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FORD is expected to up the ante with its next-gen Focus ST, by showing its existing 2.0-litre turbo engine the door, and replacing it with a 2.3-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost unit and manual ‘box related to the powertrain in the current Focus RS hyper-hatch.
It is understood the next ST will remain front-driven, unlike the all-paw RS, and the bigger four-cylinder engine will deliver 186kW, wound back from its 257kW output in RS-spec. The current-gen ST produces 184kW and 340Nm, while the rival Golf GTI sends 169kW and 350Nm to the front wheels.
UK publication Autocar believes Ford has opted for the larger-displacement engine over a more-powerful tune of the 147kW/290Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo used in the Fiesta ST as the smaller unit would need to be run close to its reliable limit to achieve competitive outputs.
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Reports suggest the Focus ST is to be the last high-performance Focus without any electrification. The next-gen iteration of the hard-core RS is rumoured to be a hybrid, with outputs in the region of 300kW.
Most driving enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that a six-speed manual gearbox is expected to be the only transmission offered for the Focus ST.
Earlier speculation suggested a self-shifting auto would be available, but the Autocar report states that Ford will launch the 2019 variant with a three-pedal setup only, as it has chosen to with the incoming Fiesta ST.
Autocar also claims the next-gen ST will be 88kg lighter than the current iteration, bringing it under 1400kg, with a 20 percent more rigid body.
A reveal of the production version of the 2019 Ford Focus ST is anticipated for next year’s Geneva motor show in March.
