Ford set to unleash pumped-up Focus ST
Blue oval's new Focus line-up set to debut at Paris show, spearheaded by 184kW STFord has issued the first images of its new Focus ST -- that's XR5 to you and me -- ahead of its reveal at the upcoming Paris motor show.
The hot-hatch won't be on its own, as it will be appearing at Paris alongside the entire global Focus line-up of production-ready bodystyles, providing punters with an overall view of the crucial new model range before it lands in showrooms in 2011.
But while the mainstream Focus models go on sale next year, performance enthusiasts will have to wait until 2012 for the launch of the ST.
Propulsion for the ST comes from a "unique" 184kW version of Ford's new 2.0-litre, four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, and the company says it will be "completely true to Ford's ST heritage, offering driving enthusiasts an intoxicating cocktail of exhilarating performance and handling accompanied by an addictive sound".
Resplendent in its 'Tangerine Scream' paintwork, the all-new Focus ST is billed as Ford's first high-performance model developed under its global Performance Vehicles strategy.
While its overall proportions resemble those of the current model, the newbie is distinguished by more aggressive body language -- nowhere more evident than in its gaping mouth.
No acceleration figures (or any other data, for that matter) have been released for now, but the mere fact that the new ST is packing an extra 18kW over the existing 166kW model suggests it'll be a sharper performer.
Meanwhile, Ford says the formal launch of the full production-ready Focus range in Paris is highly significant, as it signals the introduction of the first truly global product developed under the company's ONE Ford strategy.
The next-generation Focus is said to be the most important yet and is created from Ford's new global C segment platform with up to 80 per cent parts commonality around the world. This platform will underpin at least 10 vehicles globally, according to Ford, and account for two million units of annual production by 2012.
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