Ford Focus ST Updated For 2008 by TeamRS Division

2008 Ford Focus ST

By Sam Stockley
April 28, 2008 2:31 PM
Filed Under: Ford

Famed for class-leading dynamics and a firey segment-leading lap of the Nürburgring's Nordschliefe track, Ford's ST model Focus has long been at the top of its game. And with updates for 2008 by Ford's dedicated performance vehicle arm TeamRS, that's where the refreshed flagship Focus ST aims to stay. Hitting dealerships in the UK from May 1st and following the updates received by lesser models earlier this year, the new ST model ushers in enhancements to exterior and interior styling as well as updates to the options list.

Powered by the same 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder unit as on its predecessor, the 225 PS delivers a top speed of up to 150 mph and acceleration to 62 mph in 6.8 seconds. But it is dynamically where the ST has excelled and continues to do so. The new model achieves a lap time of 8 minutes 35 seconds around Germany's famed Nürburgring Nordschliefe track, fending off its more powerful Civic Type-R and Golf R32 rivals to claim fastest in segment.

Pricing starts at £18,250 for the new ST in three-door standard trim and £18,850 for the five-door, inclusive of 18-inch alloys, Recaro sports seats, sports steering wheel and unique instrumentation. Upgrading to the higher specification ST-2 version buys a Sony audio system, bi-xenon headlights and rear LEDs while the ST-3 adds six-CD changer and full leather trim. The double stripe is a £200 must-have option.

Source: Ford

Press Release (Click to expand)

New look for turbocharged flagship Focus ST
Created by Ford TeamRS division
Upgraded interior with premium features
Priced from £18,250 - £20,850

BRENTWOOD, Essex – Fast, fun and fabulously good looking, a new version of Ford’s performance flagship Focus goes on sale at dealerships across Great Britain from May 1.

Created by Ford TeamRS, the company’s dedicated performance vehicle arm, the 2008 Focus ST benefits from the new exterior and interior styling changes introduced across the rest of the Focus line-up earlier this year. Importantly though, while offering new technologies and features, the car’s well-honed dynamics remain untouched.

At the heart of the matter is the familiar 225 PS, 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder Duratec engine. Powerful, and accompanied by a suitably sporty soundtrack, this powerhouse delivers a potential 150mph top speed in tandem with 0-62mph acceleration in just 6.8 seconds.

Indeed, as a measure of this car’s ability, a standard production Focus ST set a segment-leading record time of 8 minutes 35 seconds around the Nordschleife circuit at the famed Nürburgring.

This sort of achievement requires more than just brute power and the Focus ST remains one of the sharpest handling cars in its class. In fact, the ST may well be the definitive choice for enthusiastic drivers who also demand comfort around town and an array of subtle suspension enhancements ensures this is still the case.

A powerful braking system is top of this list while Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and Traction Control are now standard on all versions.

The Focus ST has always provided lots of choice and the range retains its simple ST, ST-2 and ST-3 trim grades and three or five-door hatchback bodystyles. It is priced from £18,250 - £20,850.

Every Focus ST boasts 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, sports styling, body-hugging Recaro sports seats, a unique sports steering wheel and upgraded instrumentation. New to this generation of ST are the 'Ford Power' starter button and Easyfuel capless refuelling system. Upgrading to ST-2 adds a Sony audio system, bi-xenon lights, LED rear lights and Quickclear heated windscreen while the ST-3 includes an in-dash six CD player plus full leather trim.

In common with other members of the 2008 Focus family, a range of high-tech options can be specified. Among the list is a Tyre Deflation Detection System, a new audio connectivity module for external devices like Bluetooth, voice control and navigation systems plus various infotainment options including an affordable sat nav system with SD card slot.

Combining bold looks with a thrilling driving experience and numerous new features, Ford’s new and improved Focus ST is the definitive hot hatch.