All-New 2019 Ford Focus ST Breaks Cover With 280 PS 2.3L EcoBoost


Following several test prototype sightings and no teasers whatsoever, Ford has lifted the veil off its all-new Focus ST hot hatch.

Just like its predecessor, the new Focus ST is available with two engine and two body style flavors. The big news is the gasoline version ditches the 2.0-liter turbo-four for a larger, more powerful 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit that makes 280 PS (276 hp) at 5,500 rpm and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque from 3,000 rpm to 4,000 rpm.


That’s 12 percent more power and 17 percent more torque compared with the previous Focus ST’s 2.0-liter gasoline unit.

According to Ford, that results in a 0‑100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint of under 6 seconds. For the first time, the Focus ST benefits from an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) that improves traction and stability, as well as Selectable Drive Modes.


The all-aluminum 2.3-liter unit benefits from lessons learned with the Ford GT supercar and F-150 Raptor pickup as it features anti-lag technology that promises “immediate power delivery” in Sport and Track Drive Modes. When the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal, anti-lag keeps the throttle open, maintaining compressor wheel speed and enabling boost pressure to build faster on demand.

Besides the gasoline engine, Ford also offers a 2.0-liter EcoBlue turbo diesel in the new Focus ST. The unit is rated at 190 PS (187 hp) at 3,500 rpm and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque between 2,000 rpm and 3,000 rpm. It’s the most powerful diesel engine ever fitted to a Ford Focus.


Both engines will be mated as standard to a short-shift six-speed manual gearbox featuring rev-matching (optional as part of a Performance Pack for the 2.3L engine) or an optional seven-speed automatic transmission. The rev-matching function can be deactivated for those who prefer an unadulterated driving experience. The automatic comes with standard paddle shifters and Adaptive Shift Scheduling, which evaluates individual driving styles to optimize gearshift timings.

The new Focus ST builds on the all-new C2 architecture from the latest Focus, adding unique suspension, braking, and powertrain configurations. In Ford’s words, this results in “the most responsive and agile Focus ST driving experience ever – on road and track.”


The hot hatch also features Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD), which is offered as standard for five-door EcoBoost models. CCD is said to enhance the short-long arm (SLA) independent rear suspension configuration for improved refinement. As a result, Ford says customers will be able to sample the best of both worlds, switching from a comfortable tourer to a focused performance car at the push of a button. According to Leo Roeks, Ford Performance director Europe, the new Focus ST offers “a degree of flexibility that’s unique in its segment.”

Compared to the standard Focus, the damping stiffness increased up to 20 percent at the front and 13 percent at the rear, while the ride height is reduced by 10 mm (0.39 in). As for the electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, it is 15 percent faster than the standard Focus, requiring just two turns lock-to-lock. The brakes feature larger discs overall with dual-piston calipers at the front and Electric Brake Booster technology which is said to build brake pressure faster than a hydraulic system.


Styling-wise, the 2019 Focus ST has a rather understated yet tasteful appearance, combining a sharp exterior kit with a sporty interior featuring Recaro front seats (available with cloth, leather, or leather/Miko Dinamica upholsteries), sports steering wheel, and aluminum trim.

The all-new Focus ST will be available both as a five-door hatch and five-door wagon and will go on sale across Europe this summer. The United States won’t get the latest Focus ST at all.

carscoops

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Limited Edition Ford GT 'Competition Series' Is All About The Track

Image
Ford's new GT Competition Series was built with weight-saving in mind, but also with an improved center of gravity for better road-holding. Among its features, you'll notice the lightweight carbon fiber racing stripes, A-Pillars and side mirrors, as well as the unique race-inspired Perspex acrylic engine hatch with integrated venting. Thanks to the manual latch and the carbon fiber prop rod, weight near the roof has been reduced, though Ford engineers went even further in their quest to make the car lighter, by making the bulkhead Gorilla Glass behind the driver about half as thick (and as light) as on other models. "The Ford GT has racing in its blood," said Ford exec Raj Nair, while adding that the Competition Series "was developed with the most hardcore track enthusiasts in mind, providing a tailored set of lightweight features and unique livery to match." There are also plenty of remaining performance features from the production car, such as
Read more

Alpine A110 Hits Geneva With Pure, Legende And GT4 Versions

Image
Renault’s reborn Alpine brand has been getting rave reviews for its new A110 and now, as promised, it’s revealed new versions of its coupe at the Geneva Motor Show. Following the success of the sold-out Premiere Edition, the A110 will now be offered in Pure and Legende trims. The A110 Pure is targeted at driving enthusiasts. It features one-piece Sabelt sports seats that weigh barely more than 13 kilograms (28.6 pounds) each and, combined with other weight-saving measures, helps keep the curb weight below 1,100 kg ( 2,425 lbs). It’s not entirely stripped out, though, and still comes with features like air-conditioning and satellite navigation. Buyers can also add upgraded Brembo brakes and an adaptive exhaust system and can upgrade to the adjustable comfort seats. Those come standard on the Legende model, which is geared more towards every day driving and grand touring and comes with leather upholstery. Customers can also choose between two Focal sound systems and two wheel
Read more

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet Is A Crossover For Droptop Lovers

Image
Droptop crossovers have always been rather odd and the T-Roc Cabriolet is no different. It will be the only convertible Volkswagen on sale for the foreseeable future and will celebrate its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Rather than simply removing the roof of the standard T-Roc, Volkswagen has drastically altered the vehicle’s structure and body. In fact, its wheelbase is 37 mm longer than the standard T-Roc while its overall length is up by 34 mm. In addition, the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet features structural strengthening in the underbody, side panels, cross members, doors, and windscreen frame to make up for the lack of a roof. The folding fabric roof developed by Volkswagen retracts in just nine seconds at speeds of up to 19 mph (30.5 km/h) and is similar in operation to the roof of the outgoing Golf Cabriolet. The presence of the soft top reduces trunk space by 161 liters down from the 284 liters of the run-of-the-mill T-Roc. We don’t think bu
Read more