nvkhkhr
Prime VIP
Ford’s on a roll in Frankfurt, announcing the world debut if the production Focus ST production version, and smaller but equally as hot Fiesta ST concept hatchback.The third car is unfortunately not street legal, instead representing one of the cheapest front-row seats in motorsport in the guise of the new Ford Focus ST-R race car making its debut in Germany. With a 2.0-litre Ecoboost engine, FIA regulation roll cage, uprated brakes and track-tuned suspension and a debut race date set for the States soon, the ST-R has been crafted by Ford Racing in the hope of competing at major events such as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.
But even though race cars are exciting, the real interest rests in the 250bhp Focus ST thanks to a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, which also produces 360 Nm of torque. Our GCC-spec 255bhp and 340Nm of torque Volkswagen Golf R will certainly have some sleepless nights over the hot Focus ST, but the question is will Ford Middle East manage to homologate this new generation for our market, unlike the old car which never made it here due to cooling packaging issues.
As for the rest of the world, the Focus ST is ready for 2012 packing a six-speed manual transmission, special exhaust system(with centre exit tailpipes), a variable ratio steering rack, an electronic Torque Steer Compensation system, an ST-exclusive Electronic Stability Programme, Torque Vectoring Control, stiff suspension, 10mm lower ride height, 18in wheels…
Its baby brother is meanwhile still a concept, but so was the Focus ST once. That means the production version of the Fiesta ST will feature many of those same performance-enhancing bits of kit in the Focus ST, with the main difference being in the engine. The little Fiesta relies on a 1.6-litre Ecoboost four-banger engine, turbocharged to breathe out around 180 horses and 240Nm of torque. This should ensure 0-100kph times of less than seven Mississippis and a top speed of 220kph
