After many years of rumors and speculation, the Ford Focus RS returned for the 2016 model year with a Mustang-sourced engine under the hood and all-wheel drive. Back in showrooms after five years, the RS came to the U.S. with a whopping 350 horsepower and 350 pound-feet to become the range-topping Focus model as well as the most powerful factory-built hatchback. With the lineup seemingly complete, the third-gen Focus looked set to carry on unchanged for a few years, but it appears that Ford has even bigger plans for the compact in the form of yet another performance oriented model.
Our trusty paparazzi recently spotted a Focus ST driving on the roads close to the Nurburgring track, but the performance-oriented hatchback isn’t exactly the standard ST model. The vehicle uses a revised aerodynamic body and since the company already received its mid-cycle facelift, it’s safe to assume that Ford is preparing a new version of the hatch, most likely a more powerful ST to bridge the gap between the standard ST and the top-line RS. With the two rated at 252 and 350 horsepower, respectively, there’s plenty of room for a sportier version of the former. And, with Ford having already launched the Fiesta ST200 to sit above the ST, there’s a good business case for a Focus with nearly 300 horses.
We have no idea when this new hatchback will break cover, but based on the fact that prototypes are already being tested, we should see it in the metal by the end of the year. The 2016 Paris Motor Show in October seems like the perfect event for such a car, but Ford could also opt to unveil it outside a major auto show. We also don’t know the name it will carry, but it should use the same naming scheme as the Fiesta ST200. Specifically, the ST will most likely be followed by the horsepower figure in PS. Our best guess is that it will be launched as the ST280.
We should find out more about this hatch in the upcoming months. Until then, have a closer look at our speculative review to find out what it could bring to the table.
Continue reading to learn more about the upcoming Ford Focus ST280.
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