The all-new Ford Performance Focus ST isn’t going on sale until early 2020, but Ford Australia is well aware of buyer interest and so has published advance information on it.
A new generation of Ford’s 2.3-litre EcoBoost all-aluminium four-cylinder engine is the most powerful ever offered for a Focus ST. It delivers 206 kW, an increase of 22 kW over its predecessor, and 420 Nm of torque, up from 360 Nm.
Innovative anti-lag technology developed for the Ford GT supercar is introduced to the Focus ST, for immediate power delivery in Sport mode and, as part of the optional Performance Pack, in Track mode.
Anti-lag keeps the throttle open when the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal, alleviating the reversal of airflow from the turbocharger to maintain compressor wheel speed and enabling boost pressure to build faster on demand.
For the first time, Focus ST will be available with an automatic transmission. The intelligent seven-speed unit has Adaptive Shift Scheduling that assesses individual driving styles to optimise gearshift timings. Naturally there are steering-wheel-mounted paddle-shifters.
The Focus ST’s six-speed manual has rev-matching technology. It even blips the engine on downshifts, there’s no need to heel-toe on downshifts – Hmm, I’m not sure that keen drivers will like the car doing that for them.
Sitting 10 mm lower than the regular Focus, the new Focus ST’s will have exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. It will use ST-specific side-skirts, an integrated hatch-mounted rear spoiler and red brake calipers.
Inside are a flat-bottom steering wheel, supportive Recaro seats and a unique digital instrumentation for the drive modes.
The Ford Performance Focus ST will be available in Australia in early 2020, with pricing and additional details to be announced closer to it going on-sale.
