Ford: Focus News
#241
Team Owner
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Originally Posted by Dan Martin
I've always liked the WRC focus but the street versions have always been until now.
And if they seriously bring the Focus RS to the states, I think they would have a real enthusiast market that would buy it.
#242
Photography Nerd
Originally Posted by CGTSX2004
And if they seriously bring the Focus RS to the states, I think they would have a real enthusiast market that would buy it.
#243
Fahrvergnügen'd
There's no way they are bringing this here. Ford USA loves milquetoast cars and won't take any chances.
So it looks like the hottest hatch we're gonna see from FoMoCo is the MazdaSpeed 3
So it looks like the hottest hatch we're gonna see from FoMoCo is the MazdaSpeed 3
#244
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Focus ST Previewed
New XR3 Shows Its Class - - By Chris Thorp -- Source: Autoexpress
It's the fast Ford the UK's performance car fans have been waiting for - and it's finally hit the road. But can the new Focus ST really live up to all the hype? To find out, Auto Express was on hand as the spiritual successor to the XR3 hit the test track. We also matched the car up with VW's sensational Golf GTI - the machine likely to present the Ford with its biggest challenge.
Our exclusive pictures reveal that away from the motor show crowds, the ST's muscular lines come alive in the summer sun. Designers have done a great job in evolving the latest Focus's conservative shape into a striking hot hatch. Inside, the makeover is just as dramatic. The colour of the bodywork is carried over to the seats, while chrome trim adds visual impact to the well built cabin. On top of the dash, three extra gauges hint at what's under the bonnet.
As with the outgoing Focus RS, the ST employs a turbocharger to maximise performance. However, it takes power from a five-cylinder Volvo engine. This is the first five-cylinder unit ever used by Ford, and it "gives the Focus a unique character", according to one insider.
While the newcomer's 217bhp output is bettered by the 237bhp Vauxhall Astra VXR, Ford has engineered its front-wheel-drive Focus to deliver gutsy low-down torque. Early indications are that the ST - short for Sport Technologies - drives like no other Ford ever produced before. The distinctive engine noise is complemented by a chassis set-up which aims to provides plenty of grip, combined with entertaining handling.
So impressive is the performance that, during development testing, the ST is claimed to have shaved a massive 12 seconds off the best lap time set by an old-shape Focus RS around the Nürburgring in Germany. By the time production models hit the UK, suspension settings will have been further tuned to our roads to give a supple ride as well.
We'll give you our definitive verdict when the ST is launched later this year, before it goes on sale in early 2006. With the Astra VXR due at the same time, all eyes will be on the hot hatch market to see if the Golf GTI loses its crown.
Our exclusive pictures reveal that away from the motor show crowds, the ST's muscular lines come alive in the summer sun. Designers have done a great job in evolving the latest Focus's conservative shape into a striking hot hatch. Inside, the makeover is just as dramatic. The colour of the bodywork is carried over to the seats, while chrome trim adds visual impact to the well built cabin. On top of the dash, three extra gauges hint at what's under the bonnet.
As with the outgoing Focus RS, the ST employs a turbocharger to maximise performance. However, it takes power from a five-cylinder Volvo engine. This is the first five-cylinder unit ever used by Ford, and it "gives the Focus a unique character", according to one insider.
While the newcomer's 217bhp output is bettered by the 237bhp Vauxhall Astra VXR, Ford has engineered its front-wheel-drive Focus to deliver gutsy low-down torque. Early indications are that the ST - short for Sport Technologies - drives like no other Ford ever produced before. The distinctive engine noise is complemented by a chassis set-up which aims to provides plenty of grip, combined with entertaining handling.
So impressive is the performance that, during development testing, the ST is claimed to have shaved a massive 12 seconds off the best lap time set by an old-shape Focus RS around the Nürburgring in Germany. By the time production models hit the UK, suspension settings will have been further tuned to our roads to give a supple ride as well.
We'll give you our definitive verdict when the ST is launched later this year, before it goes on sale in early 2006. With the Astra VXR due at the same time, all eyes will be on the hot hatch market to see if the Golf GTI loses its crown.
#249
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For those calling for this car to make it in the USA: You have to understand how different the focus is positioned in the European market. It's more of an Accord/Camry there, when translated to our "automotive reality language". So Ford has a lot more to gain/lose with the Focus there. Hence the attention on the Euro Spec model.
When we get a Focus here, about 1.5 years from now, it will be done to reflect its category to the USA market, whatever that is.
We could get a "lux" Focus if for example Ford had Lincoln or Mercury add it to its lineup and sell it against the A3 from Audi. That would make a TON of sense. But only with a very different interior.
When we get a Focus here, about 1.5 years from now, it will be done to reflect its category to the USA market, whatever that is.
We could get a "lux" Focus if for example Ford had Lincoln or Mercury add it to its lineup and sell it against the A3 from Audi. That would make a TON of sense. But only with a very different interior.
#250
Senior Moderator
Nice!
#253
Fahrvergnügen'd
Originally Posted by gavriil
When we get a Focus here, about 1.5 years from now, it will be done to reflect its category to the USA market, whatever that is.
If Ford had any interest in getting into the hot-hatch market they'd have brought over the Focus RS.
I love my Mazda 3s but wish it were faster. When the new GTI gets here and I can see if it's built well, I'm going to go look at it, the Mazdaspeed 3, and any other alternatives available.
I'd buy a Ford Focus SVT if it were taken seriously.
#262
The sizzle in the Steak
Why does the U.S. still get the crap Focus?!?!!?
#263
_____ like a rabbit
Focus ST lived up to their high expectations
Ford's all-new Focus ST performance model has been put through its paces by the company's 2005 World Rally Championship team drivers – and they have both given it the thumbs up!
New Focus ST prototypes have been driven hard and fast by Roman Kresta and Toni Gardemeister, who both drive Ford Focus WRCs in the FIA World Rally Championship, along with former British Rally Champion Malcolm Wilson, who is in charge of M-Sport (which operates the official works rally effort on behalf of Ford in the World Rally Championship). All three commented that the Focus ST totally lived up to their high expectations.
Their final exclusive test session was held just before the Rallye Deutschland, and under demanding conditions of torrential rain. But they came back with glowing reports on the ST's abilities.
Malcolm Wilson said: "For me it's one of the best Fords that have ever been produced. It's a car that suits all ages of drivers but with cutting edge performance and driveability."
Wilson was clearly impressed with the engine: "One of the main attributes is the torque of the engine, which is just sensational. I couldn't believe how stable the car is and how it oozes quality in terms of ride, suspension dynamics and most of all driveability."
Roman Kresta commented: "Everything about the Focus ST feels impressive and it feels like a big step up from the base Focus. The handling is precise and safe, while the steering feels extremely sharp and positive."
"The brakes are superb and the traction in the wet is highly impressive," Kresta added. "The suspension gives a stable ride on fast roads, which is what you expect from this type of car. It's not too hard or too soft - it feels just right. For me it is a great car - a sporty vehicle that is fun to drive."
Toni Gardemeister echoed these comments, saying: "The overall feeling is very good. The handling is precise - that's one of the great characteristics of all Focus cars. The gearbox has a good feel to it while the brakes perform superbly, especially when braking hard from high speed."
"The Focus ST feels extremely stable at high speed, even in the wet, and it's a car that offers a good driving experience," added Gardemeister.
Volume production of Focus ST has now started at Ford's Saarlouis production plant in Germany. The availability to order the Focus ST depends on individual market launch dates, with the first customer units being shipped from the plant next week.
The Focus ST is equipped with a strong turbocharged Duratec ST, 2.5 litre, 5-cylinder engine delivering 225PS. With its slick-operating six-speed manual gearbox, it is capable of a top speed in excess of 240 km/h (around 150mph), and needs only 6.8 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (6.5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph).
Such performance does not come at the expense of safety. Standard equipment includes an anti-lock braking system, traction control and a full complement of driver and passenger front and side airbags. Distinctive styling cues, low-profile 225/40 R18 tyres mounted on 8x18-inch aluminium wheels, and Recaro seats are among the features that make Focus ST stand out from the crowd.
New Focus ST prototypes have been driven hard and fast by Roman Kresta and Toni Gardemeister, who both drive Ford Focus WRCs in the FIA World Rally Championship, along with former British Rally Champion Malcolm Wilson, who is in charge of M-Sport (which operates the official works rally effort on behalf of Ford in the World Rally Championship). All three commented that the Focus ST totally lived up to their high expectations.
Their final exclusive test session was held just before the Rallye Deutschland, and under demanding conditions of torrential rain. But they came back with glowing reports on the ST's abilities.
Malcolm Wilson said: "For me it's one of the best Fords that have ever been produced. It's a car that suits all ages of drivers but with cutting edge performance and driveability."
Wilson was clearly impressed with the engine: "One of the main attributes is the torque of the engine, which is just sensational. I couldn't believe how stable the car is and how it oozes quality in terms of ride, suspension dynamics and most of all driveability."
Roman Kresta commented: "Everything about the Focus ST feels impressive and it feels like a big step up from the base Focus. The handling is precise and safe, while the steering feels extremely sharp and positive."
"The brakes are superb and the traction in the wet is highly impressive," Kresta added. "The suspension gives a stable ride on fast roads, which is what you expect from this type of car. It's not too hard or too soft - it feels just right. For me it is a great car - a sporty vehicle that is fun to drive."
Toni Gardemeister echoed these comments, saying: "The overall feeling is very good. The handling is precise - that's one of the great characteristics of all Focus cars. The gearbox has a good feel to it while the brakes perform superbly, especially when braking hard from high speed."
"The Focus ST feels extremely stable at high speed, even in the wet, and it's a car that offers a good driving experience," added Gardemeister.
Volume production of Focus ST has now started at Ford's Saarlouis production plant in Germany. The availability to order the Focus ST depends on individual market launch dates, with the first customer units being shipped from the plant next week.
The Focus ST is equipped with a strong turbocharged Duratec ST, 2.5 litre, 5-cylinder engine delivering 225PS. With its slick-operating six-speed manual gearbox, it is capable of a top speed in excess of 240 km/h (around 150mph), and needs only 6.8 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (6.5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph).
Such performance does not come at the expense of safety. Standard equipment includes an anti-lock braking system, traction control and a full complement of driver and passenger front and side airbags. Distinctive styling cues, low-profile 225/40 R18 tyres mounted on 8x18-inch aluminium wheels, and Recaro seats are among the features that make Focus ST stand out from the crowd.
#265
The new Euro hatchback Focus looks hot. Ford could easily corner the low volume hatchback market in the US by bringing that thing here. The only competition are the cheap Korean and Japanese models (none from the big 3, Toyota/Nissan/Honda), possibly the Scion tC, and then the more expensive VW's.
#267
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by charliemike
We'll never see that here.
And that's just sad...
#268
Lola
Originally Posted by charliemike
We'll never see that here.
In Hong Kong(where I grew up) most people think Ford is a German brand.
#269
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by MSZ
I wonder why those pics come from AmericanCarFans.com, since this car has nothing to do with the American Ford.
In Hong Kong(where I grew up) most people think Ford is a German brand.
In Hong Kong(where I grew up) most people think Ford is a German brand.
#270
The sizzle in the Steak
Originally Posted by charliemike
We'll never see that here.
#272
Originally Posted by Moog-Type-S
...and Ford wonders why they are losing profits
Well, lets not be too hard, the reason we won't see this here is the same reason we won't see the euro civic here.
#273
Fahrvergnügen'd
Originally Posted by heyitsme
Well, lets not be too hard, the reason we won't see this here is the same reason we won't see the euro civic here.
#274
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Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet News
Ford Focus coupe cabriolet - - Source: Autoweek
Ford Focus coupe cabriolet
First shown as the Vignale concept at the Paris auto show (shown here) in 2004, Ford will unveil a near-production version of its Focus-based convertible with a retractable hardtop.
The niche vehicle is part of Ford's plan to broaden the Focus product line. Ford has been without a medium-sized coupe or cabriolet since sales of the the Escort cabriolet stopped in 1998.
The Focus coupe cabriolet will be built by Pininfarina of Italy and will go on sale shortly after the Paris auto show in September.
First shown as the Vignale concept at the Paris auto show (shown here) in 2004, Ford will unveil a near-production version of its Focus-based convertible with a retractable hardtop.
The niche vehicle is part of Ford's plan to broaden the Focus product line. Ford has been without a medium-sized coupe or cabriolet since sales of the the Escort cabriolet stopped in 1998.
The Focus coupe cabriolet will be built by Pininfarina of Italy and will go on sale shortly after the Paris auto show in September.
#275
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This is beautiful! When are we gonna get this new Focus here? Ford is in trouble and its most beautiful small car in a time when gas prices are high, is not sold here. What am I missing?
#279
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It was always a goregeous concept. If they can translate what we see above into production, they'll have a hit. They really, really need to bring it here. The NA Focus has always had a good reputation in the U.S. They'd selle well here, if priced right.
#280
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ght=ford+focus
Old and its still unlikely Ford USA would release a car of this quality in North America.
Old and its still unlikely Ford USA would release a car of this quality in North America.