GREG MIGLIORE on 5/10/2011
Ford product gurus are hard at work flogging prototypes of the 2012 Focus ST on challenging roads around the world in preparation of the hot hatch's launch next year.
The car debuted in concept guise at the Paris motor show and is the halo of the Focus lineup, packing 246 hp from a turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine paired with a six-speed manual. Ford released shots of the Focus ST in light camouflage today as it tries to build momentum for the sporty addition to its small-car lineup.
We've already seen the car, but these are testing shots. Ford says about 60 prototypes are pounding the pavement at the Nürburgring, on the autobahn and in California and Britain.
The Focus ST will compete against the Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 and, to a lesser extent, the Volkswagen GTI in the enthusiast hatch market.
With an upgraded interior, sporty body parts and wild wheels, the Paris prototype was a head-turner. As Ford CEO Alan Mulally said in Paris, “It levitates.”
Let's hope it drives that way.
Read the Full Press Release
New Ford Focus ST on Track: Prototype Testing Underway from California Freeways to German Nürburgring
-- Development of Ford's sporty new Focus ST is on track as engineers put prototypes through punishing regime to hone performance and driving dynamics
-- New 2.0-litre EcoBoost-powered Focus ST targets both 250 PS (246 hp) and impressive fuel economy
-- Focus ST, Ford's first global performance car, goes on sale next year
COLOGNE, Germany, May 11, 2011 – If a new Ford Focus with an eye-catching paint job, ground-hugging suspension, big wheels and tyres and a tell-tale central rear double exhaust passes you on the autobahn or freeway, chances are you have seen one of the development prototypes for the all-new high-performance Focus ST launching next year.
In Europe and North America, Ford's Team RS and SVT engineering teams are putting a fleet of around 60 pre-production prototypes through a punishing regime of testing and development to fine-tune the car's driving dynamics and performance. The prototypes are based on standard new Focus vehicles and, in some cases, prior-generation Focus ST models.
“The new Focus ST is eagerly awaited around the world, which is appropriate as this is our first global performance model,” said Jost Capito, Ford's director of Global Performance Vehicles. “It must live up to Ford's reputation for producing affordable yet exciting and sporty versions of its smaller cars that reward and delight enthusiast drivers, but can also be used every day.
“We've done all the engineering groundwork, and now we're using some of the most demanding roads we can find in Europe and North America to validate and fine tune the performance and driving dynamics.”
The new Focus ST will be powered by a high-performance version of Ford's new 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine, targeting an exhilarating 250 PS (246 hp), while still delivering significantly better fuel economy than the previous generation Focus ST sold in Europe.
“Fuel efficiency is a key leadership target for Ford Motor Company globally. We want to be class-leading even with a performance vehicle, so we're working on getting the best possible blend of high performance and fuel economy from the new ST,” said Matthias Tonn, chief program engineer, Global Performance Products, Ford of Europe.
Recently, the development team completed demanding cold weather testing in northern Europe, as well as exacting tests and exercises to refine steering performance.
“We're sweating all the details – fine-tuning, testing, and fine tuning again many of the small but critical details to make sure it is worthy of the ST badge,” Tonn said. “We will build upon and improve the ride, steering and handling strengths that defined the current European Focus ST.”
With the new Focus ST, a key focal point for the Ford development team is to deliver an even more engaging driver experience, from its highly tuned Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system to uniq ue, driver-orientated seats.
“The seats and seating position were very good in the previous Focus ST, but the new model is sleeker and the driver will sit lower. The new seats which will provide even more support,” Tonn said.
The all-new Focus ST is Ford's first global performance car, conceived under the One Ford strategy. It brings the ST performance badge to North American and Asian customers for the first time.
“For enthusiasts in North America and Asia who have asked why our compact performance models were not available to them, well, the wait is almost over,” Capito said. “The new Focus ST will offer exactly the same exciting driving experience wherever it's on sale.
“Like the Focus ST and RS models before it, the new Focus ST's final set-up will be achieved after painstaking tuning on some of the most demanding roads we can find from California to the Nürburgring, and from high-speed German autobahns to classic British B-roads,” Capito added. “Keep your eyes open for our prototypes as we work on delivering a Focus ST driving experience that will delight performance car fans around the world.”
Fans of the new Focus ST can keep up to date with progress on the official Ford Focus Facebook page Ford Focus | Facebook.
I know that it's not info on the next mustang but what do you all think?
