Ford Focus ST280
Our spies caught Ford near the
Nürburgring today testing a Focus ST prototype with some light aerodynamic mods
that we believe could be a warmed up version with more horses under its hood.
If you look at the Focus’ range, you’ll
see that there’s a notable power gap between the 250 hp FWD ST and the 350 hp AWD
RS, leaving plenty of room for an intermediate performance model. And let’s not
forget that, at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, Ford presented a more powerful
and focused version of the Fiesta ST dubbed the ST200.
A similar edition of the Focus ST could
receive a 20 to 30 hp bump to 270 hp or 280 hp, in which case, it could adopt an
ST270 or ST280 moniker correspondingly, together with a lowered and re-tuned
suspension, and faster steering system. For what it’s worth, the Fiesta ST200
also received bigger brakes and a modified final drive ratio.
We’re not sure if the aerodynamic
canards and the thin chin spoiler found on the front bumper of this prototype
will remain, but some modest visual upgrades, including new wheels, should be
included to separate the hatch from the base ST.
Keep a look out for the hotter ST at
this year’s Paris Motor Show in October.