Photo: CarPix
Ford is testing the upcoming generation of the Focus these days, but they have not given up on the ongoing Focus ST.
Shortly after the launch of the Focus RS, the most powerful version in the Focus range, it appears that the Focus ST might get some extra oomph. Between the RS and the ST there is currently a 100 HP gap, so Ford is expected to launch a car to slide in this space they created.
Most likely, the new Focus ST will get a badging strategy similar to the one used on the Fiesta ST200. The latter was a more powerful version of the Fiesta ST, but it was not as “hardcore” as required to attain the RS moniker.
Meanwhile, the production version of the prototype you can spot in the photo gallery of this article is expected to be called the ST Plus, ST275, or another suffix to the ST badge, influenced by the engine’s output. Most voices announce an output raised to around 275 or 280 HP, along with other improvements.
Ford might probably fit the version with beefier brakes, a recalibrated suspension, and modified steering, as well as aerodynamic changes. As you can notice from the pictures in our photo gallery, the engineers are testing a new front splitter, installed under the front bumper, as well as a set of “canards,” fitted on the edges of the front bumper.
We are surprised about the look of these elements, as they are fixed to the bumper using something that resembles duct tape. Furthermore, they look aftermarket but in the bad way, as if they were hand-crafted just for a mock-up build, and ended up being tested on the road.
Most likely, the engineers will continue enhancing these elements if they find any benefits from using them. In an unusual move, the Ford logo or the ST badge have not been covered on this mule. Ford is probably in the early stages of prototyping for this version. Expect the finished product to come to market next year.
Most likely, the new Focus ST will get a badging strategy similar to the one used on the Fiesta ST200. The latter was a more powerful version of the Fiesta ST, but it was not as “hardcore” as required to attain the RS moniker.
Meanwhile, the production version of the prototype you can spot in the photo gallery of this article is expected to be called the ST Plus, ST275, or another suffix to the ST badge, influenced by the engine’s output. Most voices announce an output raised to around 275 or 280 HP, along with other improvements.
Ford might probably fit the version with beefier brakes, a recalibrated suspension, and modified steering, as well as aerodynamic changes. As you can notice from the pictures in our photo gallery, the engineers are testing a new front splitter, installed under the front bumper, as well as a set of “canards,” fitted on the edges of the front bumper.
We are surprised about the look of these elements, as they are fixed to the bumper using something that resembles duct tape. Furthermore, they look aftermarket but in the bad way, as if they were hand-crafted just for a mock-up build, and ended up being tested on the road.
Most likely, the engineers will continue enhancing these elements if they find any benefits from using them. In an unusual move, the Ford logo or the ST badge have not been covered on this mule. Ford is probably in the early stages of prototyping for this version. Expect the finished product to come to market next year.
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