2019 Ford Focus ST Offers Faster In-Gear Acceleration Than Previous AWD Focus RS

Ford has released the final performance figures for the new 276hp Focus ST hot hatch, which are pretty impressive to say the least.

The new 2019 Ford Focus ST is powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost petrol engine with 276hp (280PS) and 310lb-ft (420Nm) of torque sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or an optional seven-speed automatic transmission.

Now Ford confirms that the most powerful version of the new Focus ST is capable of a 0-62mph (100km/h) in 5.7 seconds, the same exact figure with the Honda Civic Type R, and a 155mph (250km/h) top speed.

Also Read: All-New 2019 Ford Focus ST Breaks Cover With 280 PS 2.3L EcoBoost

Perhaps the most interesting thing is that Ford claims that the new Focus ST offers faster in-gear acceleration than the previous-gen Focus RS.

The 2.3-liter EcoBoost unit comes with a twin-scroll turbocharger, which helps produce more power and deliver boost pressure faster. There’s also an innovative anti-lag system that can hold the throttle open for up to 3 seconds after the driver backs off the accelerator, a flat-shift capability and a launch control system.

“The all-new Focus ST is about more than just straight-line speed, but the ability to go toe-to-toe with the now legendary Focus RS over a quarter-mile sprint shows just how much the Ford Performance team has moved the game on in the last four years,” said Leo Roeks, Ford Performance director, Europe. “We’ve drawn inspiration from the Ford GT supercar, F-150 Raptor pick-up, Ford Mustang and Fiesta ST to develop a Focus ST capable of punching you in the back the moment you hit the throttle.”

And because the new Focus ST isn’t just about straight line speed, the new hot hatch comes with Ford’s first electronic limited-slip differential for a front-wheel drive model. According to the company, the new limited-slip differential offers greater precision than a mechanical one and can apply differential locking gradually.

This is paired with Continuously Controlled Damping technology, offering the driver three pre-set levels: one for Slippery/Wet and Normal modes, one for Sport mode, and finally one for Track mode -which delivers up to twice the vertical load resistance of Sport mode.

The new Ford Focus ST will be available in both five-door and wagon bodystyles, featuring either the 276hp 2.3-liter EcoBoost or the 187hp 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel. The seven-speed automatic transmission for the 2.3-liter ST models will be introduced this autumn.