Bit of gossip for you on the future of Ford’s hottish hatch, the Focus ST (above). Like its more powerful big brother, the RS, it uses a tuned 2.5-litre five-cylinder petrol engine, but that unit is destined for the scrap heap. So what will replace it in the next ST based on the new Focus (see posting on 13 January)? The answer is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which is due in the facelifted Galaxy and S-MAX people carriers later this year delivering 240bhp. Let me simplify that for you – this new powerplant can comfortably boot out 240bhp before it’s been performance-tuned. Even in that state it would make a half-decent Focus ST. During a chat with some Ford engineers last week, I was told they will soon be taking the 240bhp unit to see what they can get out of it for the ST while maintaining efficiency, reliability, etc. I think it’s safe to say we can reasonably expect something in the 260+ range from the next ST when it goes on sale at the back end of next year. Can’t wait.
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