New Vehicle Ford Focus 2012

New Vehicle Ford Focus 2012

The new vehicle Focus is at last debuting in the U.S., with a 2.0-liter, direct-injected, 160-hp motor and variable valve timing, as well as a five-speed manual. But, the car to wait for is the 2013 Focus ST, which debuts in early 2012. It gets a six-speed manual with the same EcoBoost (turbocharged) 2.0-liter as the much larger Edge and Explorer and will be good for somewhere in the neighborhood of 250 hp, which puts it in league with hot hatches like the MazdaSpeed3 and beyond the output of the VW GTI. Ford is also promising a tauter suspension and meatier tires as well as bigger brakes to go with all that horsepower. Expect to pay at least $25,000.



Ford's next-generation global hot hatch is finally upon us in the form of the 2012 Ford Focus ST being revealed in production trim at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show. With 250 horsepower on tap, this fast Focus cannot get here fast enough for Ford enthusiasts. The 2012 Focus ST is the first global performance vehicle developed as part of Ford's much-discussed One Ford program. The internal program has pushed all global design, engineering, and product planning together to create one lineup for Ford's products worldwide. Unlike the previous-generation Focus ST, which was for European consumption only, the new one will be available in more than 40 markets on six continents, although a Focus ST Wagon will be sold in the European market only.


The new ST uses a tuned version of Ford's 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost inline four-cylinder rated at 250 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed through a six-speed manual to the front wheels, which wear 18-inch Y-shaped spoke alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance 235/40R18 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tires. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost takes advantage of high-pressure direct injection, a low-inertia turbocharger, and twin-independent variable cam timing to help decrease fuel consumption by a claimed 20 percent compared to the outgoing ST. The turbo four also gets a redesigned intake and exhaust system for the ST application, as well as a unique ECU calibration.


The ST uses a new variable-ratio steering rack that decreases sensitivity in a straight line and increases sensitivity during cornering, according to Ford's engineers. The new steering rack is paired with an electric power steering system and a torque steer compensation system (TSC). When TSC detects torque steer, it communicates to the power steering system, which counteracts the effect to eliminate torque steer feel for the driver.


The Focus ST also receives a modified electronic stability program (ESP) with three modes. Normal mode is based on the ESP system in the standard Focus, but has been recalibrated to be less intrusive to the driver. Wide-slip mode switches off the traction control, but the system will step in if things get too far out of line. The third and final mode is all off; traction control and ESP are both deactivated, leaving only sub-features like the enhanced dynamic cornering control (EDCC) and TSC enabled.

Ford has also added an enhanced torque vectoring control to the Focus ST. It works by braking the inner wheel of the vehicle through a turn to reduce understeer, similar to a limited-slip differential. It is paired with cornering under steer control (CUSC), which sends torque to the outside wheel based on the amount of understeer present to keep the ESP from kicking in.


The ST will use uprated shock absorbers and lower springs that drop the ST by 10 millimeters -- lowering the car's center of gravity and giving the ST a meaner stance. The rear suspension uses upgraded knuckles with an all-new anti-roll bar.


It won't be hard to tell the ST apart from lesser Focii, thanks to its single-piece, honeycomb trapezoidal black grille and rear diffuser with center-mounted exhaust. A new, larger rear spoiler increases high-speed stability while reducing drag. The ST will be offered in unique colors: Performance Blue, Race Red, White, and Tangerine Scream -- Ford's new signature orange-gold for the ST line. Inside, the ST receives specially designed sport pedals, steering wheel, and gearshift. Ford worked with Recaro to design unique front seats featuring a low seating position. A new rear seat uses sculpted foam to help hold passengers in place during enthusiastic driving.


The ST also gets a number of creature comforts standard, including automatic headlights, auto-dimming rear mirror, automatic wipers, and floor mats. Partial-leather Recaros, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, eight-way seat adjustability, and bi-xenon headlights are optional.

The 2012 Focus ST is slated to go on sale worldwide starting next year, and we're betting hot-hatch enthusiasts from coast-to-coast will be queuing up at Ford dealers to get their hands on one.


Forget fun to drive. Bumper cars are fun to drive. The 2012 Focus has an intense side that comes out when you push the start button. It comes with an all-new chassis and suspension that's tighter and better than ever, and a new cornering assist system that puts the torque where the traction is. We took some very sweet performance technology and put it at your finger tips. Available spring 2011.

For 2012, the Focus offers crisp handling thanks to a rear stabilizer bar and our fully-independent control blade rear suspension that stubbornly resist body roll. The available Titanium Handling Package is taut and confidence inspiring -- it adds a unique sport-tuned suspension with 18" wheels and low profile summer-only tires. You’ll look forward to a ride you'll love every day.

Our 2.0L Ti-VCT I4 engine is all-new for the 2012 Focus. The class-exclusive Direct injection* provides a cooler, denser more precise charge while our Twin independent Variable Cam Timing self adjusts for efficient performance at low rpm and exhilarating power when you step on it. So you can go green and go quickly.

Part of what makes Focus so satisfying to drive is its fully engaging available six-speed PowerShift™ automatic transmission, which delivers seamless gear changes and excellent responsiveness. And because it’s also designed to be fuel-smart, you can have plenty of fun, without paying the price at the pump. Select models also include SelectShift™ technology which allow you to change gears at the touch of a button.

The new Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) automatically adjusts to deliver precise responses at high speed and optimal maneuverability at slower speeds when needed. Its Pull-Drift Compensation technology constantly measures the driver’s steering input, adapts to changing road conditions and helps compensate for slight directional shifts caused by factors such as uneven road surfaces or steady crosswinds. What you’ll notice is enhanced responsiveness and superior control, specifically tuned for each Focus model.

G forces in a corner transfer more traction to your outside tires than to your inside ones. Our unique Torque Vectoring Control system exploits that by transferring torque to the wheels that have the most grip. It virtually eliminates understeer, forcing the front end to hug the inside of each curve. New technology usually only available on premium vehicles, it creates a connection to the road you’ll find habit-forming.

AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with anti-lock brakes (ABS) is standard on every Ford Focus. This state-of-the-art system constantly monitors road conditions and the driver's responses, then adjusts engine power and applies the ABS brakes to help keep all the wheels firmly planted. ESC brings an added measure of handling confidence to the agility you'd expect in a Ford Focus.