With a host of performance features, the Shelby Focus ST will no doubt be a force to be reckoned with on the street and the road course.

In the 1960’s, Ford went to Carroll Shelby and asked him to make their hot new Pony car into a racer. Shelby delivered, and the rest is automotive legend. Shelby was at it again in the 1980’s, when he once again teamed with Lee Iacocca to deliver a few hot cars, this time with Dodge. Ahead of his time, Shelby hopped up the turbo Dodge Omni and Daytona, at least a dozen years before we saw the hot hatch and sport compact craze even begin to take hold. According to Shelby American representatives, Carroll Shelby was interested in doing a new “pocket rocket” based on the Focus ST project before his passing last year.

Delivering on their founder’s vision, Shelby American unveiled the Shelby Focus ST at the North American International Auto Show last week in Detroit, Mich. Developed by the company’s Skunkworks and tested at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the Shelby Focus ST is the company’s vision of what Carroll Shelby had in mind for Ford’s latest hot hatch.

Under the car there’s Ford Racing suspension pieces to further improve handling, as well as lower the car. The upgraded wheel and tire package will undoubtedly also contribute to better cornering grip. Adding to the track inspired parts as well is a big brake package from Brembo.

Outside, there are unique Shelby hydro-carbon parts which include the rear spoiler as well as front and rear grilles. The car also gets a unique hood with functional vents. Graphics packages range from traditional Shelby stripes to a checkered pattern, and even a track-inspired graphics option.

Inside, the cars get a Shelby shifter, as well several other branded components, and the requisite CSM badge.

No word yet on expected power output, although Shelby American representatives say that a tune is also in the works to substantially increase the ST’s already impressive 252HP output. The information from the company also says the car will get several under hood hydro-carbon parts, and has a Shelby/Borla exhaust system. Production will be limited to just 500 units per year, and the package price starts at $14,995, plus the cost of a new Focus ST.