While the Mustang rightfully gets a lions share of the attention in the performance department at FoMoCo, the Blue Oval is whipping up some special rides for those who prefer front-wheel drive (why?) Ford already formally announced the “concept” Focus ST, and we’ve seen spy pictures of what must be the Fiesta ST.

Now Autocar reports that the compact Fiesta ST could pack as much as 180 horsepower, an awful lot for such a diminutive ride. Should make for a very fun corner carver, if Ford does it right.

The all-new Ford Fiesta was only introduced last year, but it’s already become a brisk seller. Alas, there is currently no option available for a two-door hatchback like the one pictured above. It will likely be reserved for the Fiesta ST model, which will get a 180 horsepower, 1.6 liter four-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost engine. That is more power than any of the competition, and if Ford launches it on schedule towards the end of 2012, it could beat any other sporty compact competitors.

That is, if Ford brings the Fiesta ST to the States. While the Focus ST is confirmed to be America-bound, no word on if the U.S. is destined to get a Fiesta with forced induction. Considering that Ford is building most of its new models (including the Fiesta) on “global” platforms, there’s no reason we should be denied such a peppy little car. We’ll be really, really upset if those Eurosnobs get a turbo Fiesta and we don’t.