The new Focus ST will make its global debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK on 27 June, writes Trish Whelan.
Ford's new performance model headlines the First Glance category, with professional drivers showcasing its abilities on the world-famous hill climb on all three days.
The car benefits from the technology and quality improvements revealed earlier this year for the new Ford Focus. It will be available for the first time in a diesel-powered version and will also be displayed on the Ford stand at Goodwood. First launched in 2002, Ford has now sold more than 140,000 Focus ST models in over 40 countries.
Ford is also teeming up with Sony Computer Entertainment to stage the first-ever 'virtual vs real' race on the Hill. On its first run each day, the new Focus ST will compete in real time against the Focus ST featured in the Gran Turismo 6 game for PlayStation 3.
A designated gamer at the Ford stand will match skills against Ben Collins - formerly 'The Stig' from Top Gear - with the action displayed on big screens throughout the festival. Visitors to the Ford stand also have the chance to record their own times on the Gran Turismo 6 simulators.
Also starring at Goodwood will be the all-new Ford Mustang that makes its first UK appearance. A 5.0 V8 Fastback will take part in the Supercar Class, with Ford Team RS vehicle dynamics specialist David Put at the wheel. Ford also will display a Mustang convertible (pictured below from the Ford stand at this year's Geneva Motor Show).