Ford Focus ST Gains Track Pack With Chassis Upgrades For Sharper Handling

The future might not look as bright as it used to for ICE-powered hot hatches, but Ford Performance doesn’t neglect the facelifted Focus ST. The automaker announced a new factor-fit Track Pack option for the manual five-door hatchback in Europe, including adjustable suspension by KW Automotive, beefier brakes by Brembo, a new set of wheels, and subtle styling upgrades.

The Track Pack was developed by Ford Performance, following testing in Ford’s proving grounds and at the Nürburgring. The highlight is the adjustable coillover suspension by KW Automotive. The chassis is lowered by 10-15 mm (0.4-0.6 inches) compared to the stock model, featuring up to 50 percent stiffer powder-coated springs, stainless steel damper housings, 12-step adjustment for upward response and 16-step adjustment for rebound.

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A more obvious upgrade is the new set of black-finished 19-inch alloy wheels which are 10 percent lighter than the stock units. More importantly, they are shod in grippier Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires for extra traction. Behind them, we can see the larger 363 mm (14.3 inches) discs with red-painted four-piston brake calipers by Brembo, which according to Ford “reduce heat-induced fade during prolonged track sessions”.

Besides the new multi-spoke wheels, visual upgrades include the Agate Black finish on the grille, roof, and mirror caps, matching the bumper inserts, rear spoiler, and rear diffuser. A closer look reveals the black outlines on the ST logos instead of chrome. The Focus ST is available in Agate Black, Fantastic Red, Frozen White, Magnetic, and the ST-exclusive Mean Green shades for the exterior. Inside, the Track Pack brings the Ford Performance seats with added support.

Also Read: Ford Focus To Be Phased Out In 2024, German Plant Axed In Shift To EVs

Ford didn’t include any powertrain upgrades for the hot hatch. This means that the stock turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost petrol engine produces 276 hp (206 kW / 280 PS) of power and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque. The Track Pack is exclusively available in combination with the six-speed manual gearbox that is sending power to the front axle with the help of the electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD). The manual hot hatch accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.7 seconds and can reach a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

The Track Pack is already available to order in several markets in Europe including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK. The first deliveries of the upgraded Ford Focus ST are scheduled for November.