Ford introduces Focus ST Edition with adjustable suspension
Ford today unveiled a new special edition Focus ST five-door hot hatch that delivers more dynamic handling with adjustable suspension and lighter rims for a superior driving experience on the road and race track.
New Ford Focus ST Edition
The Focus ST Edition, available for order in select European markets, is the most dynamic version of the fourth generation Focus ST to date, offering fast riders the ability to tailor cornering dynamics to their preferences thanks to the adjustable suspension. tuned by Ford Performance.
The car's cornering response and driving dynamics are further improved by the use of Flow Forming alloy wheels as standard on this version, which reduce unsprung weight, contributing to a more enjoyable and confident ride. For customers seeking increased performance and traction on dry surfaces, optional high-performance tires are available that work in conjunction with advanced sports systems such as the hydraulically actuated Electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) and selectable driving modes, including track mode.
Ford Performance developed the Focus ST Edition exclusively as a five-door hatchback.The 2.3L EcoBoost petrol engine and six-speed manual transmission¹ provide the ultimate in driving pleasure to keep weight as low as possible for the best control and precision.
The exterior features an Azura Blue paint job not available on other Focus models, striking glossy black details and a distinctive black roof. Inside the eye are, among others, Recaro sport seats partially upholstered in leather with blue stitching and a red underlined start button.
“The new Focus ST Edition offers even more precise handling and control over the compact hot-hat,” said Stefan Münzinger, Ford Performance Europe Manager. “Not only does this give sports fans better control and responsiveness, but it also gives them the ability to tailor the car’s performance and stability to suit the customer’s needs.”
Focus ST Edition available for order in RussiaAustria, Germany, Switzerland and the UK, deliveries will begin in September.
Accuracy and control Focus ST Edition
Buyers will get the Focus ST Edition with factory suspension settings developed by Ford Performance and rigorously tested, including on Germany's Nürburgring Nordschleife.
The suspension, finely tuned for stability and cornering control, and working in tandem with the powerful transmission, offers drivers the flexibility to further fine-tune to suit their specific environment and driving style.
Built by motorsport experts KW Automotive, the two-way adjustable suspension uses stainless steel twin-tube dampers and powder-coated springs painted in Ford Performance Blue. The ground clearance of the Focus ST Edition has been reduced by 10mm front and rear compared to the standard Focus ST, and the buyer has the option to adjust the height by another 20mm. Spring rates have been increased by more than 50 percent over the standard Focus ST.
Twelve compression damping settings—resistance to the shock's upward movement when the wheel touches a bump in the road—and 16 rebound damping settings—the speed at which the shock absorber returns to neutral when moving up—give the Focus ST driver more control over the car's response when cornering.
The Focus ST Edition comes with technical documentation that lists recommended suspension settings for various riding conditions, including settings specifically designed for the Nürburgring, to help sports driving enthusiasts fine-tune the chassis for a satisfying experience.
Lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels reduce unsprung weight by 10 percent in every corner of the car. The wheels are cast using a liquid casting process that densifies the aluminum alloy for increased tensile strength and impact resistance while using less material. Lighter wheels perform better on uneven, rocky surfaces and at the same time reduce the load on shock absorbers and suspension springs, improving tire contact with the road, resulting in better traction and vehicle response.
The model is equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires as standard, but you can use the optional high-performance Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires for better traction, perfect for dry and track performance tests.
The Focus ST Edition still uses cutting-edge sporting features such as the innovative eLSD system, which uses hydraulic clutches for up to 100 percent transmission. available torque to the wheel with the best grip, which helps counteract loss of traction. More responsive and precise than a traditional limited slip differential, it can pre-adjust torque distribution to the wheels based on engine data and vehicle sensors.
All-aluminum 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine. It uses a fast-acting twin-scroll turbocharger and modified intake and exhaust systems to deliver 280 hp. at 5500 rpm and a torque of 420 Nm at 3000.4000 rpm. A turbocharger deceleration reduction solution previously tested on the Ford GT and F-150 Raptor pickup has also been used, which releases high engine power much faster in sport and track driving.
Start from 0 to 100 km/h takes 5.7 seconds.and high acceleration from a standstill is achieved through a flat-shift feature that holds the throttle open the moment the driver disengages the clutch to upshift the six-speed manual transmission. The top speed of the Focus ST Edition is 249 km/h (155 mph).
Drivers can also take advantage of a choice of multiple driving modes that adjust eLSD performance, throttle settings, Electric Power Steering (EPAS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), adapting the vehicle's behavior to the driving scenario. Track mode provides the most dynamic responses and the least intervention from the ESC system, providing the driver with maximum driving pleasure.
As with the standard Focus ST, the car's sportiness is further enhanced by the special design of the front knuckles, dual-range EPAS power steering settings, and a powerful, wear-resistant braking system with 330mm front discs and 302mm rear discs.
Distinctive ST Edition styling
The practical ST Edition five-door hatchback is immediately recognizable by the exclusive equipment that emphasizes the style of the exterior and interior.
The distinctive Azura Blue body color contrasts with the high-gloss black details of the upper grille, front bumper fenders and door mirror caps, as well as the rear roof spoiler and rear diffuser. The roof panel is also finished in high-gloss black lacquer and finished with black-bordered ST badges.
The interior comes standard with semi-leather Recaro sport seats with blue Ford Performance stitching. The same effect is applied to the ST leather steering wheel, gearshift boot, center console sides and floor mats. The engine start button is highlighted in sporty red to match the ST badges.
The Focus ST Edition joins the Ford Performance Focus ST line, available as a five-door hatchback and station wagon. The model is available with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost petrol engine with 280 hp. or a 190-horsepower 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission mated to an EcoBoost petrol engine.
# # #
Ford Focus ST, 280 hp, 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, homologated CO2 emissions from 184 g/km, fuel consumption from 8.0 l/100 km acc. WLTP.
Ford Focus ST, 280 hp, 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, homologated CO2 emissions from 180-189 g/km, fuel consumption from 7.8-8.3 l/100 km acc. WLTP.
Ford Focus ST, 190 hp, 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, homologated CO2 emissions 136-142 g/km, fuel consumption 5.2-5.4 l/100 km acc. WLTP.
Photo: Ford