Next Ford Focus ST Allegedly Due Next Year With 250 HP 2.3-Lt EcoBoost Engine

The all new Ford Focus was recently revealed, and a new report suggests that the next generationST will use the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder and not the 1.5-liter three-banger that powers the new Fiesta ST.

According to Autocar, this decision was taken as the smaller unit won’t cope with the extra power in the long run. As a result, the 2.3-liter powertrain, which is related to the mill used in the current Focus RS and entry-level Mustang, will make its way under the hood of the hot hatch with an output of around 250 horses.

Ford’s challenger to the likes of the Renault Megane RS and Volkswagen Golf GTI will be lighter, too, shedding close to 90 kg (198 lbs) over the current car. It will also be 20 percent more rigid than its predecessor, something that along with the improved suspension, will make it more agile around corners without sacrificing ride quality.

The diesel variant will probably live on, given that oil burners still hold a huge chunk of the market in Europe. It’s unknown what engine Ford will use in this model, or if it will still be offered with two transmission options (a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic) like the current ST.

The British publication estimates that Ford will unveil the all new Focus ST a few days before the 2019 Geneva Motor Show next March, before displaying it at the Swiss event, with sales expected to commence next summer.

The new Focus RS should arrive one year later with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-pot and 48V technology for a total output close to 40 HP.