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By bringing the 2012 Focus ST to the United States, Ford hopes to erase memories of the last Focus to wear the ST moniker: a plebeian ZX4 sedan with minor chassis modifications and a spoiler. The reintroduction of a high-performance Focus in the United States is Ford’s response to hosannas from devotees of the long-departed Focus SVT. Earlier this year, Ford displayed the range of Focus models at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, a marked improvement in styling and a jump in size over the outgoing Focus. The new ST is the first development from Ford’s Performance Vehicles department, headed by Jost Capito, the man responsible for tuning the first-generation Focus RS. Whereas the Focus SVT was available as either a three- or five-door hatchback, the 2012 Focus ST will be a five-door hatchback only.

In late June, Mazda officially declared its Nagare design language dead after a brief brush with production. Now, Mazda has unveiled a new design theme with its Shinari concept, dubbed Kodo. Company executives also gave an indication of future platform and further development of the "Sky" powertrain.