Global High-Performance Ford Focus ST Production Model debuts at Frankfurt

[AKA Mizzle]

I just noticed the clever-looking fuel door.

Yep, it's the same on all new Focus 5-drs. I wonder how long it took some owners to figure out how to put fuel in.

[bluebyutoo]

Yep, it's the same on all new Focus 5-drs. I wonder how long it took some owners to figure out how to put fuel in.

No time at all. Sales people are eager to show it off as a feature. Ford put a stupid dot on it because we need to know where to push it...

[Redlight]

I will probably be getting one. I'm trying to decide on whether to keep my car or trade it in. I get D Plan as an employee so I should be good to go either way.

dave.

[AKA Mizzle]

After looking at photos most of the day, the production version is really starting to grow on me. And thanks Dentless Dave, I had forgotten I am eligible for the x-plan so that should help my decision. I just hope a fully optioned ST will be under $30K.

On a side note, I noticed the third brake light is clear instead of red like on the concept. For some more photos and a closeup of the head and tail light go here:

http://http://www.roadandtrack.com/auto-shows/frankfurt/2012-ford-focus-st/gallery

[davlafont]

On a side note, I noticed the third brake light is clear instead of red like on the concept.

Keep in mind that US regulations apply to the Center High Mounted Stop Light. I'll bet a dollar ours is red.

The R&T photos make clear (to me anyway) that the perceived difference from the show car to the production was due to camera angles and lenses, not any changes in grill size.

[Focus ST 2012]

Keep in mind that US regulations apply to the Center High Mounted Stop Light. I'll bet a dollar ours is red.

Care to increase your wager? You do know both the STI and Mazdspeed3 have clear Center High Mounted Stop Light Apparatuses...

[AKA Mizzle]

Care to increase your wager? You do know both the STI and Mazdspeed3 have clear Center High Mounted Stop Light Apparatuses...

As well as Ford's very own F-150 SVT Raptor.

[tallguy2.3]

Things I LOVE and am so freaking excited for:

1. Factory turbocharging, direct injection, and Ti-VCT all in a Focus. Seriously, 266ft-lb stock is silly. My car is fairly modified and it still is 100 less than that. 100!
2. Performance hatch (I drive the current US ST right now and a 5 door hatch would be incredibly useful)
3. Collaboration of Team RS and SVT
4. Recaro seats
5. Availability of a true, 3 pedal 6 speed manual
6. Gorgeous interior
7. Being friends with my local dealer!

Just stoked. The car should be phenomenal in stock form and if someone added half the modifications to one that I have on my ST, it would be totally ridiculous.

[davlafont]

Care to increase your wager?

Fold! (But secretly I still suspect it will be red...)

[AKA Mizzle]

Fold! (But secretly I still suspect it will be red...)

I kind of hope it will be red to match the tails. Either way it's getting smoked.

[FocusITA]

I kind of hope it will be red to match the tails. Either way it's getting smoked.

I don't know if it had to deal with the camera angles and/or lighting but the reflectors on the corners of the rear bumper looked "smoked" on the prototype but not on the production model.

[AKA Mizzle]

I don't know if it had to deal with the camera angles and/or lighting but the reflectors on the corners of the rear bumper looked "smoked" on the prototype but not on the production model.

I have looked at quite a few photos and I do think they are smoked on the prototype. I do not think they are smoked on the production model.

By the way, I can't believe you aren't getting an ST. it really surprises me after all the talking we did in the ST Forums. Maybe in a few years?

[FocusITA]

I have looked at quite a few photos and I do not think they are smoked on the production model.

By the way, I can't believe you aren't getting an ST. it really surprises me after all the talking we did in the ST Forums. Maybe in a few years?

I am still getting one. I thought that I'd be able to get it as soon as it comes out. But it's looking more like I might have to wait about 6 months after it comes out. I'm somewhat disappointed that I won't be able to grab one of the first ones off the line but knowing that it's coming to NA and that I'll actually be able to get one (even if it's half a year more down the road than I thought it'd be) is fine with me. I'm not gonna bail on the ST.

[kbajan]

Car so hot the wife is willing to wait for it. That really says it all. Would love one by November even, but looks like a fair wait in store. Still amped though.

[SVTF4243]

Well I'm definitely giving the ST a hard look,
Might wait 'till the second season for tweaks and hopefully some better color choices