Ford is offering dealer-fit performance upgrades for the Focus ST which take it interestingly close to the hotly anticipated RS model. The Mountune Performance package will retail at £1,120 (plus fitting) and consists of a larger intercooler, a high-flow air filter and revised engine calibration.
Together, this lifts power output from Ford’s potent 2.5-litre Duratec ST engine from 225bhp to 260bhp at 5,500rpm. The upgrade reduces the 0-60mph sprint by 0.6sec to 5.9sec, and the 0-100mph time by 1.9sec to 14.1sec. The Focus RS, which is due early next year, will have a ‘sub six-second’ 0-60 time from a slightly higher 300bhp, thanks to a tuned version of the same 2.5-litre engine. The RS is expected to retail for around £25,000.
Developed by Mountune Performance in association with Ford Team RS, these packages will only be available at selected specialist Ford dealers' from Sept 2008. The upgrades carry a minimum of 12 months/12,000-mile dealer warranty up to a maximum of three years/36,000 miles. The upgrade kit does not affect the vehicle warranty.