Skip advert
Advertisement

Shelby Ford Focus ST at Detroit

Legendary American tuner Shelby gets its hands on the Ford Focus ST hot hatchback

Shelby has modified the new Ford Focus ST, creating its first hot hatchback in nearly 30 years. Unveiled at the 2013 Detroit motor show, it’s somewhat more enticing than the 1986 GLH-S.

Full 2013 Detroit motor show coverage here The tuned Focus gets lower, Ford Racing suspension, new wheels and stickier tyres as well as larger, drilled brakes discs and a Shelby/Borla exhaust to boost the ST’s burbling soundtrack. On the outside, there are functioning bonnet vents, tweaked front and rear grilles and a beefier rear spoiler. A host of graphics packs range from traditional Shelby stripes to the chequered flag pattern you see here. There is no power increase for now, but Shelby promises a significant horsepower increase in the near future. Expect at least 300bhp, up from the standard ST’s 247bhp. The 2013 Shelby Focus ST package costs 14,995 US dollars – additional to the car itself, which starts at 23,700 USD new. So the total package can be bought for the equivalent of £24,000 – a mid-spec Focus ST in the UK.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Full 2013 Detroit motor show coverage here

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Used Ford Focus ST (Mk4, 2019-2025) review – Ford has killed its last remaining hot hatch
Ford Focus front
In-depth reviews

Used Ford Focus ST (Mk4, 2019-2025) review – Ford has killed its last remaining hot hatch

The Mk4 Focus ST went out as an imperfect hot hatchback, but one with appeal and impressive capability if you don’t mind some rough edges
18 Nov 2025
ZeroNine Ford Focus ST review – Ferrari 599 pulling power in a hatchback
ZeroNine Ford Focus ST – front
Reviews

ZeroNine Ford Focus ST review – Ferrari 599 pulling power in a hatchback

Leicestershire tuning firm ZeroNine has given the last-of-the-line Focus ST a new lease of life with a series of performance upgrades – and Ferrari 59…
14 Nov 2025
Used Ford Focus ST Edition (Mk4, 2021 - 2025) review – a Honda Civic Type R rival for £20k
Ford Focus ST Edition
Reviews

Used Ford Focus ST Edition (Mk4, 2021 - 2025) review – a Honda Civic Type R rival for £20k

The Ford Focus ST Edition turns an already-capable hot hatch package to 11, and now you can find used examples for much less than they were when new
10 Oct 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Polestar 5 review – cheaper and faster than a Porsche Taycan but not quite as sharp
Polestar 5 front
Reviews

Polestar 5 review – cheaper and faster than a Porsche Taycan but not quite as sharp

Polestar’s flagship finally arrives, with a bespoke aluminium structure, electric powertrain and suspension. But will anyone actually buy it?
1 Jun 2026
Westfield Sportscars sold – beloved Caterham rival bought by Dutch track day company
Westfield sale
News

Westfield Sportscars sold – beloved Caterham rival bought by Dutch track day company

The company will continue its present operations as it prepares for the future
2 Jun 2026
Mercedes GLC Electric review – big on space and tech, if not driver appeal
Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric front
Reviews

Mercedes GLC Electric review – big on space and tech, if not driver appeal

The Mercedes GLC Electric rolls out a load of clever EV technology and uses it to soothe, rather than entertain, its driver
1 Jun 2026