Ford Focus ST - hitting Singapore's Shores

[B]Chassis[/B]
The already outstanding Focus chassis, which offers class-leading handling and roadholding, has been modified and stiffened for the ST. Additional stiffness at the front end has been achieved by adding an extra cross-member across the bulkhead between the MacPherson struts.

The Focus ST's handling set-up has been tailored to both reward the enthusiast driver and allow refined driving. For the ST, the front and rear springs have been stiffened by 30%, the dampers recalibrated and the anti-roll bar increased by 5%, all to give the ST impressive grip and extraordinary road holding. The lowering of the chassis by 25 mm adds to the driving experience.

The brakes have been upgraded to match the performance of the ST, developing the already impressive system employed on other Focus models. The 320 mm x 28 mm front ventilated discs have been fitted with large calipers and pads to provide an even better initial bite.

[B]Exterior Design[/B]
The Focus ST is a well-crafted, refined performer - a highly capable sports car for everyday driving. The Focus ST signals its performance credentials with detailed design cues that echo Ford's World Rally Championship contenders.

The Focus ST states its intentions clearly on low-profile 225/40 R18 tires mounted on 18x8-inch cast aluminum wheels. The visual weight of the front bumper has been emphasized to give the Focus ST a lowered look incorporating an aggressive inverted-trapezoid lower grille. Flanking the top of the lower grille, fog lamp openings are trimmed in brushed aluminum. At the rear, reversing and rear fog lamp features are given similar design treatment, while the lower bumper has been sculpted to create the appearance of a sportscar-like aerodynamic venturi from which the chrome-tipped dual sport exhausts emerge.

[B]Interior Design[/B]
Turbocharger boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure are displayed in the unique additional instrument pod, incorporated on the upper instrument panel. This instrument pod creates an immediate visual impact while providing the enthusiast driver with useful data.

Focus ST's black headliner and A-pillars give the interior a purposeful, cockpit feel. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has an increased rim section with bold thumb grips and three brushed aluminum-finished spokes. Stylish Recaro sport driver and passenger seats provide optimal lateral support during spirited driving. These figure-hugging seats can carry inserts matching selected exterior colors. Full leather trim and a sculpted rear bench seat are also available as options.

[B]Safety[/B]
Focus ST safety features include a rigid passenger cell, footwell protection, collapsible steering column and pedals and side impact protection door beams.

Among the passive safety systems are driver and passenger front and side airbags, pyrotechnic belt pre-tensioners and neck injury protection system on front seats.

[B]Hitting the Right Note[/B]
The enthusiastic response and strong market demand worldwide for the exciting new Focus ST reinforces that the car is a significant evolution of Ford's ST brand, delivering an addictive combination of performance and affordability. Every car coming out of the production line has been snapped up by eager buyers. Likewise in Singapore the interest and demand for the Ford Focus ST has been overwhelming, adding to the growing waitlist for this car worldwide.


[U]Technical Specifications[/U]

Engine

• 2.5L 20 V DOHC engine

• Cylinders: 5-cylinder in-line, 2522 cm 3 displacement, bore x stroke – 83.0 mm x 93.2 mm, aluminum alloy cylinder head/block, compression ratio – 9.0

• Maximum power (ISO KW/PS): 165.5 KW (225 PS) at 6100 rpm

• Maximum torque (ISO NM): 320 NM at 1600-4000 rpm

• KKK-Warner integrated turbo system

• 4 valves/cylinder DOHC with direct-acting mechanical shimless tappets

• Unleaded, 98 or 95 (RON) fuel


Transmission

• Manual 6-speed

• Single dry clutch and dual mass flywheel




Engine Management

• Bosch Motor Management System

• Sequential electronic fuel injection (SEH)

• Electronic distributorless ignition

• Emission level: European Stage IV with electronic on-board diagnostics (EOBD)




Suspension
• Front: independent McPherson struts with offset coil spring

• Rear: independent short-long arm (SLA) control blade multi-link system


Brake System
• Dual circuit, diagonally split, hydraulically operated discs front and rear

• Vacuum servo-assist

Credits: Oneshift News Team