- The production version of the Ford Focus ST — and an unexpected Ford Focus ST Wagon for Europe — debuted on Monday at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.
- The Ford Focus ST gets a 246-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine linked to a six-speed manual transmission.
- Ford said the Focus ST's signature production color is Tangerine Scream.
FRANKFURT, Germany — The production version of the Ford Focus ST — and an unexpected Ford Focus ST Wagon for Europe — debuted on Monday at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.
Still up in the air are pricing, fuel economy numbers and the specific launch date for the U.S. Ford said in a statement that the five-door hatchback Focus ST will launch around the world in 2012 and be sold in over 40 markets. The Focus ST was previewed at the 2010 Paris Auto Show.
"It's the first performance model to build upon the design and technology strengths of one of our new global production vehicles," said Jost Capito, director of Ford's global performance vehicles in a statement.
The production Focus ST gets a 246-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine linked to a six-speed manual transmission. Ford said it expects the new engine will cut CO2 emissions and fuel consumption by more than 20 percent compared to the previous-generation European Focus ST.
Ford said the Focus ST's signature production color is Tangerine Scream. Other exterior color options include Performance Blue, Race Red and White.
Other key design cues include a rear spoiler, side skirts, center tailpipes and 18-inch alloy wheels. A "Performance Pack" option offers wheels in black, with a red finish on the brake calipers.
The Focus ST gets upgraded shock absorbers and a lowered chassis. It also gets the Ford sport steering system, a variable-ratio steering rack that helps to improve cornering.
The cabin gets unique pedals, steering wheel and gearshift, as well as Recaro seats.
Ford released details on the European trim options, but not those for the U.S. The Focus ST will be offered in ST1, ST2 and ST3 levels in Europe. ST1 is the base model and gets cloth Recaro seats, keyless start, front door scuff plates with the ST logo and standard ST rear bench with center armrest. The top-of-the-line ST3 gets heated leather Recaro seats, a Recaro rear bench seat and bi-xenon headlights.
"Precise details of feature availability for each trim option will vary by market," said Ford in a statement.
Inside Line says: A case could be made for bringing the ST wagon to the States.
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yek12345 says:
11:35 AM, 03/23/2012
I bought my first Focus wagon n 2001. Drove it for 6 years and bought my second Focus wagon (SES). Still driving it. I want to buy a new one but none on the US market. When Ford brings out a new one (ST, SES, S, or whatever), I intend to update the one I have. Only have 19,500 miles on it due to 5th wheeling in the summer mos. Great vehicle!!
awdfreak says:
10:06 AM, 12/14/2011
After acquiring much of the electronic nanny content from Volvo (and it is Very Good Content!), especially the stability control, the 30k Focus should incorporate Volvo's AWD- Haldex system. With minimal weight gain- maximum control can be gained. I've owned them for years (Volvo AWD, that is!) and they have saved my ass many times, good weather and esp. bad. living in MI. This system even helps compensate for the awful roads here when heavy steering and braking inputs are needed. I would buy a 250 hp Focus with this AWD system, and I think many others would also. Whaddayathink?
The screaming orange paint would be quite a stretch, however. I try to stay more under the radar, literally!
vanyel1970 says:
09:09 PM, 12/01/2011
Come on Ford! You really have no active wagons in the US lineup. Let us have the super sexy Focus ST Wagon! Please!
300zxguy says:
05:02 PM, 09/19/2011
Blame stupid CAFE rules. Until wagons get counted as trucks for CAFE purposes, it doesn't pay for most manufacturers to offer wagons here - they need to sell the CUVs to bring up the average truck fleet MPG so they can sell more of the high profit trucks. Write your congressman, tell them to push the EPA to classify "trucks" based on seats-up cargo capacity so both CUVs and wagons will qualify as trucks. (If I recall correctly, the old Focus wagon has more seat-down cargo capacity than the Escape.) Most (all?) CUV are just tall wagons, so it makes no sense to classify a CUV as a truck and a wagon as a car. Only when they fix this silly rule will you see more wagons for sale in America.
seansl says:
10:00 AM, 09/19/2011
I also want a wagon! Come on Ford! I'm ready to buy!
run_and_drive says:
09:16 AM, 09/13/2011
The wagon looks like the last-gen Mazda 6 wagon to me... and a little too long for a compact car IMO. I'll be happy with the hatch.
damaje says:
09:28 PM, 09/12/2011
The wagon is better looking than the hatch and the sedan.
stratrat3 says:
08:33 PM, 09/12/2011
I must agree with the people who say ST Wagon! I currently drive a Scion Xd but would gladly trade for an ST wagon.Utility + performance!I attended a vintage sports car race last summer to watch my brother race his 1969 911(2.0 liter).Unfortunately he lost some gear synchro's and dropped out.Anyway Ford was there with their Perfromance Tour 2011 and the one car taht caught everyone's attention was the Euro Focus Rally car, it featured pretty much the same tech that the new ST's will have.I want one!
nycstickdriver says:
08:11 PM, 09/12/2011
drool..... I might divorce my GTI for this...
v6mx3 says:
07:45 PM, 09/12/2011
GIVE ME THE ST WAGON!!! COME ON, FORD.. DONT HOLD BACK ON US NOW...