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SEMA 2011: Ford Displays Focus ST and ST-R

Current Focus fans have been without a factory-built hot hatch for quite some time now here in the ‘States. Thankfully, Ford hopes to change this with the introduction of two new Focus models that aim to fill the needs of hot-hatch enthusiasts.

These two models go by the designation of ST and ST-R. While the ST is a perfectly street-legal performance car, the ST-R is a purpose-built track machine that will be sold to race teams across the globe. To note, the Focus ST displayed on the SEMA show floor will not be the exact same model as the one that will be unveiled during the Los Angeles Auto Show. Rather, it is the same model that was unveiled in Frankfurt a few months ago, as is the ST-R.

Both the ST and the ST-R will be powered by Ford’s new 2.0L turbocharged EcoBoost engine good for 250 horsepower. And to quote Ford, this is the “first truly global car” that fits into the One Ford mentality. Buyers from Europe to America will each be able to own the same car… and that’s saying something!

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LAS VEGAS, Nov. 1, 2011 – Performance enthusiasts get the best of both worlds with the Ford Focus ST – available both for the street and for the track.
The new Focus ST is Ford’s first truly global performance car. It builds on the heritage of previous Focus ST models in Europe and evolves it to allow drivers around the world to enjoy the exhilarating performance, unrivaled handling, addictive sound and muscular sports design Ford’s Sport Technologies badge represents.
The Tangerine Scream concept car that will be on display at SEMA this week first appeared at the Paris Motor Show in 2010, while the first North American production Focus ST will be unveiled at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show.
With innovative design and technology throughout, the new Focus ST will be more powerful and surprisingly fuel efficient, raising the bar once again when it comes to handling too. For drivers who want refinement for everyday use but with exhilarating performance on tap, the passion and expertise of Ford’s Global Performance Vehicles group shines through and makes the new Focus ST the most rewarding and obvious choice. For those looking to race their car on the track, the ST-R is ready to bring it on.
“The new Focus ST is a really exciting car for Ford,” said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles. “It’s the first performance model to build upon the design and technology strengths of one of our new global production vehicles. It’s a car built for driving enthusiasts around the world, and they will not be disappointed.”
Focus ST delivers the same driving attributes that make all Ford Sport Technologies models stand out amongst the competition. The chassis, engine, sound and comfort of the car are tuned harmoniously to deliver a truly sporting experience with a level of refinement rarely seen in this type of vehicle. These same attributes will form the genetic code for future Ford models bearing the ST badge.
Purpose-built racer
Despite its close resemblance to the Focus ST road car, the Focus ST-R is purpose-built for the track by Ford Racing in North America as a fully prepared competition car. It features a powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost® engine, FIA-regulation roll cage, uprated brakes and track-tuned suspension.
It will be available to teams soon, starting in North America, to race in a variety of series.
The all-new Focus ST-R has been crafted by Ford Racing engineers – with technical support from Ford’s Global Performance Vehicles group – to allow it to compete in a variety of series including Grand-Am ST, World Challenge TC and the Canadian Touring Car Series. Ford also hopes teams will race the car in key European series and at major national events such as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.
Its linkage to the new Focus ST road car is not by accident.
Focus ST-R will be available to order from Ford dealers in North America by hardcore professional drivers, amateur racers and track-day enthusiasts alike. Ford plans to broaden the car’s availability to additional regions in the future.
“We’re thrilled to be taking the Focus ST-R from concept to reality for motorsport enthusiasts initially in North America and potentially around the world,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing. “This is a competitive turnkey race car that will allow our customers to compete successfully in multiple series around the world with minor modifications. And it shows the ongoing alignment of Ford Racing with our Performance Vehicles development group.”
Performance for the road or the track
Focus ST is powered by the 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost engine, which offers an uncompromising mix of performance and efficiency. Ford’s lightweight, all-aluminum EcoBoost engine provides the power of a larger engine in a fuel-efficient smaller displacement using three key technologies.
High-pressure direct injection, low-inertia turbocharging and twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) all help to create an advanced combustion system that brings new levels of performance and fuel efficiency to Ford’s gasoline engines.
Ford’s Global Performance Vehicles group has taken this technology and developed an estimated 250-horsepower high-output derivative of the 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost engine for Focus ST.
Redesigned intake and exhaust systems with unique engine calibration deliver the ideal level of power and responsiveness.
The engine has an estimated maximum output of 250 horsepower and strong torque levels in a broad, flat torque curve peaking at a projected 265 lb.-ft. The responsive torque output, a trademark of EcoBoost engines, is maintained despite the impressive peak figures.
Mated to the engine is a six-speed manual transmission, which has specially revised gearing to produce the maximum punch from each throw of the gearshift. The Global Performance Vehicles group paid significant attention to detail to ensure the ratio of sixth gear was perfectly in tune with the Focus ST, giving the driver optimum performance while remaining long enough to help maintain excellent fuel economy on longer runs.
Focus prominent in motorsports strategy
Focus ST-R is part of an aggressive motorsports presence for Ford as its strategy to support motorsports development across its core global vehicle platforms gains traction. Ford is applying engineering and development expertise for vehicles like Focus ST-R to spur success in competition, similar to that being enjoyed by the Fiesta in RallyCross and X Games.
As the ST-R seeks to make its name on the track, the production Focus ST gives sporting enthusiasts an opportunity to enjoy a performance vehicle on everyday roads.
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