The new Ford Focus has just been released internationally, but now attention has turned to the performance derivatives. Here's the next Ford Focus ST undergoing testing.

Image credit:S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

*Update: More recent photos of the next-generation Focus ST have emerged. This time we can clearly see the front bumper, complete with ST badging and the rear has the distinct twin exhaust setup.The new Ford Focus ST is likely to come to SA in2019, but we do have to manage our expectations. While the market has upped outputs to around 200 kW, we suspect that the Focus ST will be on par with its rivals, with the real killer power coming fromthe next-gen RS, which shouldbe closer to 300 kW.*

The next-generation Ford Focus ST is coming. Spotted this week on the Nurburgring Nordschleife were some Focus prototypes. The obvious giveaway would be the large alloy wheels, the camouflaged bumpers and dual exhaust setup. The key discussion point here is the choice of engine and there are many rumours as to which powertrain will be selected.

One thing we know for sure is that European emission regulations are becoming more stringent by the year and if the downsizing trend for the Fiesta ST is anything to go by, it wouldn't surprise us to see one of the new 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engines will be modified much in the same way. There are also rumours suggesting thatthe Focus STpowered by a modified version of the current 2.0-litre 4-pot turbo, pushing past the 200 kW barrier. Ford will be calling upon its recent advancements in twin-scroll turbos, direct injection and cylinder deactivation technology to achieve these outputs while maintaining a credible economy and efficiency rating.

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