Ford’s Focus ST-based rally car concept was designed to play in the dirt

Rally Innovations has upgraded the Focus ST with a deep front bumper that features a built-in a three-piece aluminum spoiler and additional lights, a concept-specific vented hood, side skirts and a large spoiler on the trunk lid. It rides on 19-inch alloy wheels that are wide enough to require the use of massive fender flares on all four corners.

The cabin gains a four-point roll cage, bucket seats with four-point harnesses for the front passengers and an upgraded Sony sound system, a curious add-on for a car that’s designed primarily to hit the track. The rear bench has been tossed out to save weight — and, presumably, to offset the extra pounds added by the stereo.

Ford promises that Rally Innovations has made a host of performance-focused modifications under the hood, but technical specifications haven’t been published yet. The stock, street-legal model on which it’s based is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 252 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and up to 270 pound-feet of torque at 2,500 rpm when burning 93-octane fuel.  A six-speed manual transmission sends power to the front wheels.

Like a vast majority of the cars shown each year at SEMA, Rally Innovations’ Focus ST is merely a one-off concept designed to woo show-goers in Sin City. It won’t be added to the Ford lineup, and it’s not a preview of an upcoming model, though many of the parts it showcases can be ordered from aftermarket vendors such as Rally Innovations.

The rally-ready Focus ST isn’t the only car Ford is bringing to SEMA. Visitors will also get to check out at least four other heavily tweaked Focus STs, a few hot-rodded Mustangs, and a couple of eye-catching concepts based on the F-150.