Ford Focus ST in R&D Phase

Ford engineers in Europe and North America have been putting the new 2011 Focus ST through its paces "to hone performance and driving dynamics," using 60+ prototypes from California to the Nürburgring, and from high-speed German autobahns to classic British B-roads. The all new 2.0-litre EcoBoost-powered Focus ST targets both 250PS and impressive fuel economy and will go on sale in 2012. “The new Focus ST is eagerly awaited around the world, which is appropriate as this is our first global performance model,” said Jost Capito, Ford’s director of Global Performance Vehicles. “It must live up to Ford’s reputation for producing affordable yet exciting and sporty versions of its smaller cars that reward and delight enthusiast drivers, but can also be used every day. We’ve done all the engineering groundwork, and now we’re using some of the most demanding roads we can find in Europe and North America to validate and fine tune the performance and driving dynamics.” The new Focus ST will feature a number of revisions and modernisations, including a highly tuned Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system. “We’re fine-tuning, testing, and fine tuning again many of the small but critical details to make sure it is worthy of the ST badge,” said Matthias Tonn, chief program engineer, Global Performance Products, Ford of Europe. “We will build upon and improve the ride, steering and handling strengths that defined the current European Focus ST.” Fans of the new Focus ST can keep up to date with progress on the official Ford Focus Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/fordfocus.