Focus ST @ the Phoenix Auto Show

[Mystic544]

Went to the Phoenix Auto Show Thurs and they had a new Focus ST there on the big display. Couldn't get in it, but a Ford rep opened up the doors and let me try to take some pictures (no motor). Very good looking back and side profile, front is a little less aggressive - but overall a pretty good looking car. Crazy loaded with tricks and cool options...but those all add up and the sticker price estimated to be around the $31K point...showing up at Dealers (est) in Jan.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...ford_focus_st/

"The new ST uses a tuned version of Ford's 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost inline four-cylinder rated at 250 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed through a six-speed manual to the front wheels. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost takes advantage of high-pressure direct injection, a low-inertia turbocharger, and twin-independent variable cam timing to help decrease fuel consumption by a claimed 20 percent compared to the outgoing Euro ST. The turbo four also gets a redesigned intake and exhaust system for the ST application, as well as a unique ECU calibration."

[scooter3]

I was out there Thursday also. Cool little car. Still on the fence about the paint and I hate the front end. I never understood why they don't let you sit in these cars. They had a Laguna Seca and a Shelby GT 500 out there also, but they were all locked up. You can sit in a $75,000 CTS V, but not a Shelby or Boss 302?

The wife and I really like the new Explorer, might be out next big car purchase.

[Mystic544]

"sticker price ESTIMATED to be around the $31K point" that is what the guy from San Tan was "guessing"
There are a TON of different blogs and articles out there and the one thing they all have in common is different information lol Have seen hp numbers from 247 to 250 to 267 to 275, wheel sizes of 18 and 19, delivery dates starting in Oct all the way through Jan, price suggestions from $26K to $33K... So who knows?
My 2003 SVT Focus had a sticker price right around $21K which seemed a bit high at the time, but I have had about 8 years of mostly trouble free, 30ish MPG, comfy and fun driving...
I do AGREE that $30K is a big number and had wanted to see something more in the 25-28K range. However, since I am in the market for a new daily driver I looked at the WRX hatch, GTI and the MazdaSpeed 3. The WRX really didn't have many options and had an overall look/feel that was cheap and empty inside - it's sticker was $28K. GTI was smaller but nicely done with a sticker price at $29K. The MazdaSpeed seemed to be a better comp, a little less fancy / upscale but equipped similar and felt like the car had a lot of room in it - sticker price was just under $29K. SO - all four of those cars are turbo hatch style cars and the price range seems to be in the high upper $20's. The Focus ST has a more upscale interior, crazy loaded with options, better gas mpg...but who knows about mods as it is all new to the US???

[Mystic544]

I was out there Thursday also. Cool little car. Still on the fence about the paint and I hate the front end. I never understood why they don't let you sit in these cars. They had a Laguna Seca and a Shelby GT 500 out there also, but they were all locked up. You can sit in a $75,000 CTS V, but not a Shelby or Boss 302?

The wife and I really like the new Explorer, might be out next big car purchase.

Bet that color would look cool in the bright AZ sun!
Front should also be changed and look more aggressive for a ST!
Agree 100% on letting you sit inside the cars - at least allow the reps to open them up for customers!
Oh - I LOVE the CTSV ;)
The new Explorer is pretty damn nice - got a ride from a friend and couldn't believe the ride, space and pep for such a large vehicle. Ford really changed that truck to something very nice!

[AZSonicSnake]

this car produces a high drool factor in my mind. really dig it! cannot wait for them to hit the showrooms. i may have a difficult choice in the future.