Ford Focus ST-R to Give Hot Hatch Motorsports Pedigree: 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show

Debuting alongside the new Focus ST, Ford‘s Focus ST-R hopes to give buyers of the hot hatch something else to brag about. There is, after all, not better way to instantly give a car some serious credibility than to know it shares its underpinnings with a race car. It does, however, help if the race car is successful.

Built by Ford Racing and powered by the same 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine found in the Focus ST hot hatch, the ST-R also gets a roll cage, upgraded brakes and a full race suspension. Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the car was designed to be used in North America as well and will be eligible to compete in the Grand-Am ST, World Challenge TC and Canadian Touring Car Series.

Unfortunately Ford didn’t announce a factory backed program, instead offering up the car to privateer teams.

GALLERY: Ford Focus ST-R Race Car