Ford Performance's latest creation, the Ford Focus ST , attacks the hot hatch universe on several fronts, declining in multiple versions, starting with the presence of two bodies: the car and the van (Station Wagon).
Among the multiple novelties, the one that captures the most attention is undoubtedly the introduction of the 2.3 EcoBoost engine, inherited from the latest Focus RS and also from Mustang EcoBoost. In the new Focus ST, the 2.3 EcoBoost delivers 280hp at 5500rpm — on the RS it outputs 350hp, and on the Mustang it now delivers 290hp — and 420Nm of maximum torque available between 3000 and 4000rpm.
Ford declares this unit, with aluminum block and head, as the “loosest” in the ability to go up and down in the Focus ST history. Installments? They have not yet been released, except for an estimate of less than six seconds to reach 100 km/h.
the most responsive
To make the 2.3 EcoBoost the most responsive, Ford turned to a low-inertia twin-scroll turbo that uses separate channels to more efficiently recover energy from the exhaust gases, an electronically actuated waste-gate valve that improves pressure control. of the turbo. The exhaust system is new, with reduced back pressure; as well as the specific inlet system and the intercooler are specific.
The new Ford Focus ST also benefited from the lessons learned with the Ford GT and Ford F-150 Raptor in the application of anti-lag technology (in Sport and Track modes) — this keeps the accelerator open, even after removing the foot from the pedal, attenuating the turbocharger air backflow, keeping the compressor turbine speed high, therefore the pressure, therefore less time to respond to our requests.
The second engine available in the new Focus ST is the new Diesel 2.0 EcoBlue, with 190 hp at 3500 rpm and 400 Nm of torque between 2000 rpm and 3000 rpm — 360 Nm are available at 1500 rpm.
Among its attributes for a linear and immediate response, Ford highlights a low inertia variable geometry turbocharger, steel pistons (more resistant to expansion when hot) and integrated intake system.
two transmissions
The multiplication of ST models in Focus continues in the chapter on transmissions, with 2.3 EcoBoost that can be coupled to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic . Focus ST 2.0 EcoBlue is only available with manual transmission.
The manual gearbox, compared to the other Focuses, has a shorter stroke by 7% and also includes automatic rev-matching or heeling (if we opt for the Performance Pack). The automatic transmission — with paddles behind the steering wheel for manual selection —, on the other hand, is “smart”, adapting to our driving style and is even capable of differentiating between road and circuit driving.
Arsenal to bend
Hot hatch that is hot hatch proves it in the most meandering tongues of asphalt. And Ford has, since the first Focus, a reputation to defend in the dynamic chapter. To this end, it drew more potential from the new C2 platform with adaptive suspension, increased brakes and without forgetting the valuable contribution of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S — featuring standard 18-inch wheels, 19-inch as an option.
Interestingly, the springs keep specs identical to those of the regular Focus, but the shock absorbers are 20% firmer at the front, 13% at the rear, and the ground clearance is reduced by 10 mm. The CCD (Continuously Controlled Damping) technology monitors the suspension, bodywork, steering and brake performance every two milliseconds, adjusting the damping for the best balance between comfort and efficiency.
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Absolute debut in Ford's front-wheel drive is the electronic self-blocking differential (eLSD) developed by Borg Warner — faster and more accurate than a mechanic, says Ford — only available in 2.3 EcoBoost. Integrated in the transmission, the system uses a system of hydraulically activated clutches, limiting the delivery of torque to the wheel with less traction, being able to send up to 100% of the available torque to a single wheel.
The steering was also not forgotten by Ford Performance engineers, even claiming that they robbed the Fiesta ST of the title of fastest and most responsive driving, with this being 15% faster than regular Focus with just two laps end-to-end.
The braking system received larger discs — 330 mm x 27 mm at the front, and 302 mm x 11 mm at the rear — with two-piston calipers. Ford Performance says it used the same testing procedures as the Ford… GT, to ensure greater fatigue strength — nearly 4x better than the previous ST, says Ford. The booster brake is now electrically driven and not hydraulic, ensuring more consistency in braking pressure and pedal feel.
In this digital age, the Ford Focus ST, too, gains driving modes — Normal, Sport, Slippery/Wet, Track (available with Performance Pack) — by adjusting the behavior of the eLSD, CCD, steering, throttle, ESP, electronic boost, system climate control, and automatic transmission. To change the driving mode there are two buttons on the steering wheel: one direct for Sport mode and another for switching between the various modes.
Focus with a subtle focus on sportsmanship
On the outside, the new Ford Focus ST bets on… discretion. The extra sportiness is subtly evidenced in the specific wheels, the revised design of the grilles and air intakes, the sharper angled rear spoiler, the rear diffuser and the two rear exhaust vents — no screaming at the top of our lungs that we're the better type. badass from the street…
Inside, there's a flat-bottom sports steering wheel, ebony Recaro sports seats — they can be upholstered in fabric or leather, fully or partially. The box handle is made of aluminum and is engraved with the ST symbol, a symbol also present on the threshold of the doors. Metal pedals, hexagonal metallic decorative notes and others with satin silver finish; and gray stitching complete the new interior decor.
As with the rest of the Focus range, expect a range of driver assistance systems, the Ford SYNC 3 infotainment system and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The new Ford Focus ST arrives next summer.