Hot Hatch Smackdown Poll: Ford Focus ST vs Opel GTC

With both the Ford Focus ST and Opel GTC set to debut in Paris, the hot hatch world is astir. If you're in a "global" market and interested in going fast on the cheap, these are looking to be two serious contenders.

The big difference here is shaping to be extra output in a traditionally showy hot-hatch package, or a sleek and sophisticated ride with potentially less power. But first, a joke: what would a diesel Ford Focus ST be called? Think about it.

On to the point: it boils down to either a world-hot hatch from GM or Ford. To make it even simpler for the numbers-geeks, here are the basics (feel free to read all the deets in our previous Paris posts on the Focus ST and Opel GTC, you fiends): output is looking to be 250 horsepower for the ST and possibly well over the 250HP mark for the OPC version of the GTC (Opel has not yet released output numbers). Both show cars are equipped with 2.0-liter turbocharged fours.

While the ST is likely to appear in the States in one form (ST) or another (SVT), there's still no word on whether or not the GTC could appear here (Buick's mini-Lexus fighter, anyone?).

However, that's neither here nor there at the moment. The big question for our readers is this: would you be more interested in the boy-racer Ford ST or a more conservative (and possibly Buick in the States) Opel GTC? Vote your hearts out in the poll below.

Which hot hatch do you like more?

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Opel GTC Paris Show Car

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Ford Focus ST Paris Show Car

New Focus ST: Ford Releases More Info and Pics of 250HP Hot Hatch

Ford has released some more official info regarding its new GTI-fighting boy racer, the 2012 Focus ST, which will make its world premiere in Paris on September 30th. As we've already told you, the golden catfish will be propelled by a 250-horsepower four-cylinder engine and rides on snazzy 19-inch rims spun by 360 Nm / 265 lb ft of torque. The car also rides a centimeter lower than the standard Focus.

Pimped as "Ford's first global high-performance model", the ST's Ecoboost 2.0-liter gets its intake/exhaust setup tuned by SVT and Team RS, as well as the necessary engine tuning to get the turbo'd engine to behave accordingly while also reducing CO2 output by 20%. Found standard is a third pedal hooked to a clutch and six gears, while an automatic (or possible dual clutch unit?) is bound to show up eventually.

Ford has yet to reveal what's involved with the "high performance brakes and unique suspension tuning", but the parts should be worthy of wearing the ST badge. There's also a Torque Vectoring Control system to put the car around corners like it's on rails.

Inside are the only seats one would expect (leather and neoprene Recaros), as well as a unique ST steering wheel and shift knob. Crowning the center stack are boost, oil temperature, and oil pressure gauges.

FoMoCo Global C-car Vehicle Line Director Gunnar Herrmann says, "The ST will be the performance flagship of our new Focus range, and we are excited to provide our enthusiast customers with an early preview in Paris. The ST represents an ultimate expression of Focus driving quality and performance and we are confident that the new model will strengthen the reputation of Ford's ST heritage among enthusiast drivers and attract new fans as well."

While I could do without the high-school styling and faux carbon fiber trim, this is one car I can't wait to see to see on dealer lots.

By Phil Alex