Focus ST – Automobiles Review

Which are top 6 of Europe’s greatest driving roads? Ford answers in exclusive video series [part two]

Europe's Greatest Driving Roads by ford Ford and BP/Castrol have answered which are top 6 of Europe’s greatest driving roads via special video series. We have followed them until number 4 (check out in the link below), and now it is time to reveal the last two tracks that the car journalist Steve Sutcliffe has picked for you. Traveling across Europe can be very exciting, especially when you are on four wheels and well prepared. Since the summer has already started, this is one good way to spend it traveling around Europe, and we promise that it not only would be worth it, but it will leave you with unforgettable memories.

“Europe’s Greatest Driving Roads”, is a video project, which explores six of the most exclusive pathways that could be found on the Old Continent. If you wonder how the routes were chosen, the answer is – with a ranking by the thrill factor they offer, the road surface, the accessibility and hospitality, the scenery as well as the food and drink after the drive. The lucky one to pick up those six tracks is the well-known car journalist Steve Sutcliffe, who has actually covered nearly 10,000 miles in 12 months to identify the most breath-taking drives! A dream job, isn’t it?

In short, the list features five countries: Romania, France, Germany, Spain (with two routes) and the United Kingdom. And the performance cars included in the videos are delivered by Ford, including the Mustang GT, Focus RS and Fiesta ST. What we have seen so far are the first route in Spain, the one in Romania as well as those in the UK and France. Here are the last two you need to know about.

GERMANY, B500, Black Forest Highway

httpv://youtu.be/BFDiQJ0Bmts

The B500 is 40 km long and it is positioned in the middle of the enchanting Black Forest. Sutcliffe says that these are some of the most challenging kilometers he has ever driven. However, he also proudly confirms that they are worth the effort. In this video, he drives the Ford Focus ST TDCI Estate. You will fall in love with every corner of this great driving road!

MALLORCA, MA10, Mountain Road

httpv://youtu.be/0P2k9lRsWOw

Here, Steve says that it’s not just the road but the history, which makes Mallorca’s MA10 extremely intriguing. The road is fun to ride on, especially if you are in Focus ST like Sutcliffe. It features tunnels, passes across lakes and over rocky bridges. But in the middle of the MA10 sits a 13^th century Sanctuary de Lluc monastery, which defines this amazing piece of road.

These roads are for people who love cars and love driving, but also want to make an amazing road trip. So, what are you waiting for?

Source: Ford via YouTube

July 29, 2016

Which are top 6 of Europe’s greatest driving roads? Ford answers in exclusive video series [part one]

Traveling across Europe with a car can be very exciting and a proof for that is the special video series recently released by Ford and BP/Castrol. Dubbed under the name “Europe’s Greatest Driving Roads”, the footages explore six of the most exclusive pathways that could be found on the Old Continent.

How were the routes chosen? With a ranking by the thrill factor they offer, the road surface, the accessibility and hospitality, of course – the scenery, and not forgetting the food and drink after the drive. Those who were lucky to take this task have actually covered nearly 10,000 miles in 12 months to identify the most breath-taking drives! A dream job, isn’t it?

There are five countries featured in the series, namely: Romania, France, Germany, Spain (with two routes) and the United Kingdom. And the performance cars included in the videos are delivered by Ford, including the Mustang GT, Focus RS and Fiesta ST. Behind the wheel is the renowned car journalist Steve Sutcliffe.

Since there are only four videos of the series released so far, we are going to feature the other two in additional articles. Here are the first four featured.

North Yorkshire, Blakey Ridge

httpv://youtu.be/uPIXRv0pgi0

Driving a Ford Focus RS, Sutcliffe follows the route of an old railway line to the now quiet iron ore mines of the moors. The challenging Blakey Ridge is only 15 miles long and it’s not the longest road in the series, but the way “it winds itself across the moors, throwing blind crests and fast but ever tightening corners is completely fascinating”.

ROMANIA, Transfăgărășan Highway

httpv://youtu.be/5mIqlB3QOSk

This one is built by former Romanian dictator and it is actually one of the most famous routs in Europe. It even passes the castle of Dracula, Vlad the Impaler. Here the chosen car is Ford Mustang Fastback 5.0 V8. In it Steve shows that if one is a true driving enthusiast, the Transfăgărășan is genuinely a “bucket list kind of place to visit”.

SPAIN, Catolonia, C462

httpv://youtu.be/stxoXE0-4zQ

Behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta ST, Sutcliffe drove just over 100 km. The road winds its way north through Catalonia and ending over 100km later at La Seu D’Urgell, just south of Andorra. The very top of the C462 finds itself over 2000m and it is that point where you can stare over some of the most amazing view of the Pyrenees, visible in their entirety.

FRANCE, the Alps, D526 & D926

httpv://youtu.be/_YjIeyK_bSw

This is one of the hardest stages of the Tour de France, and equally challenging in a car, says Sutcliffe who drives the Ford Mustang Convertible 2.3. Although it is one of the most grueling places, the route is also one of the most picturesque ones.

So, if you are going to travel across Europe, then you should also know the best road opportunities that some countries can offers. These roads are for people who love cars and love driving, but also want to make an amazing road trip. The next two videos will include routes in Germany and Mallorca. Stay tuned!

Videos Source: YouTube

Source: Ford

June 13, 2016

JMS Releases Styling Package for Ford Focus ST

JMS Ford Focus ST3 Front and Side View JMS is a tuning company which offers wide variety of modification options for almost any model. However, under the attention of the specialists fell the 2016 Ford Focus ST, with its classy styling, small proportions and sports performance character. So if you are looking to boost the qualities (external and in terms of power) of your Focus, maybe JMS is a good option. Let’s see at first what they have done with the Focus ST depicted in the gallery below.

We should also mention that the brand new JMS body kit for the Ford Focus ST3 was developed in cooperation with Stoffler. There are a lot of elements in the new styling kit, but the most important are these: the new front spoiler and the side skirts for the original ST sills that give the Focus more aggressive appearance; then come the rear apron for Turnier & Hatchback versions, with central exhaust outlets as well as the discreet roof spoiler. The latter also serves in terms of reducing the lift.

JMS Ford Focus ST3 Rear View

Next, the added Stoffler exhaust system, which features 120 x 80 mm central tailpipes, serves in terms of power enhancement as well as to produce a throaty soundtrack. In order to fill out the wheelarches, JMS has added Barracuda Shoxx Racing alloys, measuring 19-inch and coupled with 235/35R19 tyres.

At last, to strengthen the aggressive on road and sporty character of the car, the tuners added KW coil-over suspension, which lowers its ride height by 50 mm at the front and 40 mm at the rear. Other cools stuff that were featured in this project, but sadly weren’t detailed are the engine upgrades, high performance exhaust systems, sport suspension, suspension strut braces, wheel spacers, velour floor mats, wind blockers, stainless steel bumper protection bars, and the alarm system.

Source: JMS Fahrzeugteile

March 18, 2016

Ford Focus ST Receives Engine Uprating by Mountune Performance

2015 Ford Focus ST by Mountune Performance Front and Side View Ford Focus ST has received an engine upgrade by the tuning specialists at Mountune Performance. As a result, the car produces additional horses and Newton meters. It is not the first time, Ford’s official engine tuner is releasing and uprating kit, but by far, this one seems more attractive than the others. We also have to note that the pictures of the Mountune’s Focus ST just look breathtaking. Cheers to the photographer!

And here is what we like about this car. First and foremost, everything has been done for the sake of adrenalin raising. Being an adventure seeker and extreme sports enthusiasts, I very much like this little fellow because of the output and torque increase it offers.

Uprated Power

2015 Ford Focus ST by Mountune Performance Rear and Side View

Precisely, Mountune’s kit boosts the power output of the Focus ST’s 2.0 EcoBoost unit from 250 to 275PS (184 kW to 202 kW). Its fitment not only generates an extra of 10 per cent to the maximum power output at 5,500rpm, but also an increases the torque from 345Nm to 400Nm (255 lb-ft to 295 lb-ft) at 2,750rpm.

The second thing that is really beneficial is that when the kit is fitted by a Ford dealer, it does not affect the vehicle warranty!

Mountune MP275 Upgrade Kit in Details

2015 Ford Focus ST by Mountune Performance Engine

If you are keen on technical details, then it is necessary to tell you that the Mountune upgrade kit comprises of a large capacity alloy intercooler, low-loss cast crossover duct with silicone hose, high-flow dual-entry air filter and performance-map calibration. And if you are a Focus ST owner, then these parts will allow you to experience even better performance!

Mountune’s MP275 upgrade kit is priced at £1,195 and this includes fitting. The latter will take the mechanics only two hours.

If you don’t have a Ford Focus ST, but want to buy it and add Mountune’s kit for the engine, then you have to prepare £22,495 for the Ford Focus ST 5-door with 2.0 EcoBoost engine in ST-1 specification. This one will also give you cool 18-inch alloys, ST body styling, Recaro sports front seats with DAB radio and Ford SYNC including Bluetooth and voice control.

Source: Ford

October 6, 2015

Ford’s Performance Mountune Kit Gets More Out of Focus ST

2015 Ford Focus ST with Ford Performance Mountune Kit Rear and Side View 2015 Ford Focus ST has been made better thanks to the addition of Ford Performance Mountune Kit. It adds more horses and torque to the already potent 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood of the sporty Focus ST. The Mountune kit will definitely satisfy car’s customers, because it will get more performance out of their vehicle.

What is even better is that the after the tuning, car is entirely street-legal in all 50 states. Called MP275, this amazing performance upgrade is capable of giving Focus ST nearly 300 lb.-ft. (407 Nm) of torque with 93-octane fuel.

A Bonus of 23 HP and 35 Nm

2015 Ford Focus ST with Ford Performance Mountune Kit Side View

Precisely, the unchanged drivetrain generates 252 horsepower and 372 Nm of torque. After the installation of the performance kit, the car is capable of showing no less than 275 horsepower (202 kW) and 407 Nm (296 lb-ft) of optimum torque.

How this improvement has been achieved? At the heart of the matters is the performance ECU calibrated to deliver a more aggressive engine mapping program. This also includes quicker throttle response.

MP275 Will Give You More

Performance Mountune Kit

MP275 upgrade kit includes mountune induction kit, mountune high-flow intercooler and mountune mTune handset. As an available option there is also a mountune air filter end cap, which can be added to the high-flow air filter in order to control the sound and provide air filter protection in difficult weather conditions.

This is a nice performance tuning to think about, isn’t it?

Source: Ford

August 18, 2015

Ford Focus ST With Global Reveal At Goodwood [VIDEO]

An absolutely new Ford Focus ST will make an official global premiere this weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Ford is currently teasing the car with an image showing the part of its front and more importantly – a video, where you can see the car on the track. Despite these two visual teasers the company has left the mystery around car’s exterior appearance intact. There is also nothing said about Focus ST’s engine or any specifications, except for that it benefits from technology and quality improvements revealed earlier this year, so we will just have to wait till 27th of June.

At Goodwood, Ford’s new performance model headlines the First Glance category. In it, professional drivers showcase the car’s abilities on the world-famous hill climb. The model was initially launched in 2002. Since then it has sold more than 140,000 units in more than 40 countries.

Furthermore, at the event will happen something spectacular. On its first run each day, Focus ST will compete in real time against its twin featured in the Gran Turismo6 game for PlayStation3. A designated gamer at the Ford stand will match skills against Ben Collins and all that action will be displayed on big screens throughout the festival.

Another Goodwood debut will make the 2015 Ford Mustang, where it will be shown for the first time in the United Kingdom. A 5.0-liter V8 fastback will take part in the Supercar Classl. At the wheel will be Ford Team RS vehicle dynamics specialist David Put. The Mustang will be shown in both fastback and convertible forms.

httpv://youtu.be/hgWQBVpoUbg

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Ford

June 24, 2014

MS Design Ford Focus ST – Styling Upgrades

MS Design Ford Focus ST - Front Angle

MS Design will introduce their tuned Ford Focus ST Competition at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. The tuning professionals give the ST only styling upgrades, because it’s power is just perfect.

The exterior boasts a new front spoiler, a pair of revised side skirts, a new rear diffuser and a tailgate spoiler. There is also a lowered sport-tuned suspension and a set of enormous 20” bi-color alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires.

Ford Focus ST is powered by a 2.0 liter EcoBoost with 250HP (184 kW) and 360Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

To experience first live performance of the Ford Focus ST Competition is at the Geneva Motor Show in Hall 2 Booth 2141st.

Source: MS Design

February 5, 2013

Ford Focus ST Range at 2012 SEMA

Ford is going to present five Focus ST concept cars, which are going to be showcased at 2012 SEMA Show later this month. Each of them is extremely exciting tuning with great characteristics needed to be reviewed little more in details.

The first concept is the 2013 Ford Focus ST Built by Tanner Foust Racing. This ST is equipped with 2.0L EcoBoost mated to a Six-Speed Manual Transmission. The car is “cool”, because it is built by the world record holder and X-Games Gold medalist Tanner Foust.

His aim was to build a competent weekend track/canyon warrior, comfortable enough to endure a Southern California commute. This means that this model includes improved performance thanks to the increased air intake. The fully adjustable front and rear suspension adds flexibility for top performance regardless of the track. Custom body kit additions complete the aggressive, yet approachable look.

semabojixdesignfocusst

Next comes the 2013 Ford Focus ST built by Bojix Design which is again with the same engine and transmission as the previous. The car brings the European design cues to American soil, with its sleek, chic, tasteful and impactful look. Painted in iconic orange and equipped with expressive body kit bits, big brakes and coil-overs make the car oe-of-a-kind.

semacosworthmjfocusst2

The third interpretation is the 2013 Ford Focus ST built by M&J Enterprises. Again the engine and transmission are the same. Here the power is improved by 30 percent, while the torque by almost 20 percent.

Here the special combination between Ford Racing engine and suspension modifications combined with Cosworth specified wheels and tires, bring the 330 horsepower (423 kW) to the pavement. The Tangerine Scream finish and subtle graphics signal an appreciative nod to an authentic motorsports heritage.

semagalpinfocusst

2013 Ford Focus ST built by Galpin Auto Sports is the fourth tuning. It has a rally car DNA, because the vehicle dynamics have been brought to another level with coil-over springs, big brakes, methanol injection and a rally-ready body kit.

An eye-catching paint scheme and upgraded interior finishes the expressive design. The result is a fun to drive, great looking rally car equally at home slinging mud or cruising the boulevard.

semafocussteeda

At last but not least comes the 2013 Ford Focus ST built by Steeda Autosports. As the previous one it is equipped with 2.0L EcoBoost matched to Six-Speed Manual Transmission. Here Steeda takes the challenge to offer increased performance, improved handling, aggressive looks and performance feel. Steeda G-Trac suspension modifications, Brembo brakes and a 19-inch custom wheel and tire package takes power to the tarmac.

Source: Ford

October 17, 2012

2013 Ford Focus ST shows impressive efficiency

2013 Ford Focus ST turns out to be highly efficient, because of its new 2.0-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder engine. Thanks to it the Ford achieves incredible fuel economy numbers: 32 mpg highway, 23 mpg city and 26 mpg combined.

This means that the Focus ST, which is six-speed manual only, has better fuel efficiency performance compared to its rivals in the same class, for example such as Volkswagen GTI and MazdaSpeed3.

If we have to make a comparison between this and the current version of the 2013 Ford Focus ST with the previous-generation Ford Focus, well the latter produced only 140 horsepower (103 kW) and 136 lb.-ft. (184 Nm) of torque. Now, the Focus ST gives up only 3 mpg on the highway but gains 112 horsepower (82 kW) and 134 lb.-ft. (182 Nm) of torque, this means a total of 252 horsepower (185 kW) and 270 lb.-ft. (366 Nm).

The main reason for the great economy results is the special engine that the car has. In fact, the Focus ST is the first that has the four-cylinder performance EcoBoost engine. Now, the fuel-efficient EcoBoost powertrains are a mainstay in Ford’s lineup.

Source: Ford

July 13, 2012

2013 Ford Focus ST with Factory Overboost Turbo Engine

Ford has introduced the new 2013 Focus ST equipped with a turbo overboost feature increasing the power output. The car will also have tuned turbo to decrease response time and increase power throughout rev range.

The factory overboost will extend the torque curve from 3 000RPM to 4 500RPM for up to 15 seconds. This means not only more power, but better driving pleasure.

Originally, the Focus ST produces 250HP (184 kW) and 360Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque from its turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, but with the Factory Overboost, the engine will deliver 255HP (188 kW) and 366Nm (270 lb-ft). This represents more than 7% more output.

“The turbo itself is specified for sustained, high-output performance, but they’ve programmed the car’s computer to dial in more boost past 3,000 rpm to give it that extra something,” commented engineer Lisa Schoder, who is Marketing manager for Focus ST.

“We limit peak turbo boost to maintain a wide margin of safety and durability over the life of the car. But overboost is cool in that it tweaks more acceleration through the turbo for brief periods for performance-hungry drivers.”, he added.

Among the more visible options will be the Tangerine Scream metallic color that will be offered exclusively on Focus ST, as well as race-inspired Recaro seats with matching color accents.

Ford is offering drivers who preorder a Focus ST the GoPro® HD Hero2 Motorsports Edition camera pack upon delivery. The first 1 000 presale orders placed between May 1 and Aug. 20 are eligible for the GoPro HD Hero2 camera. The cameras will be sent after vehicle delivery.

2013 Ford Focus ST Pricing:

New Focus ST £21,995	New Focus ST-2 £23,495	New Focus ST-3 £25,495
18in alloy wheels	As ST, plus:	As ST-2, plus:
Recaro Cloth seats	Partial Leather trim	Leather trim
Manual A/C	DEATC	Heated front seats
Keyless start	Sony Radio	Bi-Xenon headlamps
Thatcham alarm	Rain sensitive wipers	LED DRLs
DAB radio	Auto Headlights	Keyless entry
Bluetooth	Self-dimming mirror	Power fold mirrors
USB	Quickclear
	ST Floor mats

Source: Ford

June 13, 2012

Ford Focus ST Debut at Beijing 2012

Ford Focus ST (2012) We all know the Focus ST, right? It’s not that every market offers it but with the pace Ford has taken up, that problem would soon be a thing of the past. The latest debut for the ST would be the 2012 Beijing Auto Show. Soon, this stunning hothatch will be a reality on the Chinese streets.

“The ST will be the performance flagship of our new Focus range, and we are excited to provide our enthusiast customers the opportunity to see it Beijing,” said Nigel Harris, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford Motor China. “The ST represents an ultimate expression of Focus driving quality and performance.”

So, no compromises. Simply pure and exhilarating performance, top of the line handling, growling sounds and an aggressive design – true ST experience. Ford are hoping that by the end of 2012, their latest Focus model range will be available to all global markets. A 250 hp rated, 2.0 EcoBoost engine is to delight anyone in the world, who would fancy some blistering performance and eardrum bursting sounds.

“The Focus ST will be a serious driving machine, and our design and engineering teams have developed a purposeful exterior combined with a cockpit that blends sporting function with impressive comfort,” said Harris.

April 10, 2012

20 Years of SVT and 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible

SVT is to Ford as AMG and M are to Mercedes and BMW respectively – a performance arm focused mainly on shredding track times and delivering the ultimate driving experience. SVT was first heard of at the 1992 Chicago Auto Show with the unveiling of the 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra and SVT F-150 Lightning. This year, the Chicago Auto Show will be the site of SVT‘s 20^th anniversary and a 2013 Shelby GT500 Convertible will be there mark the occasion.

The GT500 is equipped with a V8, 650-horsepower engine that shows how much exactly things have moved on since the 235-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra. Also on the 2013 convertible one can find a commemorative lighted sill plate to set it apart as an anniversary edition.

An optional performance package adds to the GT500‘s grunt and sheds 3.5 seconds off the car’s lap time at Sebring International Raceway compared to the 2011 and 2012 models. That racetrack behaavior is partly courtesy to the 5.8 V8 Supercharged engine but, the SVT-designed Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers (from the performance package) and an all-new chassis tuning are also to be taken into consideration. The brakes have also been replaced with a new set of Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers at the front and overall bigger rotors at the back and front. The pads are also heavy duty for that extra, eye-popping braking power.

One button, to modes – normal, for everyday road going activities and Sport, for firming up the suspension, reducing body roll and pitch under braking. The SVT dampers allow greater customization for the perfect adaptation whether on the track or in the city.

Hardcore racing enthusiasts can opt for a package beyond the performance one – the Track Package which offers an external engine oil cooler, rear differential cooler and transmission cooler for further durability.

Ford SVT Shelby GT500 (2013) — Ford SVT Shelby GT500 Convertible (2013)

Ford SVT Shelby GT500 Convertible (2013)

Looking back, SVT have gathered a wide portfolio of all kinds of cars that have managed to become a great success: including the 1993 debuts mentioned above, SVT have also gone through the F-150 SVT Raptor, the SVT Contour sports sedan, SVT Focus and, along side Team RS, SVT introduced to Europe the magnificent Focus ST. It goes without saying that the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (non-convertible) also deserves some credit for the company’s success – power comes from the same 5.7 V8 (probably the most powerful V8 in the world) but it has a top speed of over 200 mph due to it’s main focus on speed, lightness and agility. The 2013 model sees a new supercharger, new cross-drilled block and heads, updated camshaft profiles, a new carbon fiber driveshaft and upgraded clutch, transmission and axle. Hopes are high that this one will make most use of the torque bomb that hides under the hood.