Renowned US tuner Shelby American has laid its hands on the latest Ford Focus ST to give what is already a visually imposing member of the hot hatch fraternity. Enter the Shelby Focus ST.
While the union of a firm well versed in the practice of turning Ford muscle cars into fire breathing monsters and the Blue Oval’s most powerful Focus model may sound like a match made in petrolhead heaven, the Shelby Focus largely constitutes a cosmetic revamp.
The exterior can be had with a choice traditional racing stripes or a chequered flag motif with the Detroit Motor Show example sporting competition decals. Carbon-fibre elements, a new roof spoiler and functional air vents on the bonnet.
The only mechanical concessions to performance driving comprise a lowered suspension set-up, cross-drilled brakes and a Borla exhaust system featuring circular finishers in lieu of the standard car’s trapezoidal item. Power is still provided by a turbocharged 2,0-litre petrol engine developing 184 kW and 360 N.m of torque.
Those despairing at the current show car’s lack of additional under-bonnet firepower will be pleased to hear that Shelby American is currently working on a performance package that will help to liberate additional power.
Just 500 units will be produced annually at a cost of $ 14 995 excluding the cost of the car.
