[Official] Tanner Foust gets eponymous hotted-up Ford Focus ST from Cobb Tuning

Racer and Top Gear USA host Tanner Foust has partnered up with Cobb Tuning to create a special-edition Ford Focus ST. The limited-edition hatches will come packing a reflashed ECU, special intercooler, tweaked intake and freer-flowing exhaust for up to 20 percent more power than the stock creation. Cobb says that the changes should push the final dyno figure to above 300 horsepower. Buyers can also expect to find special carbon fiber aerodynamic bits on board along with a new grille, graphics and wheels. Cobb hasn't released pricing on this Tanner Foust Edition Ford Focus ST as of yet, but you can bet the whole kit won't be cheap.

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[Video] Ford Focus ST Tops Subaru WRX on Track, Skid Pad

The One Ford strategy means the Focus is a much better looking car than it used to be. It’s also better built and has nicer features, which is a given fact of evolution. All these factors are important for the compact to achieve what it was meant to do: sell.

However, there is a Focus that’s not supposed to sell. It’s supposed to become a cult car with racers and weekend gatherings.

Ford knows just what to do to get that message across: race the Focus ST against the establishment, and prove their car is better in every way.

A fight against the underpowered VW Golf GTI or Honda Civic Si coupe almost seems like a foregone conclusion when the ST’s EcoBoost engine makes 250 horsepower. But what about a true a four-wheel drive traction master like the Subaru WRX. Surely, it’s rally breeding means the Japanese will dance all over the chubby American.

Well, no! On the track, with two professional drivers behind the wheel, the Focus ST has the traction advantage in the corners, while on the skid pad “it grabbed hold of the inside line and never let go.”

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Shelby unveils tuned Ford Focus ST, widebody GT500 Super Snake

Shelby American has made its name tuning various Ford products, and now the Focus ST can be added to this list. Just introduced at the Detroit Auto Show, the Shelby Focus ST doesn't add any extra horsepower under the hood, but it should still make sizable gains in performance thanks to an upgraded suspension, brakes and exhaust systems. Also on hand at the Shelby display was a widebody version of the powerful Shelby GT500 Super Snake.

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Ford Focus ST-powered Mastretta MXT cometh

Mastretta is reportedly on the verge of pulling back the covers on its latest creation, the MXT-R, at the Autosport International Racing Car Show. According to Autocar, the Mexican sports car will make use of the 2.0-liter Ecoboost four-cylinder engine lifted from the Ford Focus ST. Tuned to around 285 horsepower, the engine should have no trouble hustling the lightweight MXT-R around a track. Judging from the available photos, the MXT-R will also use the aerodynamic package employed by Mastretta's race car.

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