The Ford Focus is currently in its fourth generation, with the ST expected later this year and the RS probably in 2020, yet here we are checking out an Mk2.
The car started life with a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder that was shared with Volvo, put out 225 PS (222 hp / 165 kW) and enabled the ST to sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.8 seconds.
After four years of constant work, and about £30,000 ($38,265/€33,430) invested, car included, the owner of this example has managed to lift the output to an incredible 640 PS (631 hp / 471 kW) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. It even has a fully-automated NOS system and comes with the pops, bangs and flames coming out of the exhaust tips that you’d expect.
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The owner, who carried out most of the work himself, chose to keep it front-wheel drive. Thus, he lost confidence in attacking corners at high speeds, stating that the car wants to kill you. So, whenever he pushes the accelerator pedal hard in a straight line, all he does is hang on for dear life. But that’s only natural with that amount of power and front-wheel drive only in what used to be a mild-to-hot hatchback.
Despite having as much power as a Lamborghini Huracan, this second-gen Focus ST is still a work in progress. The owner wants to make it a bit more agile by increasing its grip, and more power isn’t on the agenda. For now at least.
As for his next project, it could be a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX or a Nissan Skyline R34. For now, though, he’ll keep this bonkers Focus ST that is his only ride and he uses it six times a week to go to work. Which, unless it’s too far away, should be a very short trip.