its taken 3 years but finaly ford has come up with this and looking at the spec i dont think the ZS180 has anything to worry about infact i reckon the 120 could worry this one.
The Focus ST170 features the 2.0-litre Ford Duratec ST engine.
Focus ST170 makes its debut at the 2001 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, bringing the ST brand of accessible, refined performance to the Ford Focus range. Capable of zero-to-100 kph acceleration in 8.2 seconds (0-60 mph 8.0 secs) and a top speed of 215 kph (133 mph), the ST170 gives a serious performance boost to the world's most popular car.
"With Ford Focus, you couldn't ask for a better foundation for a performance vehicle," said Steve Brenton, Ford of Europe's manager of Special Vehicle Engineering (SVE). "Consumers have been crying out for this product, and we have heard them. We're answering those pleas with a highly balanced performance car that is great fun to drive, refined and practical to own, but doesn't shout about it."
Focus ST170 features the 2.0-litre Ford Duratec ST engine -- a performance version of the 130-PS Duratec engine at the top of the Focus range. Ford's SVE team has squeezed 170 PS (at 7,000 rpm) out of the 16-valve four-cylinder engine by incorporating special features, including:
A new, high-flow aluminium cylinder head with larger inlet valves and higher lift intake and exhaust camshafts for higher peak rpm levels;
Continuously variable intake valve timing;
A new dual-state intake (DSI) manifold that uses long runners for low-end torque and shorter runners at higher rpms for better peak power output;
High-compression, cast-aluminium pistons and forged steel connecting rods;
A dual-mass flywheel for a highly refined and smooth performance feel;
Larger bore free-flowing stainless steel exhaust system, tuned for enhanced performance sound.
Duratec ST's performance feel is unmistakable, characterised by its responsiveness to driver inputs. Beyond its high-revving power, Duratec ST's unique flow characteristics deliver outstanding low-end torque, with 85 percent of its peak torque (195 Nm at 5,500 rpm) coming at 2,200 rpm and a minimum of 190 Nm available between 2,500 rpm and 6,000 rpm.
Power to the Road
Focus ST170's new Durashift six-speed gearbox helps make the most of that generous torque. The close-ratio, Durashift six-speed manual transaxle provides assured, confident driveability as the driver accelerates crisply through the gears toward ST170's ultimate high-speed cruising potential.
Power is transmitted to the road via low-profile P215/45R17 tyres mounted on exclusive 12-spoke, 17x7-inch alloy wheels. The combination gives ST170 a poised stance and precise dynamics capabilities to match. Its lateral acceleration -- 0.89 g -- is an impressive indication of its roadholding abilities.
The Focus chassis, including its "control blade" suspension, was ideally suited to the dynamic requirements of the ST170 performance application. SVE engineers fine-tuned its inherent strengths -- with higher spring rates, larger stabiliser bars and unique damper tuning -- to provide the right combination of handling precision and ride compliance for comfortable touring. Focus' low-friction steering system has been revised with special gearing and a unique power-steering pump.
Focus ST170's stopping power is impressive. The ST is equipped with larger-diameter brake discs -- 300 mm in the front and 280 mm in the rear -- and unique callipers. ST170 can stop with assurance from 100 kph in just 36.3 metres, (112 feet from 60 mph). ABS and traction control are standard.
Understated Style
The Focus ST170 is offered in the three- and five-door body styles with a series of subtle design features inside and out to differentiate it from other Focus models.
Exterior design elements exclusive to ST170 include bolder, large-honeycomb-mesh radiator grill and bumper grille treatments for optimal cooling capabilities, plus unique round, projector-style foglamps. New styled headlamps, with gold-speckled "tech-flec" accents, provide further visual distinction, and ST170 customers have the option to choose new self-levelling xenon headlamps with bumper-mounted washer jets.
Body-colour side mouldings, door handles, tailgate moulding and front upper grille surround create visual differentiation that is further enhanced by the purposeful look of ST170's low-profile wheel and tyre combination. Focus ST170 customers can also specify the addition of an arc-shaped liftgate spoiler.
Focus ST170 is available in four clearcoat metallic colours -- Magnum Gray, Panther Black, Moondust Silver and Imperial Blue -- plus a solid colour -- Capri Blue.
Driver-oriented Features
The new ST170's strong driver orientation is clearly communicated by its interior details. A unique instrument panel with silver-faced, electro-luminescent gauges features a 7,300-rpm redline tachometer, 250-kph (160-mph) speedometer and additional analogue gauges for oil temperature and oil pressure.
Leather-trimmed, bolstered sport seats provide excellent lateral support, with comfort and clear feedback to the driver and front-seat passenger, in particular on longer journeys. The driver's seat is six-way power adjustable. Rear seating also features sport-style design with leather trim. Recaro front seats are available as an option, and an all-leather seat option also is available.
Racing-style metallic pedal covers with rubber grips symbolise the ST170 owner's no-nonsense driving style.
The metallic theme continues in other areas of the cockpit, including the face of the leather gear lever knob, the release button of the leather-wrapped hand brake and the door handles.
"The Focus ST170 represents refined performance, accessible value and everyday practicality," said Ford of Europe Product Development Vice President Martin Leach. "With ST170, we are giving our customers what they have been asking for, really reinforcing our passion for driving quality in a contemporary and dependable package."
