Sport Science

After years overseas, the Focus Sport Technologies (ST) is back, and Focus expert Ron Myers, editor of enthusiast site Focaljet.com, is fired up. Here’s why.

Engine

Trumpets have heralded the fuel-conserving and power-pumping EcoBoost® engine, making it worth inspection. “This 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder [tuned specially for ST] packs preliminary 247 horsepower and feels like a V-6,” says Myers. “Did I mention that it comes turbocharged from the factory?”

Chassis

Boasting a unique sports suspension with upgraded knuckles and an all-new anti-roll bar design, the new chassis screams agility. “It has a lowered stance closer to the ground than the base model, and the front and rear fascias have been tweaked for the needs of a performance vehicle,” Myers says.

HandlingWhen you amp up performance, you also have to ratchet up the brakes. “It’s a good thing this car comes with an electronic torque vectoring system and high-performance disc brakes,” says Myers. “The result is improved control. The whole system is calibrated to deliver a natural, raw driving experience.”

Exterior

Myers is a big fan of the wide array of colors for Focus ST. You can get red, blue, black, silver or white, or bask in its signature Tangerine Scream. “The sleek silhouette that tiptoes the line between safe and aggressive,” Myers says. “It’s what a performance car should look like.”

Interior

Inside, it’s all about the driver. With a racing-inspired shifter and pedals and the available Recaro motor-sport seats, “you feel like you’re embedded in the vehicle,” Myers says. “It’s a home run. This is another example of Ford delivering concept car innovation to today’s vehicles.”

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