2013 Ford Focus ST Priced at $23,700

Ford revealed more information about its high-performance 2013 Focus ST, including finalized power specs and pricing details. The Focus ST goes on sale this month and is already available for preorder. The Ford Focus ST has a base price of $23,700, excluding a $795 destination fee. That pricing makes the Focus ST more affordable than the 2012 Mazdaspeed3 ($24,000) and 2012 Volkswagen GTI four-door hatchback ($24,595); the 2012 Honda Civic Si sedan is more affordable at $22,555, however. Compare the competition, here. Mainly, what you're getting here is the tricked-out engine: a 252-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 270 pounds-feet of torque. Those figures are a big bump from the 247 hp and 250 pounds-feet of torque Ford stated previously. Compared to the traditional Focus, Ford also reworked the suspension by upgrading the shock absorbers and springs. The rear suspension has been revised with uprated knuckles and an all-new antiroll bar design. The electronic power-assisted steering also has a torque steer compensation program, which detects torque steer and counteracts it when necessary. Overall, the sport-tuned suspension offers less ground clearance but better cornering abilities, says Ford. Ford Focus ST at the 2011 L.A. Auto Show Like most pocket rockets, the Focus ST is only available with a manual transmission. If you have your heart set on an automatic, check out the VW GTI. The Focus ST comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels with summer tires, fog lamps, sport cloth seats, aluminum pedals and shifter, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, push-button start with passive keyless entry system, Ford Sync, an antitheft engine immobilizer and a perimeter alarm. Two packages are available: Equipment Group — ST2 adds a 10-speaker Sony audio system, MyFord Touch with an 8-inch touch-screen, dual-zone automatic climate control, HD and satellite radio and Recaro-brand partial-leather seats for $2,385. The Equipment Group — ST3 builds off of ST2 and adds high-intensity-discharge headlights with articulating lenses and LED accent lighting, ambient interior lighting, a rear armrest, a navigation system and full-leather upholstery for $4,435. The Tangerine Scream exterior color option (shown above) is exclusive to the Focus ST and costs $495. Other stand-alone options include a power moonroof ($895) and a navigation system ($795 ST2 only). A fully loaded Focus ST will cost you $29,525, which is a new high for a gasoline-powered Focus. Buyers who are interested in a Focus ST and preorder now will also receive a $299.99 GoPro HD Hero2 Motorsports Edition camera for free. This offer ends Aug. 20 or after the first 1,000 orders. from KickingTires http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/

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