Since the outgoing Ford Focus ST packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, everyone expected its replacement to get an improved version of the same power plant.

As it turns out, Ford has other plans. One of our readers found an interesting piece of information on a sticker applied to the air-conditioning unit of the new Ford Focus — the regular model, not the ST. The sticker reads “Focus ST 2.3L GTDI” which is Ford-speak for a 2.3-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with direct injection.

The only possible suspect has to be the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, which is offered in various states of tune in a number of Ford vehicles including the Mustang EcoBoost and Focus RS. That’s good news for fans of hot Focus hatchbacks because the increase in displacement will most likely result in a power boost as well.

As a reminder, the outgoing Focus ST gasoline model delivers 250 PS (247 hp) from a 2.0-liter EcoBoost unit. By switching to the 2.3-liter EcoBoost, Ford probably wants to tighten the gap between ST and RS models.

While in the Focus RS the 2.3-liter four-pot delivers 350 PS (345 hp), in the upcoming Focus ST it may not exceed the 300-hp mark. A safe bet would be an output of around 280 hp sent to the front wheels. Ford already offers a 280-hp 2.3-liter EcoBoost in the Explorer and a 285-hp version of the same engine in the Lincoln MKC. All Ford Performance engineers would have to do is make it suitable for a Focus ST.

Thanks to Dirk for the tip!

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Photo credits: CarPix and S. Baldauf/SB-Medien for Carscoops