The Ford Focus ST is currently one of the fasting and most exhilarating hot hatches right out of the box. Armed with a turbocharged 2.0 liter Ecoboost engine producing 252 hp and 270 lb.-ft. of torque to the front wheels, the ST is capable of 0-60 in just 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 154 mph.
In case those performance figures aren't enough to satisfy your need for speed, tuner fifteen52 is happy to over-deliver. In collaboration with Ford and Gymkhana star Ken Block, fifteen52 has unveiled its new project Focus ST, affectionately known as the Focus TrackSTer. While the new name might make the Ford sound just like the Kia concept, the new fifteen52 Focus is anything but.
According to fifteen52, Ford Racing, and Ken Block, the TracSTer project had only one mission: to create a Ford ST that produced double the standard power output. This isn't a joke -- this is 504 horsepower to the front wheels!
Pushing the 2.0 liter Ecoboost engine to the very fringe of what's physically possible, the tuned engine must now handle an inconceivable 252-hp/per liter. According to fifteen52, the engine was overhauled by their partner Mountune, which fitted the Ecoboost with forged rods and pistons to strengthen the engine's internals to assure the block can cope with the doubled power output. Next, Mountune installed a performance intercooler and a special ECU upgraded for more power. In addition, Ford Racing supplied a performance exhaust system for an extra kick.
Other performance upgrades include a custom Centerforce clutch kit that was developed for the Focus ST-R and a Ford Racing short-throw shifter as well for more rapid gear shifts. To harness the monstrous engine and manage its torque steer, fifteen52 also fitted a Quaife limited-slip differential that was specially developed for the Focus ST-R. A brake kit featuring a four-piston front caliper will allow the TrackSTer to stop just as well as it goes.
Finally, fifteen52 finished the Focus TrackSTer with fender flares from Chinese Touring Car Championship Focus to not only improve the TrackSTer's visual impact with a wild stance, but to optimize the Focus TrackSTer's handling with a wider footprint.
"Teaming up with fifteen52 for this project was an obvious choice for me," said partner Ken Block. "They've got a great understanding of what's hot in the small car performance marketplace right now, both from the style perspective and from the performance end of things. With the TrackSTer, they've worked closely with both Ford Racing and Mountune to put together a potent package that blends on-road performance with on-track performance. I can't wait to actually get this car out on a track and put it through the paces."
While the Ford Focus TrackSTer was unveiled at this week's Chicago Auto Show, it's difficult to comprehend just how insane the TrackSTer is when its standing still. That said, expect to see an epic video of Ken Block wringing the TrackSTer's neck in the weeks ahead.
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