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
After 23 years the Ford Focus ST is dead
Ford Focus ST
News

After 23 years the Ford Focus ST is dead

With the demise of the Focus ST, fast Fords as we knew and loved them are no more
3 Jun 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Why the wild V8-powered Land Rover Defender D7X-R has ‘flight mode’
Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X-R
News

Why the wild V8-powered Land Rover Defender D7X-R has ‘flight mode’

The Land Rover Defender will take on the world’s most gruelling off-road race in 2026. Here’s our first look at the car that will do it
25 Nov 2025
Everyone loves the idea of a GT car, so why does nobody buy them?
Aston Martin Vanquish
Opinion

Everyone loves the idea of a GT car, so why does nobody buy them?

We all love a great GT, says Jethro. Trouble is, no-one wants to buy them
21 Nov 2025
Cupra Formentor VZ5 review – Audi’s RS Q3 survives in this 385bhp Spanish crossover
Cupra Formentor VZ5
Reviews

Cupra Formentor VZ5 review – Audi’s RS Q3 survives in this 385bhp Spanish crossover

Once forbidden fruit arrives on our shores in the form of the five-cylinder Formentor VZ5. But is it any good?
24 Nov 2025