It's almost here! The 2013 Ford Focus ST, that is, with a 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injected EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. That's 252 ponies of power and 270 lb-ft of torque, and a fun-to-pilot six-speed manual transmission. How do we know it'll be here shortly? Well, Ford just announced pricing.

Yup, it'll start at $24,495, loaded with all of the things you'd expect a hot hatch to have. This includes a stiffer suspension, sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 18-inch wheels, a large rear spoiler, a striking piano-black grille, ST badging throughout the interior and exterior, keyless entry, and Ford's SYNC infotainment system. Oh, and we almost forgot to mention that Ford specially tuned the exhaust so it won't just feel like the speedy performance car that it is - it will sound like it, too.

There are two options packages available on the sporty Focus ST: ST2 for an additional $2,385 and ST3 for $4,435. ST2 adds a Sony audio system, satellite and HD radio, an eight-inch touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, and Recaro sports seats with leather. Take all of this and add HID headlimps, LED running lights, cornering lamps, interior ambient lighting, heated mirrors, navigation, a rear armrest and an overhead console up front with the ST3 package. Fully loaded, the Ford Focus ST with the ST3 package totals up at $29,425.

There are six eye-catching colors to choose from, too: Tuxedo Black, Performance Blue, Race Red, Oxford White, Ingot Silver, and for an extra $495, the race-inspired Tangerine Scream.

While we don't have an exact arrival date as of yet, you can order your new Ford Focus ST right now, if you want. The Blue Oval opened up the build and order tools on their website earlier this month, or you can give us a call at Jim Tidwell Ford, (866) 941-8605, and a member of our team will help you sort through options packages, specs, and financing.

Don't need all the power of the turbocharged EcoBoost but love the peppy attitude of the original Ford Focus? Stop into our showroom at 2205 Barrett Lakes Blvd Kennesaw, GA 30144 to take one for a spin, today!