Automobiles Review

Tag: Focus ST

  • Ford Focus ST-R Ready to Go

    2012-ford-focus-st-r-thumbFord are ready to tackle this year’s Grand-Am 200 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge within the ST class. Their contender will be the Daytona International Speedway debutant Focus ST-R. Ford Racing already has a substantial portfolio of production-based race cars if we count the FR500 and Boss 302R. The ST-R clearly has its roots embedded in the standard Focus and the ST:

    “The road-going Focus features best-in-class brakes, handling and powertrains and the design and functionality of the various vehicle systems have helped us to develop a global technical specification for teams wanting to race the new Focus cost effectively. Ford Racing in North America has taken this effort and developed the new Focus ST-R. It is a perfect example of how a great production car inspires a competitive race car for enthusiasts.” comments Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development

    Thanks to Ford’s Global Performance Vehicles group, Ford Racing have managed to “optimize” the ST-R so that it can go not only to the Grand-Am 200 but also take part in the World Challenge TC and Canadian Touring Car Series. Hopes are also high for the 24h race at the Nürburgring.

    Ford Focus ST-R (2012)
    Ford Focus ST-R (2012)

    But know all eyes are on the Daytona Speedway. What can we expect there? Well, despite the striking similarity to a standard Focus ST, the ST-R has an all-aluminum 2.0 EcoBoost power plant that has been tweaked and tinkered with as far as technology these days would allow it. High-pressure direct injection, low-inertia turbocharging, revised intake/exhaust systems and twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) all benefit the 250 horsepower figure that comes out of the engine. Torque peaks at 265 lb.-ft and yet it is consistently available throughout the rev counter. A six-speed manual tames the mad horses spewing out from under the hood and delivers unmatched efficiency and power – Props to the guys at Global Performance Vehicles.

    Initially the ST-R will be available for ordering only within the US by seasoned hardcore professional drivers, amateur racers and track-day goers. Ford’s plan however, is to broaden the  ST-R‘s availability in other markets as well. Other turnkey race cars by Ford managed to enchant the public so why not the beast in the compact Focus body?

    2012 Ford Focus ST-R Race Car
    2012 Ford Focus ST-R Race Car
    2012 Ford Focus ST-R Race Car
    2012 Ford Focus ST-R Race Car
    2012 Ford Focus ST-R Race Car
    2012 Ford Focus ST-R Race Car
    2012 Ford Focus ST-R Race Car

    Source: Ford

  • 2012 Focus Focus ST-R

    As the all-new Focus ST road car makes its global production debut, Ford is giving a European welcome at the Frankfurt Motor Show to a special motorsport counterpart – the race-tweaked, production-based Focus ST-R.

    Despite its close resemblance to the Focus ST road car, the Focus ST-R is purpose-built for the track by Ford Racing in North America as a fully-prepared competition car. It features a powerful 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine, FIA regulation roll cage, uprated brakes and track-tuned suspension.

    It will be available to teams soon, starting in North America, to race in a variety of series.

    The all-new Focus ST-R has been crafted by engineers at Ford Racing – with technical support from Ford’s Global Performance Vehicles group – to allow it to compete in a huge variety of series, including Grand-Am ST, World Challenge TC and Canadian Touring Car Series. Ford also hopes teams will race the car in key European motorsport series and major national events such as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

    2012 Ford Focus ST-R
    2012 Ford Focus ST-R

    Its linkage to the new Focus ST road car is no accident.

    “From the beginning, the Focus and new Focus ST were designed to be driver’s cars,” saidJost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development.“The road-going Focus features best-in-class brakes, handling and powertrains and thedesign and functionality of the various vehicle systems have helped us to develop a global technical specification for teams wanting to race the new Focus cost effectively. Ford Racing in North America has taken this effort and developed the new Focus ST-R and is a perfect example of how a great production car inspires a competitive race car for enthusiasts.”

    Initially homologated for American and Canadian touring car racing, Focus ST-R will be available to order from Ford dealers in North America by seasoned hardcore professional drivers, amateur racers and track day enthusiasts as well.  Ford’s vision is to broaden availability to additional regions in the future.

    2012 Ford Focus ST-R
    2012 Ford Focus ST-R
    2012 Ford Focus ST-R
    2012 Ford Focus ST-R

    “We’re thrilled to be taking the Focus ST-R from concept to reality for motorsport enthusiasts initially in North America and potentially around the world,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing.  “The previous turn-key race cars we developed for North American racing have been hugely successful, so we are hopeful that the ST-R will be the first such vehicle for global series and as a direct result of the company’s global platform strategy and our technical support program for motorsport applications of Focus and Fiesta models.

    “This is a competitive turn key race car that will allow our customers to compete successfully in multiple series around the world with minor modifications.  And it shows the on-going alignment of Ford Racing with our Performance Vehicles development group.”

    “Because the Focus ST-R is a production-based road race car, it features stock body panels and production parts where possible,” added Allison. “People who buy one will get will get a fully prepared race car that will only need communications equipment and the customer’s decals to go racing. We’ve already had significant interest in this vehicle from numerous established race teams.”

    Source: Ford

  • 2012 Ford Focus ST 5-door and Wagon

    Ford has finally revealed official details about 2012 Focus ST both 5-door and Wagon version. The stylish sports hatchback is revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Both models will hit the European market in 2012.

    Focus ST is one of the most successful performance vehicles of the company. With innovative design and technology throughout, the new Focus ST will be more powerful and surprisingly fuel efficient, raising the bar once again when it comes to handling too.

    “The new Focus ST is a really exciting car for Ford,” said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles.

    “It’s the first performance model to build upon the design and technology strengths of one of our new global production vehicles. It’s a car built for driving enthusiasts all around the world and they will not be disappointed.”, he added.

    2012 Focus ST is powered by a 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine with 250PS (184 kW) and 360Nm (267 lb-ft) of torque. The new engine replaces the brilliant 2.5 liter 5-cylinder power plant. The EcoBoost 2.0 in the Focus ST is expected to cut both CO2 emissions and fuel consumption by more than 20% from the previous-generation European model when fuel consumption data is certified.

    The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, which has specially revised gearing to produce the maximum punch from each throw of the gear shift.

    “This is the first time we have used a 4-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine in a high performance model and the results are phenomenal,” said Capito.

    “Drivers will have a lot of power and torque throughout the rev range to use. For everyday driving, though, the characteristics of this car will let them drive in a more fuel efficient way than previously, which is an essential part of the ST’s DNA.”, he finished.

    2012 Ford Focus ST 5-door
    2012 Ford Focus ST 5-door
    2012 Ford Focus ST 5-door
    2012 Ford Focus ST 5-door
    2012 Ford Focus ST Wagon
    2012 Ford Focus ST Wagon
    2012 Ford Focus ST Wagon
    2012 Ford Focus ST Wagon

    Source: Ford

  • Ford Focus ST Prototype

    Ford will soon introduce the new version of Focus ST, which will feature unique paintjob, lowered syspension, huge alloys wheels fitted with performance tires and central rear double exhaust.

    “The new Focus ST is eagerly awaited around the world, which is appropriate as this is our first global performance model,” commented 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.”, he added.

    “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.”, mr. Capito finished.

    The new Focus ST will be powered by a specially developed engine with 2.0 litres of displacement. The EcoBoost power plant will deliver 250PS, while the fuel consumption will be significantly improved.

    The drivers will be helped by highly tuned Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system. The new ST will also have driver-orientated seats, sports steering wheel and some other goodies. The car will bring staggering performance and unique driving pleasure.

    “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 power and fuel economy from the new ST,” said Matthias Tonn, chief program engineer, Global Performance Products, Ford of Europe.

    “We’re 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.”, he added.

    “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 finished.

    Ford Focus ST Prototype

    Ford Focus ST Prototype
    Ford Focus ST Prototype

    Source: Ford

  • Ford Focus Race Car Concept

    The new Focus Race Car Concept is powered by 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost turbo engine. The car is specially designed to showcase this engine in LA.

    It will be used used to compete in various global road and touring car racing championships. the first appearance of the Focus Race Car Concept will take place in the 2011 BTCC – 2011 British Touring Car Championship.

    Ford Focus Race Car Concept features FIA regulation safety cage, AST performance coil-over adjustable dampers, Ford Racing upgraded sway bars with adjustable end links and front brakes with 320mm two-piece rotors and race pads for additional stopping power. (more…)

  • 2012 Ford Focus ST officially comes to Paris Motor Show

    Its official now! Ford has published a pack of hi-resolution images and a short doc regarding its new high-performance flagship ride – the 2012 Ford Focus ST. (more…)

  • 2012 Ford Focus ST will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show

    In 2005 Ford unveiled one of the hottest hatchbacks on the market – Focus ST, which was available in either three or five door variant. The vehicle is powered by Ford Duratec ST turbocharged engine – 2.5 liter 5 cylinder developing 225hp.

    In 2008 the company introduced power kit, which raises the power to 260bhp. The performance package consists: K&N sport air intake, larger intercooler and ECU remap. (more…)

  • Ford Focus BEV will appear for the first time on “The Jay Leno Show”

    The actress Drew Barrymore will accept the “Green Car Challenge” – a rubric part of “The Jay Leno Show”. The car, which will be used through the first season of the Challenge will be the new Ford Focus powered only by electricity. The celebrities will be behind the wheel, driving quickly to establish a fast lap time. (more…)

  • Ford Focus and Ford Focus ST received JMS styling

    The German tuners JMS Racelook in co-operation with Stoffler Autotechnik proudly presents two new bodykits for the Ford’s 2008 models: Focus Facelift and Focus ST Facelift. (more…)

  • Mountune Performance Offers More Power for Ford Fiesta

    Mountune Ford Fiesta Zetec-SPerformance upgrades for the latest Ford Fiesta 1.6-litre petrol-engined models have been developed by Mountune Performance and are offered through selected Ford dealers. (more…)

  • Ford Dealers Offer Mountune Performance for Focus ST

    Ford Focus STFord is offering Focus ST performance upgrades through a special dealer-fit option.
    The Mountune Performance package will retail at £1,120 (plus fitting) and consists of a larger intercooler, a high-flow air filter and revised engine calibration. Together, this lifts power output from Ford’s potent 2.5-litre Duratec ST engine from 225PS to 260PS at 5,500rpm and from 320Nm to 400Nm at 2,500rpm.
    (more…)

  • New Ford Focus RS on track as first details confirmed

    Ford RS is back and the all-new Focus RS is on track!  An early prototype of the fastest Focus road car to date is now undergoing performance and durability testing at the challenging Nu”rburgring Circuit in Germany, in preparation for its launch in 2009.

    The principal architect of the Focus RS project is Ford of Europe’s Vehicle Line Director for Performance Vehicles, Jost Capito, whose Team RS development group were responsible for the first generation Focus RS in 2002, and more recently, the Fiesta ST and the new Focus ST. (more…)