DRIVING enthusiasts can now take the on-track performance of the Focus ST to greater heights with a new Track Pack option for the latest generation hot-hatch.

Developed by Ford Performance and tested at Ford proving grounds and Germany's famous Nurburgring Nordschleife, the factory-fit Track Pack is available exclusively for the five-door hatch-back, six-speed manual transmission variant, for optimised weight and driver engagement.

With a 5.7 seconds 0-62 mph acceleration and 155 mph top speed delivered by a 280ps 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine,the new Track Pack enables drivers to fine-tune responsiveness for track driving with an adjustable KW Automotive coilover suspension system that works with reduced-mass alloy wheels.

The Track Pack also boosts stopping performance with 363 mm front brake discs and Brembo brake callipers. A bespoke tyre specification helps optimise traction for added responsiveness.

"Our new Focus ST Track Pack combines high-end technical components to make the hot-hatch truly track-capable for enthusiasts," said Stefan Muenzinger, manager, Ford Performance, Europe. "Adjustable suspension, huge brakes and grippy tyres help optimise performance, body control and track durability for maximum fun- and that's what this car is all about."

The Focus ST Track Pack is available to order now with first deliveries of Track Pack-equipped cars in November.

Jointly developed with motorsport specialists KW Automotive, the Track Pack's coilover suspension system features stainless steel housings for dampers that offer 12-step adjustment for upward response, and 16-step adjustment for rebound.

The two modes of adjustment allow track-day regulars to fine-tune the suspension responses of their Focus ST, and even adjust performance to suit their favourite circuits.

Ford recently introduced new interior features to the Focus ST, including performance seats while advanced interior technologies also include a 13.2-inch central touchscreen, with an intuitive interface.

The Focus ST's 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine delivers 280ps of power at 5,500 rpm and 420 Nm of torque from 3,000 rpm to 4,000 rpm with a twin-scroll turbocharger featuring anti-lag technology.

Performance is heightened with features including flat-shift capability, which holds the throttle open when the clutch is disengaged during upshifts, and an innovative electronic limited-slip differential that hydraulically activates clutches to redistribute up to 100 per cent of available torque to the wheel with more traction, to counteract wheelspin. Acting faster and with more precision than a mechanical LSD, the system pre-emptively adjusts torque based on inputs from engine and vehicle sensors.

Drivers can also take advantage of selectable Drive Modes2to adjust eLSD, throttle mapping, electronic power-assisted steering, and electronic stability control (ESC) characteristics to suit the driving scenario. A Track mode also provides sharper responses and freedom within the ESC system for maximum driver feedback and engagement.