Modified Ford Focus ST Mk4

We’ve not yet seen many modified Mk4 STs on the scene, but Lucinda Lemmon is paving the way with her modified Ford Focus ST.

Feature from Fast Ford magazine. Words: Simon Holmes. Photos: Jason Dodd.

It may seem to be an easy process, but people often forget that it’s hard modifying a new car, especially when it happens to be a brand-new model and a generation in the Mk4 Focus ST that no one’s got their hands on yet.

Not only does it take some guts to start swapping parts on a car that’s only just rolled off the production line, there’s little time to appreciate the car in its standard form. Then there’s the matter of the limited parts availability early on, which often becomes the biggest issue of all for anyone thinking of improving their brand-new Ford.

Side profile shot of modified Ford Focus ST Mk4

Thankfully, some tuning brands such as Airtec Motorsport are quick on the uptake to develop new product ranges, and for Lucinda Lemmon and her modified Ford Focus ST Mk4, the timing of that process just happened to be perfect.

The company was actively on the search for a new Focus ST to develop parts and test products on, and a chance encounter meant Lucinda’s car was chosen. The good fortune meant that before she knew it, Lucinda would be the proud owner of one of the most modified Ford Focus ST Mk4 builds in the country, which features various improvements and enhancements above and below the surface.

As expected, the story of Lucinda and her modified Fords began long before this car came along, as she’s owned a few Fords over the years, including a Ka, a Mondeo, a Fiesta ST150 and a Mk3 Focus ST. Most of them featured a few modifications, although the ST150 was more extensively modified.

When the Mk4 Focus ST was released, Lucinda found herself drawn to the new model, although it took time to win her over.

She admits, “To be honest, I didn’t really like the Mk4 when it first came out. But with my job I get to drive many cars ,and the more I drove the new model, the more I fell in love with it, so much that I had to have one.”

Side skirts on modified Ford Focus ST Mk4

True to her word, Lucinda took the plunge and decided to put her order in for a new Focus, but with the latest ST announced in perfectly timed fashion, she was one of the first to reserve the new hot hatch.

She then patiently awaited its arrival, but by the time it turned up she didn’t really get a chance to experience the new purchase from behind the wheel.

Exhaust on modified ford focus st mk4

She says, “I hardly drove the car before I started modifying it. I had the car a few months but with my husband driving it, working hard and lockdown, I didn’t really get a look in before the mods began.”

The fact the modifications even came about were solely down to Lucinda’s husband, Simon, who just happened to borrow the car to collect some parts for his own modified Mk2 Focus ST from Airtec Motorsport HQ in Essex. The new ST in the car park attracted the attention of director Alan Shepherd, who was searching for a suitable Mk4 to use as a development and demo car for the company. A conversation soon turned into an appointment to get the car in, and things promptly escalated from there as other additions made their way onto the car.

Work began with an Airtec Motorsport intercooler, induction kit and intake pipe, which were all developed, test-fitted and trialled using this car. And, keen to make the most of the new additions, a Scorpion exhaust system and remap were added at the same time.

Modified ford focus st mk4 engine

These additions dramatically improved the car’s performance, so it was wisely decided to upgrade other areas of the car to match the new-found jump in power.

As a result, the car was promptly fitted with Eibach lowering springs and a Summit strut brace, together with matching Summit anti-roll bars to help stiffen up the suspension while improving the look. A set of bolt-on spacers further added to the appearance and allowed the standard wheels to fill the arches.

Front 3/4 on modified ford focus st mk4

The improved stance was then reinforced with the full range of Maxton Design accessories, which had just been released. These included the lower front splitter, upper rear spoiler lip and matching side skirt extensions. And to nicely finish the car’s exterior improvements, a custom graphics package in Lucinda’s favourite contrasting purple was applied.

Safe to say, Lucinda is happy with the upgrades on her modified Ford Focus ST Mk4, as they all help to improve the car in small yet effective ways.

engine modifications on modified ford focus st mk4

She says, “It’s so much faster than any of my previous cars, and it brings a huge smile to my face every time I drive it. My favourite parts of the car have to be the Sport and Track mode buttons.

“I never intended to modify it, but like every ST owner, once you start it’s like a drug and you always want more.”

Sure enough, the project isn’t finished yet and there are more plans under way to further improve the car. These range from wind deflectors and a Maxton Design rear diffuser to another hike in power. Also on the cards is a new set of wheels to something suitably bigger and better.

Airtec livery on modified ford focus st mk4

But although Lucinda and her husband enjoy the car and its increased performance, it’s not just them that make use of it, as the car is also put to good work.

She adds, “I mainly do shows with the car, but I also attend events for many charities to raise money and awareness. One of my club’s main charities is Club Ausome Base, in Kent, which is for children and young adults with autism. Some of the others are Essex and Herts Air Ambulance and MIND Mental Health What Is Yours.”

rear shot of modified ford focus st mk4

With more plans on the horizon, we’re sure Lucinda and her modified Ford Focus ST Mk4 will be enjoyed by many in the future, while her good work will be appreciated by many more.