Focus ST

Make
Ford
Segment
Hatchback

One measure of a performance car's popularity is the number of aftermarket programs to chose from. So as one of the hottest hot-hatches on the market, it's no surprise that the tuning world has taken a liking to the Ford Focus ST. Even John Hennessey has one as his daily driver, boosted to 300 hp. The stock ST's 2.0-liter EcoBoost, good for 252 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, is often the first area to get molested, but Ford's pocket rocket has also been treated to plenty of other bespoke modifications in its short life. Here are five of the best.

You may not believe it but John Hennessey's daily driver is a 2013 Ford Focus ST. Not one for driving cars in stock form, it wasn't long before John modified his hot hatch to be even hotter, installing a cold-air intake that boosts power by 13 hp and remapped ECU that adds another 27 horses. A Magnaflow stainless-steel exhaust was also fitted to create a deeper engine note, and has the added benefit of contributing another 7 or 8 horses for a combined total of around 300 hp. Dubbed the HPE300 package, production of the Hennessey-tuned Focus is limited to 300 units, with each receiving special badging and an individually-numbered dash plaque.

Austrian aftermarket firm MS Design unveiled its Ford Focus ST Competition edition at the Geneva Motor Show. The modified model is equipped with a new front spoiler, revised side skirts and a rear diffuser, and also comes with a sport-tuned suspension, tailgate-mounted spoiler and 20-inch bi-color alloys. Given this is a styling package, the stock ST's 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-pot remains untouched, but the upgraded suspension and new alloys help it handle that much sweeter. The 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds is likely to remain the same, though.

Ford Racing, in collaboration with Ken Block and fifteen52, debuted its Project ST TrackSTer at the Chicago Auto Show. One of a trio of Focus ST builds, the TrackSTer is the first car to come out of the Project ST campaign targeting the hardcore performance enthusiast. It includes a Ford Racing short-throw shifter and performance exhaust system, a Mountune engine build with forged rods and pistons, performance intercooler and upgraded ECU. Other race-tested performance parts include a limited-slip differential by Quaife, a Centerforce custom clutch kit, four-piston front caliper brakes and fender flares from the Chinese Touring Car Championship Focus.

Described as the Omni GLH reborn, the Shelby Focus ST is yet to receive any engine modifications but enhanced performance is inevitable thanks to numerous Ford Racing suspension components, a Shelby/Borla exhaust with larger circular outlets, new wheels and tires, and bigger brakes with cross-drilled rotors. A custom Shelby interior includes a unique shifter and a number plaque that identifies the limited-edition Shelby ST. On the outside, the Shelby adds functional hood vents, hydro-carbon front and a rear grille inserts, and a rear spoiler with a faux-carbon finish. Shelby is limiting the special edition ST to 500 models for 2013.

Noted drifter and Top Gear USA presenter Tanner Foust recently teamed up with Cobb Tuning to create the Tanner Foust Edition Ford Focus ST. The limited-edition model comes with custom ECU calibration, intercooler, intake, exhaust and suspension components, as well as stability and handling upgrades, increasing output to 300 hp. The special edition model also features carbon-fiber aero parts, a custom grille, graphics and wheel and tire package. The full package and individual parts are available from select Ford US dealerships or directly from Cobb Tuning. A similar Tanner Foust Edition is currently under development for the Fiesta ST and is expected to debut at SEMA in the fall.