The hot hatch market is gaining more traction than ever and the time has come to zoom in on a model that has become a pillar of the segment, namely the Ford Focus ST. The Blue Oval has already introduced the fourth generation of the Focus, with this set to land in the US in Active trim only (think: crossover styling) next year. Nevertheless, Ford engineers are currently testing the Focus ST, with a prototype having recently hit the Nurburgring.
While the rumor mill talking about the Focus ST switching to a turbocharged three-cylinder engine like the Fiesta ST did, newer reports dismiss this info.
Fortunately, it seems that the Focus ST will maintain its 2.0-liter turbo-four configuration. Of course, oil burning lovers still expect Ford to continue to Focus ST Diesel tradition (this should also pack a two-liter motor).
And while the hot compact will continue to be offered with a manual tranny, the big novelty is that you'll also be able to order the thing with a paddle shift setup. However, it's still unclear whether Ford will offer a torque converter automatic of a dual-clutch tranny.
Nevertheless, since the new Fiesta ST can be had with a limited slip differential, we're expecting the same for its upcoming big brother.
With the upmarket versions of the new Focus, which pack a multi-link rear suspension, already delivering respectable handling, we're expecting the ST to be extremely good at handling the twisty bits.
Will the Focus ST pack banana springs for the rear axle (like the Fiesta ST) or intelligent front axle tech to avoid torque steer? Probably so.
Until we get our hands on more tech info, you can check out the spyshots in the gallery above. Interestingly, the prototype shows more skin than before, as previous Focus ST testers came in fully camouflaged form.
Fortunately, it seems that the Focus ST will maintain its 2.0-liter turbo-four configuration. Of course, oil burning lovers still expect Ford to continue to Focus ST Diesel tradition (this should also pack a two-liter motor).
And while the hot compact will continue to be offered with a manual tranny, the big novelty is that you'll also be able to order the thing with a paddle shift setup. However, it's still unclear whether Ford will offer a torque converter automatic of a dual-clutch tranny.
Nevertheless, since the new Fiesta ST can be had with a limited slip differential, we're expecting the same for its upcoming big brother.
With the upmarket versions of the new Focus, which pack a multi-link rear suspension, already delivering respectable handling, we're expecting the ST to be extremely good at handling the twisty bits.
Will the Focus ST pack banana springs for the rear axle (like the Fiesta ST) or intelligent front axle tech to avoid torque steer? Probably so.
Until we get our hands on more tech info, you can check out the spyshots in the gallery above. Interestingly, the prototype shows more skin than before, as previous Focus ST testers came in fully camouflaged form.