One of last week's biggest news items was that the Ford Focus ST was finally(!) priced. Starting off at $24,495, the ST will go up against the likes of the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Honda Civic Si and Subaru WRX.
BUT, more important than the competition is a simple thing I was pondering: Will this finally be the hatchback product that puts the Ford on the performance map in the States?
And while I am sure some of you will say "The RS500 is the bestest best hatch evar! (though I haven't driven it)"
Before you utter this, remember that the closest an RS ever got to the U.S. was Mexico.
While cars like the GTI, Civic Si and WRX have been the go-to vehicles for youthful motorheads, it looks like Ford has just made things much, much more intriguing.
Equipped with a 247-horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost motor, which offers 252 HP and 270 lb.-ft. of torque thanks to an "overboost" function, it is likely that it will turn some heads.
Now can it seal the deal?
Sidenote: So how much longer until Ken Block does a Gymkhanna video with it?
Ford's press release follows:
Drivers in the U.S. can now place their order for the new Ford Focus ST, a high-performance hatchback that will offer exhilarating performance and handling, a distinctive interior and muscular exterior design.
Focus ST, Ford’s first global performance car, will integrate a collection of advanced and sport-oriented technologies previously unavailable to North American customers. The combination of these technologies into a refined yet high-performance sport compact will elevate the category and further cement Focus as the most complete compact car range sold in North America.
Among the more visible options will be the Tangerine Scream metallic color that will be offered exclusively on the Focus ST as well as race-inspired Recaro® seats with matching color accents.
Ford is offering drivers who preorder a 2013 Focus ST the GoPro® HD Hero2 Motorsports Edition camera pack upon delivery. Already a staple in the motorsports and action sport communities, a GoPro is the ideal camera to capture a spirited drive or Focus ST track day. The first 1000 Pre-sale orders placed between May 1st and August 20th are eligible for the GoPro HD Hero2 Camera System. Cameras will be sent after vehicle delivery
“We recognize Focus ST customers are very social in nature and will love having the right tool to share their amazing drive experiences,” said Lisa Schoder, Ford Focus ST Marketing manager. “I look forward to seeing videos of the Focus ST taking on some great roads across the U.S.
“Some cars in this category are entertaining on the track, but much less practical for daily driving,” Schoder added. “We think we’ve hit the perfect balance between pure driving exhilaration and everyday livability with this car.
“In terms of athletics, the Focus ST is a gold-medal decathlete,” she said. “You can easily live with the car every day; when the time comes to really drive it; very few will be left wanting.”
Performance EcoBoost
The heart of the Focus ST is a reworked EcoBoost® 2.0-liter engine massaged for very sporting throttle input responsiveness, strong off-idle power and a broad torque curve. The engine produces 252 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque.
“The power delivery has no weak spots, there’s no way to be left flat-footed,” Schoder said. “At the same time, drivers wanting to spin this motor into the upper octaves will be rewarded.”
To enhance the full experience for the driver, Focus ST is equipped with a sound symposer box that enriches the natural sounds of the motor by capturing internal engine oscillations and piping them through the interior under throttle. In part-throttle driving, the car’s power is felt more than heard; under full throttle, the engine music is naturally amplified through the symposer box.
Power, torque and engine notes are even more impressive in the context of its efficiency. Official EPA figures are not yet available, but Schoder said she expects exceptional fuel economy for Focus ST, especially for this class.
World-class chassis technology
The unique sport suspension combines several technologies never before seen. Designed to give drivers enhanced agility on winding roads while still inspiring high-speed confidence, the variable-ratio steering rack makes steering less sensitive on the straightaways but increases sensitivity at the corners. It can also help drivers at slow speeds, like when maneuvering into a tight parking spot.
The electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) on Focus ST is enhanced with torque steer compensation. More aggressive tuning of the torque steer compensation allows drivers to accelerate while still maintaining grip on roads with uneven surfaces. The system detects the torque steer those conditions can create and counteracts the effect to help the driver feel in complete control.
Advancing the state of the sport compact art
Focus ST will offer Recaro sport seats, unique 18-inch Y-spoke ST wheels, dual-zone climate control, Xenon headlights and leather appointments throughout the cabin. Its superior chassis rigidity aids the suspension in providing a firm, but quiet and controlled ride. The instrument cluster features ST-unique sport gauges with red needle pointers to monitor turbo boost, oil pressure and oil temperature levels.
Advanced technology such as available SYNC® with MyFord Touch® will also be available for Focus ST, along with a Sony® Audio System, HD Radio™ and 10-speaker surround sound.