Ford Racing Introduces Upgrade Parts for Focus ST, Power Kit Coming [2012 SEMA Show]

Among the many customized machines in Ford's massive display at SEMA this year, we came across this collection of Ford Racing factory upgrade parts for the new Focus ST hatchback. Ford Racing parts support for the Focus ST is hardly a surprise—after all, the outfit churns out performance gear for most every Ford model. But the stuff is intriguing because, as we found after driving the ST, it's so darn good in stock form. Nevertheless, good things can be made better, and we've learned that Ford Racing's ST suite of bolt-on parts is more than up to that task. Better still, Ford Racing representatives told us that a power kit for the ST's 252-hp turbocharged four is on its way. The Focus ST performance bits Ford Racing brought to the show include a lowering kit ($229), a Stoptech big-brake kit ($2995), and last-gen European-market Focus RS 18-inch wheels ($289 apiece). Ford Racing still is deciding on prices for an ST performance muffler, an adjustable coil-over suspension kit, a cold-air intake, and a short-throw shifter kit. All of these items either are or soon will be available in the Ford Racing catalog. Of course, the most intriguing performance upgrade of all was missing from Ford's display: a power kit. Ford Racing reps say the power boost likely will consist of an ECU reflash combined with some hardware like a cold-air intake. The company is aiming to increase the 2.0-liter turbo four's output by 10 percent, which translates to roughly 25 more hp—for a total of around 277, for those to whom math does not come easily. Expect the power kit to appear mid-way through next year, with pricing very much to be decided. Comparison Test: 2012 Ford Focus SE vs. 2012 Honda Civic EX First Drive: 2013 Ford Focus ST Instrumented Test: 2012 Ford Focus SE Hatchback Manual Unlike Mopar's "stage" turbo kits for the old Dodge Neon SRT4, however, Ford Racing will offer just a single power kit calibration; no big turbo kits are in the works. That's fine by us, because we think the stock ST's 252 hp give the car's front wheels more than enough of a workout as it is. But who can resist more power? Especially when it comes part of a sweet package like the Focus ST. Read full story » from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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