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Ford has officially unveiled the high-performance version of the new Focus that we've been waiting for. The 2012 Ford Focus ST is set to have its official world debut this week at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The 2012 Ford Focus ST will be available in over 40 markets and is powered by Ford's 2.0L EcoBoost engine that packs 247 horsepower and 265 lb-ft. of torque. The 2.0L engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The previous Focus ST was powered by a five-cylinder engine that had a distinct sound. The five-cylinder engine may be gone, but Ford's engineers have worked hard to make sure the sounds from the new four-cylinder are equally as satisfying.

For buyers that love everything about the Focus ST, Ford has also unveiled a new wagon version of the Focus ST. Unfortunately only the Focus ST hatchback will be available in the U.S.

"The new Focus is a fantastic car to develop an ST model from," said Matthias Tonn, chief program engineer for the Focus ST. "It's a solid shell with precise handling as standard, as customers around the world have already found out. It doesn't compromise on any area in any region of the world, and Focus ST builds upon that strength to give our global performance customers the car they want, the car they have been asking for."

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.

PGT wrote:No....see the first half of my post. There's a mechanical design to the suspension too...intended to limit torque steer

Sabre wrote:I wish they had brought that state side

Libra Monkee wrote:But Americans would never buy it. When it comes to Ford all Americans want are Mustangs and pickups.

Mr Kleen wrote:Would you pay STi money for a FWD Ford? The RS 500 is great but only makes sense here in Europe.

drwrx wrote:...would you pay sub Civic Si money for a Focus ST?

Mr Kleen wrote:The Si wouldn't be on the list.

Sabre wrote:I wish they had brought that state side

Ford has announced the pricing for the high-performance 2013 Ford Focus ST, which has a starting price at $24,495. The Ford Focus ST is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 252 horsepower and 270 lb-ft. of torque.

The Focus ST is Ford's first global performance car and will integrate a collection of advanced and sport-oriented technologies previously unavailable to North American customers. The Focus ST is powered by a reworked EcoBoost 2.0L engine. "The power delivery has no weak spots, there's no way to be left flat-footed," said Lisa Schoder, Ford Focus ST Marketing manager.. "At the same time, drivers wanting to spin this motor into the upper octaves will be rewarded."

The Focus ST gets a unique sport suspension with a variable-ratio steering rack and electric power-assisted steering with torque steer compensation. The torque steer system detects the torque steer and counteracts the effect to help the driver feel in complete control.

The 2013 Focus ST also gets Recaro sport seats, unique 18-inch Y-spoke ST wheels, dual-zone climate control, Xenon headlights and leather appointments throughout the cabin. The instrument cluster features ST-unique sport gauges with red needle pointers to monitor turbo boost, oil pressure and oil temperature levels.

To enhance the full experience for the driver, Focus ST is equipped with a sound symposer box that enriches the natural sounds of the motor by capturing internal engine oscillations and piping them through the interior under throttle. In part-throttle driving, the car's power is felt more than heard; under full throttle, the engine music is naturally amplified through the symposer box.