Then you'll have to get a boat, cuz it's across the pond...
From AutoExpress:
Wednesday 7th July 2004
Heat Is On As Ford Unleashes New V6 Focus
Anyone who reckons fast Fords are a thing of the past had better think again. Exclusive spy shots in the current issue of Auto Express magazine mark the first outing of the hot ST version of the new Focus. And it will offer better performance than ever before - because this is the first Focus to get a V6 powerplant.
With an incredible 217bhp on tap, it's no surprise blue oval drivers are doing lots of high-speed testing, and our snapper took these pictures as the Focus ST did a hot lap of Germany's Nürburgring.
Seen in the magazine in five-door form, the ST will get swollen wheelarches and larger alloys to set it apart from lesser variants, while a roof spoiler and twin exhausts add definition to the rear.
The ST is the latest part of the Focus range to come into Auto Express's view. In Issue 806, we brought you the world exclusive first undisguised look at the next-generation five-door. We followed that two weeks later (Issue 808) with pictures of the three-door coupé cabrio.
The biggest news with the ST is the power hike. Ford has shunned the 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit used in the current 168bhp Focus ST170 in favour of the Mondeo's more potent 217bhp 2.5-litre V6. Given the extra two cylinders and additional muscle, expect the 0-60mph time to fall below seven seconds.
So why does Ford think it needs to inject some more zest into the new ST? A source told us: "We are trying to establish the brand. The current ST170 is a little understated. The next version will be more of a performance model."
As with the forthcoming hot Fiesta, this Focus will simply be badged ST, dropping the power denomination from the title. Both three and five-door versions will be available, although the ST badge won't appear on the estate.
With the standard three and five-door versions of the Focus ready to go on sale in the UK in January, the hot hatch isn't likely to appear until the end of 2005. But the story won't end there.
It's highly likely that a diesel ST will join the line-up, as well as a breathtaking RS flagship. Official details are still sketchy, but our insider added: "If an RS was to appear, it wouldn't be before summer 2006. We have the three-door, five-door, estate, saloon and ST versions to launch and promote first." Chris Thorp
wasn't sure where to put this, but figured it'd get the most views here.
Had a dodge Magnum here at work today, nearly shit my pants. That thing is amazing. And not to mention , have you guys ever seen the paint jobs on those things???
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It's not about what you have under the hood, it's about who you have behind the wheel...
I've heard that a V6 would make the Focus to Front heavy and the cornering ability would be decreases. I was told it would snowplow into corners. I could have been mistaken. Whats the weight difference between the 2.0 and 2.5????
It would still be cool to have tho...
And of course it won't be heard of hear in the states.
fx3 wrote: I've heard that a V6 would make the Focus to Front heavy and the cornering ability would be decreases. I was told it would snowplow into corners. I could have been mistaken. Whats the weight difference between the 2.0 and 2.5????
It would still be cool to have tho...
And of course it won't be heard of hear in the states. You need to read the Motor Trend article Focus vs Lambo. 'course, that was rwd.
____________________ If you can't read this, you're illiterate.
note on the convertible thing - the last time i heard it is still in the works for the new european focus (that is to say, C1 based) to have a convertible in the line up i think by either fall of '05 or '06. so yeah, the convertible basically will happen sometime.
RPIJG wrote: the difference between a zetec and a v6 cougar engine is only 100 lbs.
100 lbs isn't that much.. I think the motor I heard about was the Contour SVT motor.
Wasn't the Focus vs. Lambo a V8 Focus???? No I have not read the article, have only heard about it. I have no access to the magazine.
Well, I kind of agree with Jonny in a way - why pay the extra for HP gains that you could get with some modifications to the 4?
I dunno - one way or another the European market gets a heck of a lot more than we do here by way of smaller vehicles. I'm sick of the SUV syndrome here.
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