Shown here in pre-production form, the hottest member of the new Focus family (before Ford decides to present a successor to the RS), will go on sale in global markets from early 2012, following the introduction of the mainstream Focus models in Spring of 2011.

The styling package includes a new front bumper with a 'gaping mouth' grille and additional air ducts, side skirts, a larger roof spoiler and a rear apron with air vents and central exhaust pipes. The show car is finished in a new color Ford calls 'Tangerine Scream' while the ST also gets a set of beefy 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/35 ZR 19 rubber.

Inside, the Focus ST gets a pair of body-hugging bucket seats with contrasting orange seams and pads, a sportier-looking steering wheel with thicker rim, carbon fiber trim on the center console and revised instrument gauges.

Under the bonnet, out goes the Volvo-sourced 225HP 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, and in comes Ford's own 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder EcoBoost unit, which is rated at 250-horsepower.

Ford did not reveal any other details on the car's specifications, but the interior picture shows a six-speed manual gearbox, which drives the ST's front wheels. The final production model will most likely be offered with the company's six-speed Powershift dual-clutch transmission also.

At the Paris Motorshow, the ST will be joined by the regular Focus family members and the facelifted Mondeo.