NEWS RELEASE
FOCUS ST: A NEW ERA FOR FORD PERFORMANCE
Foreword
Following in the footsteps of past sporting vehicles from Ford is a challenging task. After
all, there is no denying Ford's unparalleled heritage in this area, which means so much to so
many generations of car enthusiasts and motorsport fans.
So it is with great excitement that we present the latest Ford performance roadcar – the allnew Focus ST.
Focus ST joins our model range as a big brother to the Fiesta ST. It is further evidence of
how our new ST – for 'Sports Technologies' – philosophy is being redefined. Ford's newest
ST models are more expressive, yet still fun and rewarding. They offer everything the
enthusiast needs to enjoy driving, but they are still practical and affordable for everyday use.
We asked a lot from our engineers developing the new Focus ST. We wanted to offer the
driver responsive performance in all conditions – whether that's on a motorway, or a twisty
road. We wanted rewarding handling, not just when pushing the ST to its limits but also for
the more conservative driver. And we wanted to combine serious engine power with a wide
torque range to really put a smile on your face.
What made our task easier was the outstanding base from which we started, as the standard
Focus already comes with class leading dynamics. Creating the ST was, therefore, a hugely
rewarding task for us, and we are confident we have met our ambitious objectives. With the
new Focus also being the base car for our future World Rally Championship campaign, the
spirit of Ford performance motoring is back in style.
I hope you enjoy driving the Focus ST as much as we have enjoyed engineering it.
Jost Capito
Director, Ford Team RS
Internet: http://media.ford.com
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Contents
Subject
Page no.
Foreword by Jost Capito
1
Contents
2
Introduction
3
Power for Performance
4
Focus ST Chassis
6
- steering
8
- handling
8
- brakes
8
- noise and vibration
9
- safety
9
Focus ST exterior
9
Focus ST interior
11
Conclusion
12
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Introduction

All-new ST performance model on sale from Autumn 2005

Developed by Ford TeamRS – by enthusiasts for enthusiasts

Turbocharged Duratec ST, 225 PS 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine

Gutsy 320 Nm of torque from 1600 rpm right through to 4000 rpm

Exceptional handling attributes and outstanding roadholding

Focus ST is agile, fast, powerful, but still practical for everyday driving
Fast and practical, the Ford Focus ST offers a no-compromise package for the performance
car driver. Ford TeamRS, the company's racing and performance arm, has developed a car
that is ideal for the performance motorist, while offering that welcome dash of refinement
too.
With the introduction of the Fiesta ST in 2004, Ford TeamRS began to refine the spirit of
Ford's volume performance models. The exciting new Focus ST, which will be introduced
from Autumn 2005 is a significant evolution of Ford's ST, or Sports Technologies, brand,
delivering an addictive personality combined with high performance.
With its turbocharged 225PS, 2.5 litre 5 cylinder Duratec ST engine, it is also the most
powerful Ford Focus road car to date. This engine is coupled to a slick-operating six-speed
manual gearbox and capable of a top speed in excess of 240 km/h (around 150mph), it
needs only 6.8 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (6.5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph).
With target performance data like this, the Focus ST places itself firmly in the league of
high performance cars.
"We have spared no effort in making this the most exciting Ford Focus road car yet," said
Jost Capito, Director of Ford TeamRS.
"It is a perfect car for drivers who love the
performance motoring experience, but do not want to sacrifice high standards of refinement,
comfort and practicality."
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Power for Performance
FOCUS ST'S 2522cc turbocharged engine is very narrow and only 577 millimetres long short enough to be mounted laterally between the wheels of a front-wheel-drive compact like
the Focus.
The maximum 225 PS (165.5 kW) is reached at 6000 rpm. The maximum 320 Nm of torque
is available starting at 1600 rpm and doesn't let up until it reaches 4000 rpm.
The result is an engine that stirs the emotions regardless of the impressive performance
figures. The Focus ST's throttle reaction is immediate and dynamic irrespective of the
position of the rev-counter needle. It pulls away eagerly even from the lower end of the rev
band.
Matthias Tonn, Focus ST Chief Engineer, said: "As the data for in-gear flexibility show, the
Focus ST does the 0-100 km/h sprint just over 6 seconds. That puts it solidly in the
performance range of much more powerful sports cars."
Thanks to Ford's Global Shared Technologies initiative, Ford TeamRS engineers were able
to choose an already silky smooth 5-cylinder petrol engine as the basis for the Focus ST
powerplant.
This engine, featuring Ford's Ti-VCT technology (twin independent variable cam timing),
has been tuned to be sharper and livelier for its application in the Focus ST. Reduced
flywheel mass, more direct accelerator-throttle connection, new injectors and new ignition
strategies were part of the significant re-engineering programme.
The engine's state-of-the-art light alloy cylinder block is screwed onto the ladder-shaped,
cast aluminium bedplate, anchoring it like a rock. This combination provides the six
crankshaft bearings with solid support. Well-balanced thermal conditions around the five
combustion chambers are assured by a tried and tested feature of racing engines: cross-flow
cooling, which sends the cooling water broadside through the engine.
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The alloy cylinder head is also at the cutting edge of technology. Two belt-driven overhead
camshafts actuate tappets controlling 4 valves per cylinder. The intake valve diameter is 31
mm, while the outlet valve diameter is 27 mm. Both camshafts can be continuously finetuned by 50 degrees on the intake side and by 30 degrees on the exhaust side. This allows
more useable torque, especially at low engine speeds, and reduces fuel consumption while
maintaining clean exhaust emissions over the entire engine load range.
A Bosch ME 9.0 engine management system is in charge of the cam-variation's hydraulic
valve operation, the ignition timing and fuel injection.
"We were lucky to be able to access a superb 5-cylinder engine thanks to Ford Motor
Company's shared technologies approach," said Tonn. "Tuning that engine to meet the
specific performance targets of the Focus ST was nothing short of a pleasure!"
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Focus ST Chassis
The Ford Focus is famous for its outstanding chassis which offers class-leading dynamics,
and it is from this base that Ford TeamRS created the Focus ST.
The first generation Ford Focus set suspension standards that many still believe are the
benchmark for today's compact car chassis. Seven years ago, the Focus chassis set up was
significantly superior to anything else available in the 'C' segment, and it is still imitated
today. The suspension, for example, was so well sorted that no fundamental changes were
necessary to incorporate it directly into the new generation Focus series, or its all-new ST
derivative.
Ford’s relentless development process and industry-leading approach to 'driving quality'
ensured that the all-new Focus model introduced in 2004 benefited from exceptional levels
of technical expertise to retain its reputation as a genuine driver’s car.
After seven years of experience with the 'Control Blade' rear suspension pioneered by the
original Focus, the Ford Vehicle Engineering team concentrated on enhancements rather
than starting all over again. Also, a stiff new front subframe for the new Focus became the
foundation for the car's chassis behaviour and went through extensive tuning.
Gunnar Herrmann, Ford of Europe's C-Car Vehicle Line Director said: "It was crucial for us
that the new Focus range maintained its leadership position. So from the outset, the chassis
of the new model was engineered to provide very high standards of driving quality, inspired
by class-leading dynamics."
Developing the core model into its ST performance sibling was a priority as soon as the
new Focus engineers were satisfied with their work.
Paul Wijgaerts, Ford TeamRS Vehicle Engineering Manager was the man responsible: "The
new Focus received very good reviews from the press for its fantastic cross between comfort
and steering precision; not to mention its driving safety in all conceivable conditions,"
Wijgaerts said.
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"Our task for the ST, therefore, was to tune the suspension very precisely for even sportier
performance and greater agility. But it was never our goal just to achieve good times lapping
the Nürburgring at the cost of a significant loss in comfort."
Focus ST uses the core model's front axle which has transverse control arms and spring
struts built according to the MacPherson principle. Ford was the first to introduce
MacPherson struts to mass-produced cars in the 1950's and still believes in them today.
The already stiff bodyshell of the new Focus was strengthened further for the ST version: an
extra cross-member was added running across the bulkhead between the spring strut covers
in the engine bay. The dimensions of the ST's springs were calculated so that they still travel
roughly 200 millimetres in total, even though the car sits 15 millimetres closer to the road
than the standard Focus.
This lower ride height is combined with firmer and shorter positive spring travel but, in
proportion, negative spring travel is increased. Since the overall spring travel is greater, the
tyres of the Focus ST maintain greater contact with the road surface - "over the full extent of
the negative jounce," in engineering jargon - optimising road holding, even under the worst
road conditions.
The concept of controlling rear wheel travel with a multilink-suspension first appeared in the
Mondeo, excelled in the first Focus in its 'Control Blade' guise, and is back again in the new
model Focus.
The rear axle has been fine-tuned using stiffer rubber housings for the lower control arms,
while axle geometry has been adjusted to cope with higher lateral forces.
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Steering: EHPAS (Electric-Hydraulic Power Assisted Steering) has been added to the new
Focus range adding comfort for slow manoeuvring and better road feedback and greater
stability at high speeds.
The power assisted rack and pinion steering's variable turning ratio of 14.8 was made more
direct overall to suit the sporty Focus ST. The steering is 8% faster acting than regular Focus
models to give the ST driver more direct feedback back through the steering wheel. This setup gives experienced drivers two reasons to be enthusiastic: in addition to the sheer joy of
real precision driving, the Focus ST exhibits sympathetic road manners too.
Handling: The ST’s handling has been tailored to reward the enthusiast driver but at the
same time to allow for refined driving. Focus ST front springs have been stiffened by 30%
and the dampers have been recalibrated.
The rear springs also have been stiffened by 30% and the anti-roll bar increased by 5%.
The direct benefit of this is that Focus ST delivers impressive grip and extraordinary road
holding. Overall, the lowering of the chassis adds to the great driving experience.
Brakes: The Focus ST is equipped with a high-performance braking system: four-piston
brake callipers bite into 320 millimetre ventilated brake discs at the front, while at the rear
two-piston brake callipers combine with 280 millimetre discs.
In addition, Ford's Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution
(EBD) offers safe and controllable braking under extreme conditions. Ford's Electronic
Stability Programme (ESP) system is also available on the Focus ST. ESP intervenes in
critical braking situations, assisting the driver by braking individual wheels as needed.
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Noise and vibration: The Focus ST is designed to maximise the sensory connection
between car and driver, so its Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH) package is carefully
tuned with this in mind. The objective is to provide a pleasing yet sporty sound quality tuned
to its driver’s needs while at the same time embracing the higher levels of refinement
evident in the car's interior.
Safety: Like all Ford Focus models, the Focus ST boasts a comprehensive safety
specification. Features include a rigid passenger cell, footwell protection, a collapsible
steering wheel and pedals, and side impact protection door beams. Among the passive safety
systems are driver and passenger front and side airbags, pyrotechnic belt pre-tensioners and
neck injury protection systems on the front seats.
In November 2004, the new Focus was the first and only vehicle to be awarded by
EuroNCAP a 100 per cent occupant safety rating for both offset frontal and side impact test
modes. It also achieved a 100 per cent test score for child dynamic injury protection for 1½
and 3 year old child crash test dummies. No other car has achieved this outstanding safety
performance in any Euro NCAP test phase.
Focus ST exterior
The Focus ST signals its performance credentials with distinctive detailed design cues that
hint at Ford’s World Rally Championship contenders.
The simple elegance of the new Focus clearly follows the design mandate and the intention
of Chris Clements, TeamRS Chief Designer, to cultivate a grown-up look for the Ford
compact, befitting its status as the bigger brother of the Fiesta ST.
David Hilton, Exterior Designer, worked alongside Clements to sharpen up the car's lines for
the ST version. He was given good raw materials to work with. "The new Focus has
excellent proportions; so giving it more sporting appeal was easy to achieve," he said.
Drivers and enthusiasts alike will spot a Focus ST immediately.
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Focus ST is clearly designed for the enthusiast, and takes the clean, dynamic lines of the
new Focus a stage further. With its lower ride height, the ST states its intentions clearly on
low-profile 225/40 R18 tyres mounted on 18x8-inch cast aluminium wheels.
At the front, a unique front bumper gives Focus ST a low centre of gravity with its
aggressive inverted trapezoid lower grille. The upper grille is also unique to ST, and is taller
and narrower than that of other Focus models. Both upper and lower grilles feature a
graphite mesh with signature triangular pattern.
Flanking the top of the lower grille, fog lamp openings are trimmed in brushed aluminium.
At the rear, reversing and rear fog lamp features are given similar treatment, while the lower
bumper has been sculpted to create a visual ‘venturi effect’ from which the chrome-tipped
dual sport exhausts emerge. As the rear bumper folds around to the rear wheel arches,
subtle 'spats' have been added to enhance the side profile of the ST.
Specially shaped sill mouldings – aligned with the chin of the front bumper – further
communicate the low centre of gravity and enhanced agility of the Focus ST. Neat attention
to detail in special ST badges on the front wings and the highly sculpted, five-spoke wheels
and low-profile tyres further distinguish the ST model and communicate dynamism.
Focus ST also sports a larger, more purposeful tailgate spoiler. Shaped for both aerodynamic
and visual effect, the spoiler extends beyond the width of the tailgate to just above the highmounted tail lamps of the Focus.
Details like the spoiler, door handles, mirrors and body side mouldings, are all finished in
body colour.
Hilton said in conclusion: "The fast rear stretches the stern of the new Focus, and the larger
ST rear spoiler provides a nice contrast. As you would expect, the car looks like it's solidly
planted on the ground."
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Focus ST interior
While the exterior of the Focus ST clearly signals its performance credentials, the interior
also communicates that this is no ordinary Ford Focus.
Instruments: Focus ST gains a unique additional instrument pod, incorporated on the upper
instrument panel, which creates an immediate visual impact and differentiates the ST from
the standard Focus.
Key information for the performance driver – turbocharger boost pressure, oil temperature
and oil pressure – is clearly displayed by these easy to read instruments. The new gauges, as
well as the 160-mph speedometer, rev counter, temperature and fuel gauges in the primary
instrument cluster, are given a unique new graphic design ringed in aluminium opal to match
other brushed aluminium interior accents.
Steering wheel/gearshift: The leather-wrapped steering wheel has an increased rim section
with bold thumb grips and three brushed aluminium-finished spokes. A bold red ST logo is
engraved into the centre spoke. Focus ST’s leather trimmed, brushed aluminium gear knob
also features a red six-speed gate graphic.
Seating: On opening the door of the Focus ST, the driver will be greeted by a warm and
inviting ambience, but with bold and sporty cues throughout.
Serife Uenal, Colour and Material Designer, has been instrumental in the process of
developing the interior. She said: "Customers will immediately get a sporty feeling when
they see the Focus ST interior. Our inspiration was the latest styles for sports shoes and
clothing."
She added: "The use of colour, textures and materials, and distinctive stitch lines give a very
different, personal feel to the interior. The treatment is very subtle, and the detailing is very
attractive. There are four different interior treatments available for the Focus ST – customers
can really feel the interior has been designed just for them!"
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Unique, stylish Recaro seats are standard on the Focus ST, and provide optimal lateral
support during spirited driving. The seats anchor driver and passengers in place, providing
occupants with a cosseted feeling – as if the car has been built around them.
The seats boast a class-leading level of adjustment and flexibility. The driver's seat has fore
and aft movement, plus recline, height, lumbar, and cushion tilt adjustments. The passenger
seat adjusts manually fore-aft and can recline. All headrests adjust vertically.
These heavily sculpted, figure hugging seats can carry, if the customer desires, inserts
matching the exterior colour of the car. This option is available on selected colours in the
Focus ST range including Performance Blue and the eye catching Electric Orange.
The interior inserts are distinctive in that the colour wraps around and beneath the head
restraints, on the side bolster cushions of the seat backs, and along the edges of the base seat
cushion.
Full leather trim and sculptured rear seats seat are also available as options.
Other interior details: Matching leather inserts differentiate the interior door panels and
complement special brushed aluminium ST door pulls. Other aluminium details inside
Focus ST include purpose-designed performance pedals with rubber pads set in cast
aluminium and unique ST scuff plates.
Focus ST features a black headliner and black A-pillars, which further enhances the sporty
'cockpit feel' of the interior. Uenal said: "The black headlining encloses the interior in a very
stylish way, and provides a full colour harmony with the rest of the interior."
Conclusion
Capito said: "We are very proud of what has been achieved with the Focus ST, it is a truly
exhilarating driving experience. We feel we have created something quite unique, and
opened up a new chapter in the history of Ford's performance-orientated cars."