275hp, 296tq for the Focus ST from Ford Performance

The Ford Focus ST is one of the hottest hatchbacks sold in the US market, but with new competition offering new power levels, Ford Performance has teamed up with Mountune to create a warranty-friendly upgrade package for the Focus ST that lifts the output to 275 horsepower and 296lb-ft of torque.

When the Ford Focus ST was first introduced for the North American market, there was really no competition in terms of both price and performance. The closest competitors back in 2012 were the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and the Subaru WRX STI, both of which cost considerably more than the front wheel drive Focus ST. However, over the past few years, we have seen some new performance models hit the scene with more power than the ST – including the new Focus RS which will serve as a proper competitor to the AWD Mitsubishi and Subaru – leaving the Focus ST to slip back into the crowd a bit.

Fortunately, those Focus ST owners who want a significant increase in performance without a huge price tag and without voiding their factory warranty, Ford Performance has launched a performance package with the help of the tuning experts at Mountune – the MP275.

"The 2015 Focus ST MP275 upgrade is the latest addition to Ford Performance's vast Focus and Fiesta performance catalog that gives enthusiasts the components they need to take their car to the next level," said Adam Gair, product manager, Ford Performance.

The MP275 Focus ST
This new package from Ford Performance includes a handful of components from Mountune and, most importantly, a tuning upgrade that helps bring everything together for the best possible output. The MP275 package offers an increase of 23 horsepower and 26lb-ft of torque by adding a large induction setup featuring a higher flowing intercooler, the tuning handset and the hardware needed for the installation – all for just $1,900. You can also get a special cap for the air filter for $15, for those who drive their MP275 Focus in wet weather.

So, by adding an elaborate cold air intake setup, a larger intercooler and a performance tune, Mountune was able to increase the output to 275 horsepower and 296lb-ft of torque. Best of all, if you have the package installed by an approved Ford Performance shop, you maintain your full factory warranty. This package is legal in all 50 states, so there is no concern of emission test failures with this added power.

In the end, the MP275 package for the Focus ST costs $1,900 plus installation to have a car with all of the factory coverage, but 23 more horsepower and 26 more lb-ft of torque compared to a stock Focus ST. There is no mention of how this package impacts fuel economy, but based on what I have seen from other tuning packages like this, I would expect any negative impact to the MPGs to be minimal at worst.

While other automakers work to make tuning your modern performance car illegal, Ford works to make it even easier to get more power from their vehicles.