The all new Ford Focus was recently revealed, and a
new report suggests that the next generationST will use the 2.3-liter EcoBoost
four-cylinder and not the 1.5-liter three-banger that powers the new Fiesta ST.
According to Autocar, this decision was taken as the
smaller unit won’t cope with the extra power in the long run. As a result, the
2.3-liter powertrain, which is related to the mill used in the current Focus RS
and entry-level Mustang, will make its way under the hood of the hot hatch with
an output of around 250 horses.
Ford’s challenger to the likes of the Renault Megane
RS and Volkswagen Golf GTI will be lighter, too, shedding close to 90 kg over the current car. It will also be 20 percent more rigid than its
predecessor, something that along with the improved suspension, will make it
more agile around corners without sacrificing ride quality.
The diesel variant will probably live on, given that
oil burners still hold a huge chunk of the market in Europe. It’s unknown what
engine Ford will use in this model, or if it will still be offered with two
transmission options (a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic) like the current
ST.
The British publication estimates that Ford will
unveil the all new Focus ST a few days before the 2019 Geneva Motor Show next
March, before displaying it at the Swiss event, with sales expected to commence
next summer.
The new Focus RS should arrive one year later with a
turbocharged 2.0-liter four-pot and 48V technology for a total output close to
40 HP.
