All-new Ford Performance Focus ST

[russellw]

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, Continuously Controlled Damping and unique steering/chassis tune

For the first time, Focus ST will be offered with the choice of a traditional six-speed manual gearbox, with optional rev-matching, or an advanced paddle-shift automatic for seamless, quick gear-shifts

Focus ST will be sourced from the same facility in Germany as the previous Focus RS and, with a choice of two trim levels and optional Performance Pack for Australian customers

The Ford Performance Australian 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

Melbourne, February 18, 2019 – The all-new Ford Performance Focus ST will go on sale in early 2020 with even greater capability, higher levels of content and more customer choice. Based on the new-generation Ford Focus, which went on sale in Australia in December, 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 Australia.

“Local enthusiasts have made it clear that there’s a desire for highly engaging performance hatches,” said Kay Hart, President and CEO of Ford Australia and New Zealand. “The all-new Focus ST builds on a tradition of legendary hot hatches, and will deliver an exhilarating driving experience 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 power-train 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 focussed performance car at the push of a button,” said Leo Roeks, Ford Performance director, Europe. “We’ve incorporated learning from programmes including our Ford GT super-car 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 roominess. 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 headlamps with DTRLs, as well as 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, red brake calipers 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, which are only offered on Ford Performance vehicles. 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.

An 8.0-inch full-colour touch-screen with SYNC 3, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a 10-speaker B&O Play audio system, DAB radio, built-in Sat-Nav and reversing camera is standard on Focus ST. In addition, an optional Performance Pack for manual models includes Launch Control, Shift Lights, Rev-matching and an exclusive ‘Track’ Driving Mode.


EcoBoost: More power, greater technology

A new generation of Ford’s 2.3-litre EcoBoost all-aluminium four-cylinder engine is the most powerful ever offered 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: Change gears your way

For the first time, Focus ST will be available with an automatic option. The new variant of Ford’s latest intelligent seven-speed 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 gear-shift 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.

The Focus ST still offers drivers an engaging six-speed manual transmission, which enables more urgent gear-changes and a sportier feel. Ford’s new rev-matching technology that debuted on the new Ford Mustang is also introduced as part of an optional Performance Pack on Focus ST manual models for the first time.

Delivering smoother, faster down-shifts, the technology is accompanied by a shift indicator light, and uses the engine’s electronic control system to briefly “blip” the throttle as the driver engages a lower gear – matching the engine speed to the gear that is being selected.

Rev-matching enables drivers to benefit from the seamless, momentum-maintaining gear-shifts delivered by the “heel-and-toe” driving technique, while also enabling experienced performance drivers to deactivate the system if they prefer.

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 percent at the front and 13 percent at the rear, with a ride height reduction of 10mm to improve road-holding and response.

The Focus ST introduces Continuously Controlled Damping as standard on all models. This sophisticated technology responds to surface changes every two milliseconds, monitoring suspension, body, steering and braking inputs to adjust damping responses for outstanding ride quality and driving dynamics.

The driving experience is further enhanced using eLSD technology, a first for Focus ST. Incorporated into the transmission, the 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 power-train and vehicle dynamics sensors, rather than responding to wheel-spin 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 percent faster than the standard Focus, requiring just two turns lock-to-lock.

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 330mm x 27mm and feature dual-piston callipers. Rear discs now measure 302mm x 11mm. 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.


Focus ST: Capable, adaptable

The all-new Focus ST will also have Launch Control – as part of the Optional Performance Pack – for the first time, improving its standing-start capability for occasional close course or trace track experiences only. In addition, Slippery/Wet, Normal, Sport and Track Drive Modes (Performance Pack only) adjust eLSD, CCD, EPAS, throttle mapping, automatic transmission shift scheduling, electronic stability control, electronic sound enhancement (ESE) and climate settings to suit the driving scenario. A dedicated “Sport” button on the flat-bottomed steering wheel gives direct access to Sport mode, and an additional “Mode” button allows drivers to quickly scroll through the Drive Mode options.

“Selecting Track mode instantly makes braking response more direct and edgy; introduces higher steering efforts for more feedback; tunes the throttle to be more aggressive; instructs the eLSD to deliver maximum traction; and gives drivers more leeway within the ESC system,” said David Put, Ford Performance vehicle dynamics. “Drivers can have full confidence in the Focus ST’s ability to deliver on the track.”


Ford Performance: Road and track

With the new Focus ST in the line-up, the Ford Performance stable includes the 4x4 Australia 4x4 of the Year, the Ranger Raptor, as well as the forthcoming Fiesta ST. Ford Performance has also worked with Ford, Shell V-Power Racing and Tickford Racing to homologate the Ford Mustang Supercar for the 2019 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, which sees the Ranger Raptor as the Official Recovery Vehicle. The Ford Performance Mustang Supercar will compete for the first time at the 2019 Superloop Adelaide 500, held over February 28 – March 3, 2019.

The Ford Performance Focus ST will be available in Australia in early 2020, with additional pricing and details to be announced closer to on-sale.

















Source: Ford Media

[Craig@AUDI]

Ohhhhh Frankie86...

[frankie86]

Looks and sounds like an awesome package

[FTE217]

A updated Mazda MPS version.
Does look good.

[Bossxr8]

They didn't differentiate it enough from the ST-line imo. I know the ST-line is supposed to share a similar look but at a quick glance they look pretty much the same.

Interestingly enough the auto is the same 8 speed as used in non ST models but because second and third gear are so close together, and because the engine makes so much torque, 2 nd gear was useless so they just skip 2nd and go straight to 3rd, essentially making an 8 speed auto a 7 speeder.

[Craig@AUDI]

Originally Posted by frankie86

Looks and sounds like an awesome package

So you're glad you took a punt then and ordered?

[XP6]

Id like to have a drive of one of these and see how much this car has developed since the original ST Focus, which was a fun little car to drive.

[frankie86]

Originally Posted by Craig@CumberlandFord

So you're glad you took a punt then and ordered?

You bet, hopeful some news on the thr next RS comes through this year, but i wont hold my breath

[jpd80]

Wow, that's a big gap from ST-Line's 1.5 EB up to the ST's 2.3 EB

[Mulga]

It may be enough to tempt me back to an ST....the only thing I didn't like about the current ST is the seats. Without any bolster lateral adjustment I felt they were not quite comfortable for my size. I'm not a huge guy, but broad across the shoulders.