Ford today took the wraps off of the track ready version of its new Focus ST, the Focus ST-R. The Focus ST-R is a factory ready racer based on the Focus ST that's designed to make it easier than ever for privateers to get their hands on a truly capable out-of-the-box racecar.
The Focus ST-R was purpose built by Ford Racing in North America with input taken from Ford's Global Performance Vehicles group. If you think that the Focus ST-R outwardly resembles the Focus ST, you'd be correct; Ford says that the Focus ST-R is completely based on the production road car and features both stock body panels, and production-spec parts, where possible. The Focus ST-R also uses the same 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 that's found under the hood of the road-ready Focus ST. There's no word yet on whether the Focus ST-R has any additional ponies under the hood.
That being said, there are some differences. The Focus ST-R, being a competition-spec car homologated for Grand-Am ST, World Challenge TC and the Canadian Touring Car Series, features an FIA regulation roll cage. Ford also gave the Focus ST-R beefed-up brakes, and a track-tuned suspension.
While the Focus ST-R will initially only be available for sale in North America, Ford hopes that European racing teams will eventually take to it and race it in events like the 24 Hours of Nurburgring. "From the beginning, the Focus and new Focus ST were designed to be driver's cars," said Ford director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development Jost Capito. "Ford Racing in North America has taken this effort and developed the new Focus ST-R and it's a perfect example of how a great production car inspires a competitive race car for enthusiasts."
The Focus ST-R will initially only be available to special order from dealers in North America. European sales are to follow.