Ford claims that the development of its new Focus ST is on schedule prior to launch in 2012 following testing in northern Europe.
Ford's engineering teams are putting around 60 pre-production prototypes - based on standard new Focus vehicles and, in some cases, the prior-generation Focus ST - through a series of tests on private circuits and public roads, including the Nürburgring.
"We've done all the engineering groundwork and now we're using some of the most demanding roads we can find in Europe and North America to validate and fine tune the performance and driving dynamics," said Jost Capito, Ford's director of Global Performance Vehicles.
The Focus ST will be powered by Ford's new 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine, delivering 250hp in ST tune. Fuel efficiency is a priority for Ford too and the new engine is also expected to deliver notably better economy than the outgoing model.
Recently, the development team completed cold weather testing in northern Europe, as well as exercises to refine the steering.
"We're sweating all the details - fine-tuning, testing, and fine tuning again many of the small but critical details," said Matthias Tonn, chief program engineer, Global Performance Products, Ford of Europe.
The all-new Focus ST is part of the 'One Ford' strategy and is Ford's first global performance car. It will bring the ST model range to North American and Asian customers for the first time.