At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Ford brought out a production spec Focus ST model which is scheduled to be on sale in late 2012.  In case you're not familiar with the ST, this is the coveted performance beast that Ford has rudely kept away from North American markets...  Until now!

The 2013 model looks awesome right away, with it's angular body and sharp looking 18-inch wheels. The giant front grill is a bit much, but we're sure it's there for a reason - cooling. The ST is powered by a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, which makes a nice even 247 horsepower and 250 torques in this configuration. The ST also utilizes Ford's unique Torque Vectoring Control, which is in a nutshell, a way to achieve the effects of a limited slip differential without actually using a mechanical LSD.

On the inside, the ST is a bit more exciting than the base model Focus' (as you would expect.) The sporty leather wrapped steering wheel, aluminum shifter and pedals, and racing inspired gauge display all hint at the ST's racing heritage. The driver and passengers are held in place by performance oriented Recaro seats, yet it's worth noting that these seats retain all the comfortable characteristics of a street car. Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too?

Pricing has not been announced yet, but you can expect the ST to be the priciest of the Focus line up for obvious reasons. Look for this bad boy on showrooms late 2012.