The Ford Focus ST Edition gets adjustable suspension

Ford has announced a new Focus ST Edition, designed for the motoring enthusiast.

The car comes with an adjustable suspension and lightweight wheels for the ultimate experience on road or track.

The limited edition car uses a two-way adjustable coilover suspension system, produced by motorsport specialists KW Automotive, which features twin-tube stainless steel damper housings and powder-coated springs, with a distinctive Ford Performance Blue finish.

The Focus ST Edition also has had its ride height lowered 10mm at the front and rear compared with the standard Focus ST, but customers are offered a further adjustment of 20mm. The spring rates have also been increased by more than 50% compared with the standard Focus ST.

The new suspension also allows the customer to choose between 12 jounce settings - the degree of upward damper movement allowed as the wheel contacts a bump in the road, and 16 rebound settings - the speed at which the damper returns to position after an upward movement.

Ford's innovative electronic limited-slip differential also serves duty in the Focus ST Edition, pre-emptively adjusting torque to either wheel based on inputs from engine and vehicle sensors.

And putting all the power to the road are lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels, equipped as standard with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. These reduce unsprung mass by 10% at each corner of the vehicle. The wheels are constructed using a flow forming process which compacts the aluminium alloy to retain tensile strength and increase shock resistance while using less material.

The Focus ST Edition utilises a 2.3-litre EcoBoost all-aluminium engine. A low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger alongside an optimised air intake and exhaust system to deliver 276bhp of power at 5,500rpm and 420Nm of torque. Anti-lag technology inspired by the Ford GT supercar and F-150 Raptor pick-up also delivers even faster power delivery in Sport and Track drive modes.

Acceleration from zero to 100km/h takes 5.7 seconds, with standing start performance supported by flat-shift capability that holds the throttle open when the clutch is disengaged during upshifts through the six-speed manual gearbox. The Focus ST Edition can reach a top speed of 250km/h.

Inside, the Focus ST Edition gets standard part-leather Recaro sports seats which are edged in Ford Performance blue stitching, with the same effect used on the leather ST steering wheel, gear lever gaiter, centre console knee pads and floor mats. The engine start button is also finished with sporty red lettering to complement the ST badges.