Ford is calling the new Focus ST its first global performance car. Fans of the original Ford Focus ST Concept revealed at the 2010 Pari...
As speculated, the 2012 Ford Focus ST is powered by a 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engine with 184kW of power and 360Nm of torque (up 18kW/40Nm from the old five-cylinder engine).
The newly developed Ford Sport Steering System has been designed to increase agility and inspire high-speed confidence. The Focus’s Torque Vectoring Control system is an enhanced version of the program from the standard Focus, reducing understeer and improving traction much like a traditional limited-slip differential.
On the outside, the 2012 Ford Focus ST is available to order in Tangerine Scream, Performance Blue, Race Red and White.
Depending on the specification level, the new Ford Focus ST will come standard with keyless start, dual-zone climate control, automatic bi-xenon headlights, auto-dimming mirrors and automatic wipers.
The full specifications of the "2012 Ford Focus ST" will be revealed closer to its Australian launch, expected sometime next year.
The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with revised gear ratios to take advantage of the Ecoboost engine’s increased output.
The 2012 Ford Focus ST employs a variety of technologies to increase the car’s agility without sacrificing ride quality. As managing torque steer on a front-drive chassis always represents a challenge, Ford addresses this with its new Torque Steer Compensation System. Rather than limiting torque to the front wheels, the TSC works in concert with the car’s electric-assist power steering (EPAS) to counteract torque steer. The Ford Focus ST also has electronic stability control with three modes: standard, reduced or wide-slip mode, and off. The car is also equipped with Enhanced Torque Vectoring Control, which is independent of the Torque Steering Control system. Overall the suspension has been tuned using upgraded shock and spring settings, which help lower the ST’s ride height for a lower center of gravity and a more aggressive look The rear suspension has been revamped with new suspension knuckles, and there’s also a new anti-roll bar design.
The Ford Focus ST’s performance attributes are borne out by the car’s look. Sculpted rear bench seats use extra padding to give the rear passengers additional support.
The 2012 Focus ST is the first global performance vehicle developed as part of Ford's much discussed One Ford program. The internal program has pushed all global design, engineering, and product planning together to create one lineup for Ford's products worldwide. The ST uses a new variable-ratio steering rack that decreases sensitivity in a straight line and increases sensitivity during cornering, according to Ford's engineers. The new steering rack is paired with an electric power steering system and a torque steer compensation system (TSC). When TSC detects torque steer, it communicates to the power steering system, which counteracts the effect to eliminate torque steer feel for the driver.
The Ford Focus ST also receives a modified electronic stability program (ESP) with three modes. Wide-slip mode switches off the traction control, but the system will step in if things get too far out of line. Ford has also added an enhanced torque vectoring control to the Ford Focus ST. A new, larger rear spoiler increases high-speed stability while reducing drag. Inside, the ST receives specially-designed sport pedals, steering wheel, and gearshift. Ford worked with Recaro to design unique front seats for the "Ford Focus ST" featuring a low seating position. The ST also gets a number of creature comforts standard including automatic headlights, auto-dimming rear mirror, automatic wipers, and floor mats. Partial-leather Recaros, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, eight-way seat adjustability, and bi-xenon headlights are optional.
