With the already extrovert styling of the third-generation Ford Focus flaunted at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, the Blue Oval has decided to go all-out with the halo model ST – which debuts at the Paris Motor Show later this month.
Apparently, customer feedback on the outgoing model has persuaded Ford to go extreme with the Focus ST’s bodykit, which includes a gaping grille and air intakes up front, as well as redesigned side skirts and front and rear spoilers.Even the show car’s “tangerine orange” pearlescent paintwork is an evolution of its predecessor’s electric hue.
The Volvo-derived turbocharged five-cylinder powerplant used in the current ST model will make way for Ford’s turbocharged “Ecoboost” four-cylinder, which in Focus ST trim produces approximately 184 kW – a figure that puts it in the same power park as Renault’s Mégane RS250, but ultimately 20 kW shy of the 208 kW warning shot fired by Vauxhall/Opel regarding the next Astra OPC…
There’s no word on transmission details yet, but a chunky six-speed manual gearbox as standard is probably the most likely to be expected, and perhaps a version of Ford’s Powershift dual-clutch transmission as well. Ford is still some way from deciding if the Focus ST is to be a traditional front-wheel drive, or if an electric motor driving the rear axle is a more favourable option.
As was the case before, the ST features sports seats with body-colour inserts, as well as tachometer and speedometer housed in deep binnacles, with a carbon fibre-like weave finish for the majority of the facia. Mounted atop the mid-facia multimedia screen are three extra gauges, probably for oil temperature, boost, and battery charge.
Interestingly, the ST show car is a five-door, and it doesn’t seem like there’s a three-door in the pipeline – but UK customers will reportedly also be able to order an ST estate, and those in the rest of Europe will have access to an ST saloon as well.
