Mountune pushes Focus ST close to Supra power

Thursday, 26 March 2020

Ford tuner Mountune has pushed the latest Focus ST to 234kW/515Nm from the standard 206kW/420Nm, only a dozen-odd kilowatts behind the new Toyota GR Supra (250kW/500Nm).

It only took the tuner an ECU flash and a high-flow panel filter to achieve the power but, then again, it's not all that surprising given the Focus ST uses the same 2.3-litre turbocharged four-banger as found in the previous generation Focus RS.

It also bodes well for tuning the new Mustang EcoBoost High Performance Package, which employs the same engine. Hopefully Ford has worked out those nasty cylinder head issues…

The new Focus ST isn't due here until sometime this year, although that could be pushed back some thanks to coronavirus.

Mountune's package will include a more aggressive launch control system, a louder exhaust and a recalibrated wet driving mode. According to the tuner, the 0-100kmh time has dropped by half a second to 5.2s.

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It does look good though, as the overseas model shows.

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Mountune's Focus ST tune could bode well for those looking for more power from the new Mustang EcoBoost High Performance Package, which uses the same 2.3-litre turbocharged four-banger.

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Meanwhile, Ford is working hard on the next RS. It'll reportedly push 300kW, thanks to a new plug-in hybrid system.

Pricing for the package is set at a reasonable £499 (NZ$1,015), though the Focus ST itself isn't due here until later this year, starting at $58,990.

Standard kit for the Focus ST will include an electronic limited slip differential, heated Recaro sports seats, an 8.0-inch touchscreen display with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, dual-zone climate control, and keyless entry. It'll land in New Zealand with a new seven-speed automatic gearbox while overseas markets will have the option of a six-speed manual.

Apparently, Ford has used an anti-lag system from the GT supercar that keeps the throttle a bit when the driver lifts the throttle to prevent the reversal of air-flow through the turbo. This is said to help create ''immediate power delivery.' We'd assume this happens with the clutch disengaged.

The ST's starting price puts it right up against segment heavyweights like the Honda Civic Type R and the VW Golf GTI, although Mountune's package will push the Ford well above in terms of output.

Those looking for even more oomph will be keen on the upcoming Focus RS, tipped to get electrical assistance.

Originally, it was thought the refreshed RS would get a 48-volt mild hybrid system to increase performance and lower emissions. Now it looks like a more radical PHEV solution has been requested by the Blue Oval bosses.

As for what that could resemble, it is believed that Ford's engineers are trying to adapt the unit found in the plug-in Escape. There, a 2.5-litre inline-four Atkinson-cycle engine is paired with an electric motor and a generator to offer 165kW of power.

Obviously, that wouldn't be enough for the RS badge. Ford is apparently looking to boost output to around 300kW, which is proving difficult as the automaker is trying to add a turbocharger to the 2.5-litre engine as well as pumping up the electric side of things.

Another problem is that the Escape uses a CVT transmission. Ford will likely pair the Focus RS with a dual-clutch unit and (hopefully) a manual option, which will require yet more re-engineering.

With any luck we'll get some more news on the RS's future this year.