It’s been a couple years since we’ve had a true “hot hatch” from the Blue Oval. The 2002 SVT Ford Focus was a nice intro, offering 170 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. Even though most automotive reviewers claimed the average driver would never notice the performance oriented drivetrain and 40 horsepower increase in power, when pushed to its limits, the SVT could snag 0-60 in 7.7 seconds (nearly a couple seconds faster than the base 2.0).
While Europe has been enjoying the Focus RS500, and its 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder, Ford has not offered the U.S. much in performance hatchbacks over the last couple years. The RS500, in comparison to the American SES model, smothers it with 200 more horsepower (345 hp, 340 lb-ft torque), which in 0-60 language, translates to 5.6 seconds in comparison to 9.7. But this is all about to change with the 2012 Ford Focus ST.
Ford will be taking on the hatchback crowd, putting itself directly into competition with the WRX and Civic hatch. Offered in Tangerine Scream orange, the Focus ST will be going to bat, packing 247 horsepower, 266 lb-ft torque, six speeds (manual), performance brakes, and a sport tuned suspension. The ST will keep its 2.0-liter, Ecoboost 4-banger, adding a whistling turbocharger to the mix. The entire package should sit at somewhere around $25,000.
While details are still a bit sketchy at this point, a complete run down of its capabilities, including a release date, should be announced soon!
