We know for a fact that Ford will be putting the high-performance Focus ST on sale sometime "next year." Although we don't have an exact date just yet, the Focus ST is set to not only be sold in the U.S, but also in nearly 40 other countries as well. Having originally appeared as a concept back at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, the production version made its debut last September at Frankfurt. And now, Ford has released details about the U.S.-spec version. It will also be on display later this month at the LA Auto Show.
Powered by a specially tuned version of the 2.0-liter EcoBoost direct-injected and turbocharged engine, it's mated to a six-speed manual, which has specifically revised gearing to produce the maximum punch from each throw of the gearshift. All told, output will be at 250hp and 250lb-ft of torque. Available only as a hatch (Europe will also have a wagon variant), the ST also features a sports suspension with upgraded shocks and dampers. There's also unique 18-inch alloy wheels paired up with a set of wide, low-profile Goodyear Eagle F1 tires which have been "designed to extract the best performance on all road conditions."
The ST is also lower when compared to the standard Focus. Other enhancements include additional body upgrades such as a single front trapezoidal opening with a mesh grille, sculpted side skirts, a rear roof spoiler, and even diffuser vents located in the rear bumper. There's also a central-exit exhaust system. The interior features upgraded Recaro seats that will be available in partial or full leather, unique pedal designs, and a darker headlining and trim on the pillars. According to Ford, the signature color for the ST will be Tangerine Scream, but other color choices will include Race Red, Performance Blue, Tuxedo Black Ingot Silver, and Oxford White.
Overall, the all-new Focus ST will have almost double the output from its turbocharged 2.0 EcoBoost than the original European Focus ST and will still retain all of the driving dynamics that made the original model such a favorite overseas.
