The high-performance version of the Ford Focus is currently undergoing testing in Europe and North America as the Detroit-based carmaker prepares it for a 2012 market launch. Just like the standard Focus models, the new sport variant will follow the company’s “One Ford” strategy and go on sale in Europe, North America and Asia under the same Focus ST nameplate.
Ford‘s first global performance model will be powered by a new 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine delivering 250 horsepower and significantly better fuel-efficiency than the previous, Volvo-sourced, 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. Developed together by the RS and SVT engineering teams, the Focus ST was presented as a pre-production concept car at the 2010 Paris motor show.
Today, Ford released new photos of a prototype in camouflage with the company noting that the ST prototypes are based on standard Focus vehicles and prior-generation Focus ST models. This means we can’t see how much the production version will resemble the Paris show car.
There are 60 pre-production prototypes currently undergoing testing and development work in various locations in Europe and North America. “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,” said Jost Capito, Ford’s director of Global Performance Vehicles.
The most recent tests took place in northern Europe, where the development team completed cold weather testing and worked on refining steering performance, as the new Focus ST will feature the Electric Power Assist Steering system. The car will also sport upgraded seats which will offer lower seating position and better lateral support.
By Dan Mihalascu
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