2012 Ford Focus to get 160HP 2.0-liter with Direct-Injection and 40mpg

Ford today revealed new details on the 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that will be offered on the North American market 2012 Focus when it arrives in U.S. showrooms next year. This newly designed powerplant marries direct injection technology with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) and E85 flex fuel capability. The latter gives drivers the choice of using less-expensive E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.

The 2.0L engine's output rated is at 160-horsepower and 146 lb.-ft. torque, which represents a gain of 20HP and 10 lb-ft respectively over the four-cylinder unit found in the current generation 2011 Focus.

According to the Dearborn-based automaker, the 2012 Focus with the new 2.0-liter four-banger can achieve an estimated 40 mpg US on highway when paired to an automatic transmission. That's a significant improvement over the 140HP 2011 Focus with an auto box that returns 35mpg / highway.

"By combining direct injection and Ti-VCT, we've been able to make a quantum leap in fuel economy and performance," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. "We're meeting the goals of our global powertrain strategy, and we now have another key engine in our lineup."

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VIDEO: Ford Shows Off 2012 Focus ST on the Road

For anyone secretly hoping that the Ford Focus ST Paris Show car would look better in motion, we're sorry to say it does not. Somehow this video makes that 'gaping mouth' grille look even worse, and all the odd creases and curves stand out even more. That 'Tangerine Scream' paintwork isn't doing it any favors either.

Admittedly, the Paris Show Car makes the old, pre-facelift ST look boring and understated by comparison, but is it really better to be garishly ugly than conservatively dull? At least things are better under the bonnet. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder good for 250 hp should make the new ST a real corker when it launches in 2012, as will the rumored dual-clutch Powershift 'box.

Here's hoping Ford reconsiders the styling before then. Oh well, at least if you're driving it, you can't see that hideous gaping grille.

By Tristan Hankins

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Ford UK Launches New Focus Sport Special Edition

Far more often than not, when a mainstream carmaker like Ford uses the 'Sport' nametag on a special or limited edition of one of its series production models, chances are that some marketing team found another way to abuse the term. And sure enough, that's the case with Ford UK's limited edition Focus Sport.

The only remotely sporty addition to the [current-generation] standard Focus are the ST-style (but not -sized), 16-inch alloy wheels. Other than that, the Focus Sport gets standard satellite navigation with European mapping, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, voice control, parking distance sensors, auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and self-dimming rear-view mirror plus the Titanium model's "New York Ebony" seat fabrics.

Further proving our point, the Focus Sport special will available exclusively in the five-door bodystyle with a choice of Ford's oh-so sporty engines, the 100HP 1.6-liter petrol with a manual gearbox and the 109HP 1.6-litre TDCi diesel, again with a stick shift.

On-the-road prices for the Focus Sport are £16,545 for the 1.6-liter petrol and £17,845 for the 1.6-liter TDCi.

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New Focus ST: Ford Releases More Info and Pics of 250HP Hot Hatch

Ford has released some more official info regarding its new GTI-fighting boy racer, the 2012 Focus ST, which will make its world premiere in Paris on September 30th. As we've already told you, the golden catfish will be propelled by a 250-horsepower four-cylinder engine and rides on snazzy 19-inch rims spun by 360 Nm / 265 lb ft of torque. The car also rides a centimeter lower than the standard Focus.

Pimped as "Ford's first global high-performance model", the ST's Ecoboost 2.0-liter gets its intake/exhaust setup tuned by SVT and Team RS, as well as the necessary engine tuning to get the turbo'd engine to behave accordingly while also reducing CO2 output by 20%. Found standard is a third pedal hooked to a clutch and six gears, while an automatic (or possible dual clutch unit?) is bound to show up eventually.

Ford has yet to reveal what's involved with the "high performance brakes and unique suspension tuning", but the parts should be worthy of wearing the ST badge. There's also a Torque Vectoring Control system to put the car around corners like it's on rails.

Inside are the only seats one would expect (leather and neoprene Recaros), as well as a unique ST steering wheel and shift knob. Crowning the center stack are boost, oil temperature, and oil pressure gauges.

FoMoCo Global C-car Vehicle Line Director Gunnar Herrmann says, "The ST will be the performance flagship of our new Focus range, and we are excited to provide our enthusiast customers with an early preview in Paris. The ST represents an ultimate expression of Focus driving quality and performance and we are confident that the new model will strengthen the reputation of Ford's ST heritage among enthusiast drivers and attract new fans as well."

While I could do without the high-school styling and faux carbon fiber trim, this is one car I can't wait to see to see on dealer lots.

By Phil Alex