Focus ST gear up for The Sweeney with Goodwood drive

Focus ST gear up for The Sweeney with Goodwood drive

The all-new Ford Focus ST will soon be seen on the big screen after it was given a starring role in the movie remake of popular TV series The Sweeney.

And, in a bid to give motoring fans a glimpse of what they can expect, the Blue Oval put the car through its paces at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The Focus was pitched into a race against a Jaguar XFR in the famous Goodwood hill climb event.

In the movie the car will serve as the office of Flying Squad detectives Jack Regan and George Carter played by Ben 'Plan B' Drew and Ray Winstone.

However, for the purposes of the Goodwood event, the powerful ST was handed over to stunt drivers.

The event showed what the Focus can do and Ford hopes it will whet the appetites of fans looking forward to the chase scenes from the forthcoming movie.

Ford will also be hoping that the car is a hit with those looking for new car deals as well as the moviegoing public.

And with an impressive stats sheet, the company is sure to see high demand for the powerful motor.

Indeed, the new Ford Focus ST comes equipped with a 250PS, two-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine.

Ford claims the model will boast a 0-62mph time of just 6.5sec and a top speed of 154mph.

"This uncompromising performance is complemented by enhanced dynamics and a comprehensive range of driver assistance features," the Blue Oval explained.

"Using a tuned Ford EcoBoost engine, the Focus ST can return up to 39mpg and CO2 emissions of 169 g/km - a 20 per cent improvement over the previous Focus ST model."

The use of the Focus in the new movie, carries on Fords relationship with the Sweeney from its 1970s TV heyday.

A number of Ford Mondeo, Galaxy and Transit models were also used by the show's cast as unmarked Flying Squad vehicles.

Nick Love, director and co-writer of the new film, said: "It was important for me to collaborate with Ford on The Sweeney as their legacy with the original TV show is so strong – they're the perfect partner."

"I like the Ford Focus ST so much, I want one!"

Posted by Sebastian Turkenburg