Spied! Ford Focus ST Prototype Caught Testing on the Nurburgring

When Ford revealed the new Focus earlier this month, we were happy to hear it will go on sale in the U.S. next year. It’s an attractive car, especially in hatchback form, and the interior looks like it will be a welcomed upgrade over the current generation. More importantly, that also means a redesigned Focus ST should be just around the corner. Ford hasn’t confirmed that yet, but based on these spy photos, the next Focus ST is already being developed.

Despite the wrap, this prototype is clearly a new Focus. The wing and dual exhaust, however, suggest we’re looking at something a little more special than the regular car. There’s always a chance Ford skipped right to developing the new RS, but the sporty-but-restrained styling says Focus ST to us. If so, that would mean Ford is dropping the ST’s center exhaust.

Information on the redesigned Focus ST is still scarce. In fact, Ford hasn’t even announced which engines the regular Focus will get yet. But according to AutoGuide, the Focus ST will be a 2020 model and will go on sale shortly after the non-ST version lands on dealer lots. Power will reportedly come from a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder that beats the outgoing 2.0-liter four in both horsepower and fuel economy. If the rumors are true, it will make 275 hp.

We haven’t heard either way, but hopefully, Ford will still offer a manual transmission. Let’s just cross our fingers the product planners don’t do what they did with the redesigned Fiesta ST and make it a European exclusive. We’re still a little bitter about that one.

Source: CarPix, AutoGuide

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