All-new Ford Performance Focus ST

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25/02/2019

The most powerful, capable version of the all-new Ford Focus.

• The Ford Performance Focus ST brings a 2.3-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine with 206kW/420Nm, high-performance Michelin tyres and technology such as an eLSD and unique steering/chassis tune
• For the first time, Focus ST will be offered in New Zealand with an advanced seven-speed paddle-shift automatic for seamless, quick gear-shifts
• Focus ST will be sourced from the same facility in Germany as the previous Focus RS
• The Ford Performance New Zealand line-up will see the Ranger Raptor joined by the Fiesta ST and Focus ST in early 2020, offering local enthusiasts a broad choice of highly-engaging, specialised road-going performance models
  
  

The all-new Ford Performance Focus ST will go on sale in early 2020 with even greater capability and higher levels of content. Based on the new-generation Ford Focus, which went on sale in New Zealand in January, the new Focus ST brings a wider line-up including the first paddle-shift automatic to the hero model, as it broadens the Ford Performance offering in New Zealand.

“Local enthusiasts have made it clear that there’s a desire from highly engaging, fun-to-drive performance hatches, such as the previous Fiesta ST and Focus ST models, and of course the Focus RS,” said Kay Hart, President and CEO of Ford Australia and New Zealand. “The new Focus ST builds on that tradition, and will deliver an even more entertaining drive as the latest model from Ford Performance.”

Sourced in Germany from the same state-of-the art facility as the Focus RS and previous generation Focus ST, the all-new Focus ST is built upon the new C2 global architecture that has been praised for its inherent dynamic capability in what was a clean-sheet approach to Ford’s C-segment hot hatch. Ford’s new C2 architecture is enhanced with unique suspension, braking and powertrain configurations for the most responsive and agile Focus ST driving experience ever – on road and track.

“Intelligent technologies like eLSD and Continuously Controlled Damping make our all-new Focus ST the most ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ yet, able to switch from refined tourer to focused performance car at the push of a button,” said Leo Roeks, Ford Performance director, Europe. “We’ve incorporated learnings from programmes including our Ford GT supercar and the acclaimed Focus RS to develop a mid-size performance car with a degree of flexibility that’s unique in its segment.”

Focus ST: Instantly recognisable
The Focus ST builds on the all-new generation Focus’ sport-oriented design, which includes a longer wheelbase, shorter front and rear overhangs yet more interior space. In addition, the stiffer structure and reduced weight of the new generation Focus provides a solid foundation for the Focus ST’s dynamic goals.

Sitting 10mm lower than the regular Focus, the new Focus ST’s stance is framed by exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. Up front, the ST has unique honeycomb upper and lower grilles – including an Active Grille Shutter – finished in striking dark grey, with its own front and rear fascia for a more athletic visual ethos. LED DTRLs and with adaptive cornering LED fog lamps also give the Focus ST its own light signature while providing greater vision for night-time journeys.

Further exterior details include ST-specific side-skirts and an integrated hatch-mounted rear spoiler. The colour palette is also distinct from the base Focus range, with Ford Performance Blue and Orange Fury paint choices.

Interior features include a flat-bottom steering wheel, supportive RECARO seats and a unique digital instrumentation for the Drive Modes – another Focus ST first. Overall, the new ST takes full advantage of the all-new Focus’ excellent aerodynamics, style and appeal for a unique personality befitting a Ford Performance model.

Focus ST will arrive in New Zealand with 18-inch alloy wheels, full LED headlamps, front and rear parking sensors as well as power foldable mirrors with puddle lamps. Inside, features partial leather RECARO seating, an aluminium gear knob, as well Selectable Drive Modes, Autonomous Emergency Braking as well as Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop&Go and Lane Centring. An eLSD (Electronic Limited Slip Differential) is standard.

The Focus ST will also feature an 8.0-inch full-colour touchscreen with SYNC 3, including Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto compatibility, built-in sat-nav and reversing camera.

EcoBoost: More power, greater technology
A new generation of Ford’s 2.3-litre EcoBoost all-aluminium four-cylinder engine is the most powerful offered yet for a Focus ST. Using advanced turbocharging technology to deliver 206kW – an increase of 22kW over its predecessor – and 420Nm of torque, up from 360Nm, it is also the most free-revving Focus ST engine ever. It also delivers its numbers with a raw character and appeal seen on models such as the Focus RS.

“The Focus ST’s sporty ‘pops and bangs’ soundtrack perfectly matches the car’s feisty performance and is an essential part of the ST experience,” said Roeks. “It’s not only about the performance, but how that performance is delivered that’s crucial to our customers.”

Engine response is enhanced using a low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger, which scavenges exhaust gas energy more effectively using separated channels to minimise interference between gas pulses. An electronically actuated waste-gate allows closer control of boost pressures for optimised performance. In addition, a unique exhaust system that reduces back pressure, unique air intake system and optimised intercooler further improve breathing.

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.

Focus ST: Seven-Speed Auto with Paddle-Shifters
For the first time, Focus ST will be available with an automatic. The new seven-speed variant of Ford’s latest intelligent automatic complements the rewarding, engaging and sporty 2.3-litre EcoBoost driving experience. Gear differentiation is optimised for performance, and Adaptive Shift Scheduling – which assesses individual driving styles to optimise gearshift timings – is enhanced to offer more flexibility and the ability to differentiate between road and track use. Drivers can select gears manually using steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters.

Intuitive dynamics enhanced with technology 
Building on accomplished Ford Focus driving dynamics, the new Focus ST was developed to blend B-road fun-to-drive, legitimate track-day performance, and everyday usability.

The SLA (Short Long Arm) independent rear suspension configuration helps optimise the vehicle’s responses to driver inputs without sacrificing comfort. The agile and energetic character of the standard Focus is retained using the original spring specifications, with damping stiffness increased up to 20 per cent at the front and 13 percent at the rear, with a ride height reduction of 10mm to improve road-holding and response.

The driving experience is further enhanced using eLSD technology; a first for Focus ST and is incorporated into the transmission. The eLSD system uses hydraulically activated clutches to limit engine torque delivered to a wheel that has reduced traction on the road surface and redistributes up to 100 per cent of available torque to the wheel with more traction to counteract wheel-spin that can hamper acceleration through and out of corners.

The Borg Warner-developed technology is faster to deploy and offers greater precision than a traditional mechanical LSD. The system can pre-emptively adjust torque distribution using inputs from powertrain and vehicle dynamics sensors, rather than responding to wheelspin as it occurs, and can apply differential locking gradually for fine-tuning performance.

The all-new Focus ST uses Ford’s most responsive steering system to date. The electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system is 15 per cent faster than the standard Focus, requiring just two turns lock-to-lock.

The ST’s connected feel is supported by unique steering knuckle geometry for sharper responses, while New Steering Torque Disturbance Reduction software for EPAS also helps reduce torque steer, making it even easier to deploy with precision the Focus ST’s power and torque via bespoke-specification Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.

Larger front and rear brake components provide the foundation for a high performance braking system with improved stopping power and fade resistance. Front disc dimensions have grown to 330 mm x 27 mm and feature dual-piston callipers. Rear discs now measure 302 mm x 11 mm. Focus ST braking performance was verified using the same demanding test procedures as the Ford GT supercar, and achieved almost four-times the fade resistance performance of the previous generation Focus ST in testing.

The C2 architecture’s Electric Brake Booster (EBB) further demonstrates its advantages in the Focus ST application. The technology builds brake pressure faster than a hydraulic system for a more connected, confident and consistent pedal feel across a broader range of operating conditions. For the Focus ST, this means the system is designed to mitigate for changes in braking behaviour experienced during high performance driving, and can adjust the braking feel and dynamics to match the selected Drive Mode.

FORD PERFORMANCE: Road and track
With the new Focus ST in the line-up, the Ford Performance stable will include the Ranger Raptor, as well as the forthcoming Fiesta ST.

Overseas Model Shown