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2015 Ford Focus ST to debut at Goodwood hillclimb this week … with the Stig at the wheel

Andrew Hard
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If you’ve looked through the list of cars making their debuts at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this week, there was one major player who was largely absent: Ford. 

Yes, the new 5.0-liter fastback Mustang is set to make its first UK appearance at Goodwood, but Ford’s latest pony car has already been covered at length over the last several months. Until today, it looked like the hope of a new vehicle debut at Goodwood was a pipe dream.

Until today.

Ford announced that the next generation Focus ST will make its debut at Goodwood on July 27th, testing its mettle on the world-famous hillclimb. 

The hillclimb is a 1.16-mile course that tests low end power and throttle response, two areas where the previous Focus ST excells: its 2.0-liter Ecoboost engine provides maximum torque (270 pound-feet) at just 2,500 rpm. Furthermore, the ST’s overboost feature keeps the torque on tap throughout the rev range.

Performance details on the 2015 model are unknown for now, but stay tuned for details as they come in.

Another first for Goodwood is Ford’s inaugural “virtual versus real” hillclimb competition, which will allow gamers to race alongside the ST in a Gran Turismo 6 simulator. 

The Focus ST will be piloted by former Top Gear Stig Ben Collins, and he will race against a designated gamer on his first run of the day in real time. However, visitors will have the chance to record their own times throughout the day.

Think you can beat the Stig? Better book your flight.

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Andrew Hard
Andrew Hard
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…
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