Power upgrade for Focus and Fiesta ST

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Things are hotting up at Ford! Blue oval bosses are finalising plans for a pair of upgraded ST models which will go on sale later this year. And there’s good news for existing owners too, because they will also be able to have the dealer-fit package retrospectively installed on their cars.

The tuning kits have been developed for the Fiesta and Focus STs by race engineering firm Mountune from Maldon, Essex. These are covered by a full Ford warranty, even though all of the work needed to fit them will be carried out by a dealer.

First to arrive will be the Fiesta ST 185, which goes on sale at the end of this month. As the name suggests, it packs a real punch – a mighty 185bhp, thanks to a reworked version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that powers the regular model.

Although exact details are yet to be confirmed, the ST 185 is likely to get a tweaked engine management system, uprated cylinder head, different camshaft and new exhaust. The upgrade costs £950 and boosts power by 37bhp over the regular Fiesta ST’s 148bhp. With that extra pace on tap, the ST 185 should shave around half-a-second off the base car’s 0-60mph time, dropping it to eight seconds.

Top speed is boosted to 130mph, – a rise of 5mph. As well as the increased power, the modified Fiesta ST will be available with a host of alloy wheel options, allowing buyers to sharpen up the looks of their car, too. However, fast Ford fans after even more pace should look to the Focus ST 260. Exact details are yet to be confirmed, but it will have a sports air filter, revised engine management system and sports exhaust, which combine to boost power from 222bhp to around 260bhp.

That will slash a second off the 0-60mph time, dropping it to 5.5 seconds and taking the top speed to 155mph. More importantly, with the modifications increasing peak torque to in excess of 400Nm, the ST 260 will be even more responsive in the gears, offering storming overtaking performance. And thanks to that sporty exhaust, it should sound even more characterful, too.

As with the Fiesta, buyers will be able to choose from a range of optional alloys, but the basic price of the performance package will be around £1,500. It goes on sale in summer.

As a result of the ST 260’s launch, it’s likely that the forthcoming RS – previewed in Issue 992 – will boast closer to 300bhp to put some breathing space between the two machines. Auto Express has also learned the flag- ship Focus is likely to be front-wheel drive, with a clever differential ensuring all the power reaches the road.

The transmission is expected to be a six-speed twin-clutch semi-automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddles. Set to be revealed at the British Motor Show in July in the form of a concept, the RS will go on sale in 2009 priced at around £25,000.

Source: Auto Express