Frankfurt: Ford reveals the 2012 Focus ST and ST-R

Frankfurt: Ford reveals the 2012 Focus ST and ST-R

Ford has taken the opportunity at the Frankfurt Motor Show to unveil its latest iterations of the all-new Focus. Say hello to the Focus ST and ST-R! The Focus ST is based on the ST concept which was shown at the Paris Motor Show. This production version which is available as a 5-door and as a wagon is motivated by a retuned 2.0 litre 4-cylinder EcoBoost unit which makes 250PS and 360Nm of torque.

Interestingly, the 2.0 litre EcoBoost offers more power and is 20% more fuel efficient than the 2.5 litre 5-pot unit which was used in the previous ST. The engine is connected to a 6-speed manual cog box and it comes with a sports suspension that is made up by uprated shock absorbers, lowered springs (by 10mm) as well as unique parts for the rear suspension. The wagon variant features a slightly different setup at the back, with angled shock absorbers which are also used in the standard wagon.

Frankfurt: Ford reveals the 2012 Focus ST and ST-R

Other goodies include a Sport Steering System (electric) with variable ratio depending on speed, Torque Steer Compensation and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) which is tuned to be less intrusive to the driver. There is also an Enhanced Torque Vectoring Control system which is a revised version of the Torque Vectoring Control found in the base Focus.

The conventional version of the Torque Vectoring Control system basically applies brakes to the inner wheel of the Focus through a corner, reducing understeer and giving more traction. In the ST, the system implements this more aggressively and also adds on Cornering Under Steer Control (CUSC) which applies torque to create yaw torque based on the vehicle’s understeer behavior right before ESP kicks in, both in power-on and power-off conditions. Not bad huh?

Frankfurt: Ford reveals the 2012 Focus ST and ST-R

In the aesthetics department the Focus ST is treated to a full body kit, 18-inch light alloy wheels shod with Goodyear Eagle F1 rubber, a functional roof spoiler and a centre-exit exhaust. The ST is also available with a new colour called Tangerine Scream.

The inside is finished with specially designed pedals, steering wheel and gearshift to the unique Recaro seats, darker headlining, a special rear bench seat sculpted using special foam to help secure the rear passengers and so on. The Focus ST is being positioned as Ford’s first global performance car and it will be sold in over 40 markets following a worldwide launch in 2012.

Frankfurt: Ford reveals the 2012 Focus ST and ST-R

Ford also revealed the Focus ST-R which is a track-only variant and will be used in various racing series including the Canadian Touring Car Series, Grand-Am ST and World Challenge TC. It comes with a race-tuned suspension, beefier brakes and a stripped out interior along with an FIA-approved roll cage.

Continue reading to check out an image gallery of the Focus ST and its demonic sibling.

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Harvinder Sidhu

Harvinder Singh Sidhu thinks there's nothing better than Formula 1, not even sliced bread. Having written about cars since 2006, he plunged head first into the industry out of a passion for all things four-wheeled and everything in between. The F1 enthusiast has been following the sport since 1999 and has been keeping up with it since. In between races he keeps himself busy as the host of the Driven motoring show and as our version of the Joker.

 

Comments

  • nabill on Sep 13, 2011 at 11:26 pm

    Look like inspired by ds3

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  • yeah rite on Sep 13, 2011 at 11:48 pm

    the yellow car seems different than the red one???

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  • lonelyobserve on Sep 13, 2011 at 11:54 pm

    Global performance car from Ford? Will SD Auto Connexion bring it to Boleh Land?

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  • LionelStep on Sep 14, 2011 at 12:14 am

    Harvinder, where is the 1.0L ECOBOOST engine which Ford will disclose during this Frankfurt Motor Show ?

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  • teelim on Sep 14, 2011 at 12:28 am

    Hmmm… Is it just me or does the front 3/4 view of the yellow car looks like an uglier version of the Megane RS.

    Doesn’t matter though, can’t wait for test drive reviews. And hope SDA will bring them into M’sia

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  • Diesel on Sep 14, 2011 at 2:04 am

    even ST r out now, wheres our new focus?

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    • beatnik on Sep 14, 2011 at 8:30 am

      SDAC still got many stocks for old focus.. must get rid first, else how to sell new focus..
      most probably they will not bring in the ST version.. they think that the TDCi is sport enough.. lol

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  • 4G63T DSM on Sep 14, 2011 at 8:53 am

    oooo..wagon.

    Return of the T5-R!

    Any idea when auto connexion would be bringing in the new Focus? The existing one is a little long in the tooth……

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  • Kumar san on Sep 14, 2011 at 9:25 am

    Sime Darby should and must bring the Focus ST 5 door hatchback version here when it’s feasable,in manual please.I will certainly get one and i have always liked the Focus.

    To be honest,it’s a very good car and it’s handling is sublime.I was lucky enough to sample and test drive the entire range of Focus&Fiesta available currently in England when i visited my brother recently.Hell,they even sell the tuned Montune versions over there off the showroom floor with warranty!The Stage 2 Montune Fieta was a hoot to drive,with all the bells and whistles it was under 18785 pounds if i’m not mistaken,what a great car!

    And the ranges that were available there including the options was very comprehensive to say the least.Then again,the availability of this Focus here is yet to be seen,the Montune range of fast Fords will never be available here.This would be the Ford TX-3 of the early 90’s now i must say and that was a really fast car for it’s time,even nowadays.Keeping my fingers crossed nonetheless and a brilliant effort from Ford.

    Cheers.

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  • Love the red wagon. Hope SDAC offers the ST here.

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  • tattoo sleeves shop on Sep 14, 2011 at 11:37 am

    the wagon is nice!

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