Set to debut at dealerships this summer, the 2013 Ford Focus ST is the Blue Oval’s first attempt at bringing a turbocharged hatchback to the American market. On paper, the Focus ST has everything it should need to succeed, including a 2.0 liter, 247 horsepower EcoBoost engine that cranks out up to 270 ft-lbs of torque.

Now Ford is releasing details on the new “Overboost” feature, which allows the Focus ST to deliver extra torque throughout the mid-range RPM. This feature should prove popular with the boy racer crowd.

Overboost allows ST drivers to temporarily “spool up” the turbochargers for a maximum of 15 seconds. This extra revving delivers an increase of up to 7.4% more torque between 3000 and 4,500 RPM’s. The 2.0 liter EcoBoost delivers its peak torque around 2,500 RPM normally, but as this chart shows, the Overboost feature pumps the torque output up into a much flatter curve throughout the mid-range.

It is a similar feature to the “turbo” or “boost” features found in many video games, though the feature will be activated automatically, rather than via a big red button. We have to say, we’re a bit disappointed to hear that, though Overboost should help make those “passing maneuvers” all the more enjoyable in daily traffic. With EcoBoost engines cropping up throughout Ford’s lineup, we wonder if Overboost might find its way into other Ford (or Lincoln) vehicles.