoke Ford Performance screen\non the instrument display. Launch Control for consistently fast standing starts\non track is also delivered via the Performance Pack for 2.3-litre EcoBoost\nmodels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Developed\nto be as comfortable as it is fun-to-drive, the all-new Focus ST exploits the\nclass-leading roominess and refinement of the standard Focus range, and\nfeatures an upscale interior that balances everyday practicality and a sporty\ndriving experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ford\nPerformance engineers fine-tuned the positioning of Recaro front seats, while ESE\ntechnology amplifies engine and exhaust noise in Sport and Track modes \u2013\nheightening the sports driving sensation and delivering additional feedback. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tuned\nengine mounts and an isolated subframe increase refinement for all occupants. Generous\nfront shoulder room and best-in-class rear knee clearance combine with maximum\n1,653-litre estate luggage capacity and a boot space that can comfortably\naccommodate a large dog crate, for maximum comfort and practicality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In\naddition to the sports steering wheel and Ebony coloured Recaro seats, the unique\nFocus ST interior intensifies the sporty atmosphere with an ST-embossed\naluminium gear knob and scuff plates; alloy pedals; metallic hexagonal and\nsatin silver decorative elements; and metal grey stitching for the seats, door\ninserts and centre console.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The\nFocus ST builds on the premium, sporting Focus silhouette with subtle,\nfunctional styling changes and unique alloy wheel designs. Revised upper and\nlower front grille designs are optimised for increased cooling capability, and\nbold signature lower wing elements channel air in to the air-curtain inlets for\nimproved aerodynamic performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A\nlarger, more steeply angled rear roof spoiler increases downforce to support the\nFocus ST\u2019s driving dynamics. A twin exit tailpipe configuration borders the aggressively\nstyled rear diffuser element, and improves practicality by delivering the\ntowing capability that was prevented by the centre-exit tailpipes of the\nprevious generation Focus ST. The Performance Pack also adds red brake\ncallipers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exterior\ncolour options chosen to emphasise the Focus ST\u2019s dynamic styling include exclusive\nFord Performance Blue and Orange Fury, alongside Frozen White, Magnetic grey,\nRace Red, Ruby Red and Shadow Black. Bold alloy wheel options include 18-inch\nDark Sparkle and Magnetite designs, with a 19-inch wheel also offered in\nMagnetite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The\nFocus ST also benefits from the comprehensive range of sophisticated Ford\ndriver assistance technologies that have helped the all-new Focus win 13 awards\nand a 5-star safety rating since going on sale in 2018.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Seamlessly\nintegrated technologies that enable an intuitive, stress-reducing and refined\ndriving experience include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ford\u2019s\nSYNC 3 connectivity system allows drivers to control\naudio, navigation and climate functions plus connected smartphones using simple\nvoice commands supported by an 8-inch colour touchscreen. The system\nprovides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto\u2122 compatibility free of charge, and\navailable FordPass Connect embedded modem technology turns the vehicle into a\nmobile WiFi hotspot with connectivity for up to 10 devices<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur\ntarget was to deliver an all-new Focus ST that is as effortless to drive\nday-to-day as the rest of the Focus line-up,\u201d Roeks said. \u201cThe model\u2019s comprehensive\nrange of technologies means customers gain exhilarating ST performance without\nsacrifice.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The\nall-new Focus ST will go on sale across Europe in summer 2019. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Ford today revealed the all-new Focus ST \u2013 developed by Ford Performance to deliver nimble hot-hatchback thrills in a stylish, comfortable and practical family car. The all-new Focus ST builds on the class-leading driving dynamics of the fourth generation Focus in five-door hatch and estate body styles. Ford\u2019s new C2 architecture is enhanced with unique […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":236,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[16,35,43],"class_list":["post-234","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ford-news","tag-ford","tag-ford-focus","tag-ford-focus-st"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.platts.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/234"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.platts.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.platts.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.platts.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.platts.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=234"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.platts.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/234\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.platts.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/236"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.platts.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=234"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.platts.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=234"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.platts.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=234"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}