Ford has already taken the wraps off the production version of the 2012 Focus ST and its tantalising, but Europe-only, Estate. Now it’s time for the Focus ST-R, the racing variant of the ST hatchback.

Generating an undisclosed amount of power – for competitive reasons we presume – from its 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine, the ST-R is a purpose-built track version of the Focus ST, homologated for American and Canadian touring car racing such as the Grand-Am ST, World Challenge TC and Canadian Touring Car Series events.

Being based on the production car, the Focus ST-R uses standard body panels and other production parts wherever possible. Ford says the ST-R will also result in a wide range of Ford Racing parts to be offered both to racers and enthusiasts globally.

North American Ford dealers will be able to order the car first, straight from Ford Racing as a turn-key race car. Jamie Allison, director of Ford Racing, says, “This is a competitive turn key race car that will allow our customers to compete successfully in multiple series around the world with minor modifications. And it shows the on-going alignment of Ford Racing with our Performance Vehicles development group. If you purchase one of these cars, all you’ll need is a communications setup and whatever decals you run to be ready for the track.”

Ford’s vision is to broaden the ST-R’s availability to additional regions in the future and by so doing, make motorsport more accessible to more people with an affordable product. For more details on the 2012 Focus ST, which the ST-R is based on, are available here.