Launch our slide show to see more pictures of the Ford Focus ST

Ford has revamped its hooligan special for 2008 – the Focus ST has been given a facelift.

The stunning new hot hatch has been given a makeover to keep it “identifiable as a new generation Ford”.

At the front, Ford has fitted newly sculpted headlamps akin to its Mondeo sibling, while the front valance is markedly more aggressive, flanked by distinctive fog-lights.

And at the back, the feisty Ford gets a new bumper with an integrated lower diffuser, framing two exhaust pipes and fins which are said to increase stability at high speeds – exemplifying the car's sporting characteristics.

The 2008 model Focus ST will feature standard 18-inch alloy wheels housed under flared wheel arches.

“The new Focus ST is something quite special – it is about pure dynamics and performance,” said Jost Capito, Director of Ford Team RS.

However, fans of the original ST will find the powertrain of the facelifted hatch familiar – for the new 2008 model ST, Ford has retained the trusted 2.5-litre Duratec 5 cylinder engine from the outgoing model which develops 225bhp.

This is enough to launch the striking hatch from 0-60mph in just 6.5 seconds.

But Ford is keen to keep its core customer base happy – and has decided to carry over the ST’s original ‘Electric Orange’ metallic paint as a ‘distinguishing feature’.

“We did think long and hard about giving the new Focus ST a new hero colour,” said Capito.

“In the end, we were convinced of our decision not to do so - to us Electric Orange is inseparable from the Focus ST and this combination of vehicle and colour has become one of the vehicle’s key identifiers.”

Inside, customers will get Recaro sports seats, oil pressure, turbo boost and oil temperature gauges housed inside a binnacle on the upper instrument panel, and carbon-look panels on the centre stack.

The Focus ST also benefits from the ‘Premium’ centre console with a ‘Ford Power’ start button as standard.

And to celebrate the original ST’s success, the company has announced it will launch a limited edition Focus ST – badged the ST500.

All models are finished in metallic black with a silver bonnet, roof and side stripes which are said to echo the ‘livery of the winning GT40’ in Ford’s Le Mans victory of 1966.

The new Ford Focus ST will go on sale in early 2008.

Launch our slide show to see more pictures of the Ford Focus ST

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