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2013 Focus ST Adds Turbo Overboost Function

Ford's new Focus ST hot-hatch will be fitted with a computer-controlled overboost feature.

Operating as an on-demand feature, the system allows the turbo to spin faster for up to 15 seconds, delivering a 7.4 percent boost in power between 3,000

Peter Anderson

00:3113 June 2012

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2013 Focus ST Adds Turbo Overboost Function

Ford's new Focus ST hot-hatch will be fitted with a computer-controlled overboost feature.

Operating as an on-demand feature, the system allows the turbo to spin faster for up to 15 seconds, delivering a 7.4 percent boost in power between 3,000 and 4,500 rpm.

This adds to the already substantial 188kW and 366Nm of torque delivered by the EcoBoost 2.0 litre four.

Lisa Schoder, Marketing manager for the ST in the US, said "Overboost is cool in that it tweaks more acceleration through the turbo for brief periods for performance-hungry drivers."

Schoder also explained, "The turbo itself is specified for sustained, high-output performance, but they've programmed the car's computer to dial in more boost past 3000 rpm to give it that extra something."

The EcoBoost engine replaces the hugely popular Volvo-sourced five-cylinder engine of the previous model, sold in Australia as the XR5 Turbo.

The EcoBoost not only brings more power to the table, it is also lighter and less thirsty than its predecessor, making the new model a stronger proposition as a 'daily driver'.

The new ST is due in Australia later this year and will be sourced from Ford's Saarlouis plant in Germany. We'll bring you our drive impressions of the new ST as soon as they hit the road here in Australia.