Ford Racing and Cosworth reveal 330hp Focus ST-based CS 330 show car at SEMA
The CS 330, developed by Ford Racing and Cosworth for the 2012 SEMA Show, extracts 330hp from the Focus ST’s 2.0-litre engine and features extensive chassis upgrades.
Ford Racing and Cosworth have a long-standing reputation for successful collaboration in motorsport and performance engineering. Their latest project, the CS 330, was unveiled at the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. This concept car is based on the Ford Focus ST and is designed to showcase Cosworth’s engineering expertise, particularly in extracting more performance from production engines while maintaining street usability.
Introduction: Ford and Cosworth Collaboration
CS 330: Technical Upgrades and Performance
The CS 330’s most significant change is under the bonnet. Cosworth has managed to increase the output of the standard 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine from 250hp to 330hp. This was achieved through a series of technical upgrades, including recalibrated engine control parameters, optimised exhaust and induction systems, and improved thermal management. These enhancements highlight Cosworth’s motorsport-derived approach to maximising the potential of production engines.
With the power boost, the CS 330 stands well above the standard Focus ST in terms of output. For context, the later production Focus RS would arrive with 320hp and all-wheel drive, making the CS 330’s 330hp figure especially notable for a front-wheel-drive platform. The project demonstrates what can be achieved with a combination of factory and specialist engineering.
Chassis and Component Enhancements
To handle the increased power, the CS 330 features several chassis upgrades. The car sits on 19×8.5-inch Cosworth RS2000 alloy wheels provided by British aftermarket specialist Kahn, wrapped in Pirelli PZero 235/35 R19 tyres. Ford Racing coilover suspension has been installed to improve handling and stability, while larger brakes have been fitted to ensure the car can stop safely given its enhanced performance.
A tyre pressure monitoring system has also been included. This detail underlines the car’s dual purpose: it is not only a showpiece but also a demonstration of a street-usable, high-performance hatchback. The presence of this system suggests that practicality and safety were considered alongside outright performance.
Development Partners and Project Goals
The CS 330 was developed through a partnership between Cosworth, Ford Racing, and M&J Enterprises. Cosworth provided the engineering expertise, while Ford Racing contributed a range of performance hardware. This collaboration builds on the companies’ shared motorsport heritage, demonstrating how their combined knowledge can elevate a standard production car to a higher level of performance.
The project’s aim was to create a concept that would not only attract attention at the SEMA Show but also serve as a proof of concept for the tuning potential of the Focus ST platform. The CS 330’s specification highlights how aftermarket and factory upgrades can be integrated to produce a car that is both powerful and practical for road use.
Focus ST as a Platform for Performance Concepts
The Ford Focus ST has become a popular base for aftermarket and motorsport projects, thanks to its robust EcoBoost powertrain and adaptable chassis. The CS 330 illustrates the potential for even greater performance gains when specialist companies like Cosworth become involved. The car’s 330hp output positions it above the standard Focus ST and even above the later Focus RS, demonstrating the flexibility and appeal of the Focus platform for enthusiasts and engineers alike.
By unveiling the CS 330 at SEMA, Ford Racing and Cosworth have emphasised the ongoing relevance and excitement of the Focus ST within Ford’s performance range. The car serves as an example of what can be achieved when motorsport expertise is applied to a road car, and it keeps the Focus ST in the spotlight as the brand’s performance hatchback offering continues to evolve.
CS 330 Key Specifications
| Engine | 2.0-litre direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder |
|---|---|
| Power Output | 330hp (up from 250hp standard) |
| Wheels | 19×8.5-inch Cosworth RS2000 by Kahn |
| Tyres | Pirelli PZero 235/35 R19 |
| Suspension | Ford Racing coilovers |
| Brakes | Upgraded Ford Racing components |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring | Included |
Conclusion: A Showcase of Engineering Potential
Although the CS 330 remains a concept, it provides a clear demonstration of what is possible when leading engineering firms and manufacturers collaborate. The car’s blend of power, practicality, and advanced componentry highlights the tuning potential of the Focus ST platform and underlines the ongoing partnership between Ford and Cosworth. As Ford’s performance hatchback range continues to develop, the CS 330 stands as an example of how production models can be taken to new heights with the right expertise and vision.
