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SPECIAL

Ford Territory

SPECIAL

Ford Territory

Refined Performance at the Heart of the Focus ST170

Staff, Friday February 28, 2003.

Page 1 of 1

The rally-bred sports hatch is powered by Ford's high-performance two-litre Duratec ST engine, developing 127kW of power at 7000rpm and 196Nm of torque from 2500pm.

The engine upgrade is complemented by a range of other engineering enhancements, including a slick, Getrag six-speed Durashift manual gearbox, re-tuned sports suspension, tight chassis and an all-aluminium sports exhaust.

Ford Focus Brand Marketing Manager, Craig Smith, said the Focus ST170 would appeal to the enthusiast driver, with its exceptional driving dynamics, responsive steering and distinctive sports styling inside and out.

?The standard Ford Focus is a fantastic base on which to build a performance vehicle. The control blade suspension system has allowed Ford?s engineers to develop an exceptional handling package, without compromising the comfort of the driver,? Mr Smith said.

?The result is a level of refinement not usually associated with sports hatches. That quality is reflected in the car?s sporty styling,? he said.

The refinement does not come at the cost of a sporty character. From the heavily-bolstered front seats to the 17-inch wheels and throaty exhaust note, the Focus ST170 provides plenty of feedback for the driver.

To develop the Focus ST170 powerplant, Ford engineers provided a number of engineering enhancements, including improved gas flow characteristics, higher rev capability, combustion efficiency and a higher compression ratio.

Engineering enhancements include:

• 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;
• High compression, cast-aluminium pistons and forged steel connecting rods Dual mass flywheel;
• New dual state intake (DSI) manifold, using long runners for low-end torque and shorter runners for higher peak power outputs;
• Larger bore free-flowing stainless steel exhaust system, tuned for enhanced performance sound.

The engine has been tuned to provide a strong launch feel and a consistent delivery of power and torque throughout the rev range.

?Up to 85 per cent of the Duratec ST's 195Nm of torque is available from just 2200rpm, giving a useable, strong performance feel,? Mr Smith said.

Focus ST170?s performance enhancements are not limited to the engine.

A slick-shifting, close-ratio Getrag six-speed transmission adds to the driving experience, while the revised suspension settings deliver precise handling.

The sports suspension includes new springs and dampers and front lower control arms.

Engineers also increased spring rates, fitted larger stabilizer bars and revised the standard car's power steering gearing to provide the right combination of precise handling and compliant ride.

The Focus ST170 also gets a braking upgrade to go with the increased power. The package includes larger-diameter brake discs, unique calipers, four-channel ABS and traction control.

Ford?s VDC AdvanceTrac stability system is standard equipment.

Visually, the Focus ST170 is distinguished from other models in the range by a range of subtle styling cues.

Exterior design elements exclusive to Focus ST170 include bolder, large-honeycomb-mesh radiator grille and bumper grille treatments for optimal cooling, plus unique round, projector-style fog lamps.

Combined with the aggressive performance look of Focus ST170?s unique 15-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels and low-profile tyres, the result is an appearance transformation that creates an athletic stance in keeping with the car?s rally breeding.

New styled headlamps, with ?tech-flec? accents, provide further visual distinction.

The cockpit of the ST170 continues the sports feel, with a unique silver faced instrument panel, electro-luminescent gauges, a 7250rpm redline tachometer, speedo and additional analogue gauges for oil temperature and oil pressure.

Sports seats with leather trimmed bolsters provide excellent lateral support, with comfort and clear feedback to the driver and front-seat passenger, particularly on longer journeys.

Other sporty touches include drilled metallic pedal covers with rubber grips, as well as metallic highlights on the face of the leather gear lever knob, the release button of the leather-wrapped hand brake, the door handles and door sills.

ST170 will be exclusively available in Imperial Blue.

?The styling of the Focus ST170 is designed to reflect its driver's passion for enthusiast driving.

"We fully expect that visitors to the Melbourne Motor Show will be impressed by everything it has to offer the enthusiast driver," said Mr Smith.

For further information, contact:
Ford Australia Communications
Phone: (03) 9359 8498
Fax: (03) 9359 8900

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