Still waiting for the official pics...
It seems we are certainly not alone in approving of Ford’s 5-cylinder Golf GTI competitor, as the blue oval has confirmed sales of over 13,500 units of the existing Focus ST model.
To keep attention focussed – see what I’ve done there – on the present car before the new-shape version arrives next year, Ford has announced a special edition ST500 model.
Surprisingly enough the car is limited to just 500 units, is based on the range-topping ST3 model, and comes with no mechanical upgrades at all.
Instead, the special ed concentrates on being painted black with some tasteful silver stripes – apparently designed to echo the look of the LeMans winning GT40.
The car gets a nice red leather interior too and is priced at £20,495.
We reckon this car is a bit of a missed opportunity with Rally GB on the horizon and Grönholm in with a shot of the WRC crown: getting out to the stages in an ST with a tuned induction whoosh and exhaust note bouncing off the trees in true Group B Audi Quattro style might have just provided us with a seminal motoring moment. Oh well.
Update: the photos will be around tomorrow. Ford is having some issues so they've been delayed.