Ford Set to Release New Focus ST

2013 Ford Focus is set to be priced just under $25K.  Photo courtesy of Ford.

 If the Scion FR-S doesn't pack enough straight line punch to satisfy your need for speed, then Ford may have your answer. 
The 2013 Ford Focus ST is priced to be around $25,000, and comes with a 2.0 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder engine making 252 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque.  All that power will be routed through a 6 speed manual transmission driving the front wheels.  All that torque might make some people ask if the car will have violent torque steer, but Ford says they have quelled the problem with their electric power steering system which automatically compensates to counter act the tugs at the steering wheel.  No word yet if the Focus ST will come with a true limited slip differential, but for now, the car will rely on the electronic systems onboard to limit wheel spin.

The Focus ST has an aggressive rear bumper and center exit exhaust.  Photo courtesy of Ford.

  The Focus ST will keep drivers planted during hard cornering with the optional Recaro seats.  A leather wrapped steering wheel, aluminum trimmed pedals and shift knob help give the cockpit a racecar like feel too.  The interior also gains a tripod of gauges on the center of the dashboard keeping tabs on boost pressure, oil temperature and oil temperature.  It's not all business though, as pleasure is abundant if the premium Sony audio system is picked, with 10 speakers and HD radio on standby to play any tunes that will rev up the driver. 

Drivers will appreciate the aluminum trimmed pedals and shifter.  Photo courtesy of Ford.

A trio of gauges help rely important information.  Photo courtesy of Ford.

As an added bonus, the first 1,000 pre-orders will receive a GoPro HD Hero 2 Motorsports camera if the order is placed before August 20th.  It seems like the $25K sector of the market is about to get a lot more competitive.  The Focus ST will contend against the MazdaSpeed3, Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ, Hyundai Genesis, Miata MX-5 and GTI for drivers' money.  Which car is the one you'd take for $25K?

Optional Recaro seats will allow drivers to focus on driving and not hanging onto the steering wheel for bracing.  Photo courtesy of Ford.

Focus ST has a unique blacked out grill and optional HID headlights.  Photo courtesy of Ford.