File this one under ‘another cool hatch for Europe only’. There is a new generation of Ford Focus on the way for 2010, and it seems Ford has some big plans for it. Part of that may include a hatchback coupe in the vein of models like the Volkswagen Scirocco and Renault Mégane coupe, with a convertible version possibly in the works.
Now there is the argument that there already is a Focus coupe in the U.S., but for those who don’t know, the European version of the economy car is much cooler. Engines that are expected for this focus include gas and diesel units that make between 89 and 197 hp.
It’s true that the next generation of the European Focus will have a home in North America, but that doesn’t mean all variations will have a home on these traditionally hatchback unfriendly shores. VW nixed the Scirocco here because of fears it would cannibalize the GTI’s sales, and Renault doesn’t even sell to the U.S. But who knows, maybe the Ford Focus coupe is just right...
Ford revealed the new Focus in 2008 in order to celebrate the model’s tenth anniversary. It comes with fresh, new ’kinetic design’ exterior, upgraded interior, new features and technologies. The line-up includes the new four-door saloon, the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet and the sporty flagship model Focus ST.
The new Focus features a more sporty and muscular styling with new front end with dynamic new form of the bonnet and the enlarged, trapezoidal opening of the new lower grille, plus newly sculpted headlamps.
The Focus is being offered with both gasoline and diesel engines. Standard cylinder capacities range from 1.4 to 2.0-litres, 80 hp to 145 hp respectively. All Duratec petrol engines are equipped, as standard, with a five-speed manual transmission. The ST version is powered by a 2.5-litre Duratec five-cylinder engine that delivers 225 hp at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 320 Nm available throughout the range from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm.
For the diesel line-up, all the engines come with state-of-the-art common rail injection technology for high efficiency, high pulling power and low fuel consumption. Depending on the market, the 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi delivers either 90 or 109 hp. Next in the powertrain line-up for Focus diesel engines is the popular 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi, delivering 115 hp and a maximum torque of 280 Nm at 1,900 rpm. The 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi engine has 136 hp and a maximum torque of 320 Nm.
Ford is currently preparing the next generation Focus for the European market. It will be launched in 2010 and will compete with the future Opel Astra. Ford will also unveil a three-doors coupe version that will compete with models like Volkswagen Scirocco and Renault Megane Coupe. The CC version will follow in 2011.
The North American market will not get its hands on a euro-spec Focus until 2010, and it will likely be the current model. No word yet on when this revised Focus will/if make its way to the U.S.
The design, which will likely be inspired by the new Fiesta, will feature a dramatic change, dominated by an outrageous grille. Exterior will also feature: a prominent bonnet, with lines that run from the base of the windscreen to form an overhanging focal point for the Ford badge, the huge headlights and further air intakes in the lower part of the front bumper.
The 2010 Focus will come with the EcoBoost range of turbocharged engines, while the cabin will feature an all-new BMW iDrive-style control system.
Engine range will include a 1.6-litre TDCi with 89bhp, 108bhp or 128bhp, and a 2.0-litre with 168bhp or 197bhp. All engines get manual gearboxes as standard, while the PowerShift twin-clutch transmission will come as an option.
When the Ford Focus first appeared in 2000, it was Ford’s modern attempt at a real “world car” (the mid-90s Contour/Mystique wasn’t built for the world, it was an attempt at getting the U.S. to buy the second generation Mondeo.) The Focus was a vast improvement over the Escort, but the problem was that since it was built for multiple continents, it had multiple compromises.
The original Focus needed to be both a full hatchback for Europe and a full sedan for North America. While the resulting car was successful, the look was somewhat odd. Now that Ford makes two separate Focus lines (one for U.S. and Canada as well as a separate one for the rest of the world,) Ford can now focus on a traditional shape for the sedan and for the first time offer a true coupe.
For the people who consider that the European Ford Focus ST to be bordering on perfection, Loder1899 is trying to tip the scales with its new customization kit for the stylish hatchback. This consists of a new suspension kit that lowers the vehicle for better handling, a new stainless steel sport exhaust system, a new set of 20 inch “IRA” wheels.
Probably the best part is the engine management system upgrade and a new sports air intake. The 2.5-liter engine now makes an extra 45 hp, bringing the total to 270.
Ford UK revealed today the sporty Zetec S. The car is now on sale at Uk dealers and is priced £750 above the equivalent Zetec derivative.
The Ford Focus Zetec S is available in three-door and five-door versions and is offered with the same wide choice of engines as the existing Focus Zetec with the addition of a 1.6 Ti-VCT 115PS petrol unit. Other available engines are the 1.8 125PS and 2.0 145PS petrol units and the diesel 1.8 TDCi 115 PS, 2.0 TDCi 136PS, and 2.0 TDCi 136PS with diesel particulate filter (DPF) which can also be specified with Ford’s acclaimed six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission.
Where the extra money goes for in the Zetec S comes with front and rear spoilers with lower sill extensions, 17" alloy wheels and aluminum-style foot pedals and hand brake cover.
For a teenager, there’s nothing like the feeling of independence that comes from hitting the open road. But now Ford is saying not so fast, Junior (literally). Ford’s new MyKey system (standard on the 2010 Focus coupe and optional on other models) allows parents to program a specific car key to play Big Brother. When used to start the car, the MyKey can limit top speed to 80 mph (as well as chime at speeds as low as 45), mute the stereo until a seatbelt is fastened, give early low fuel warnings, and perform other mothering tasks that will be sure to get your kids to give you the “that’s, like, totally unfair” look.
If Ford really wanted to do parents of teenagers a favor, they would set the system to warn if the car detected it was parked in the woods with two (or more—woohoo) occupants. But I guess for services like that you would need to get the trunk monkey.
Ford added today a new performance package for the Focus ST. The Mountune Performance package will retail at £1,120 and consists of a larger intercooler, a high-flow air filter and revised engine calibration. Together, this lifts power output from Ford’s potent 2.5-litre Duratec ST engine from 225PS to 260PS at 5,500rpm and from 320Nm to 400Nm at 2,500rpm.
The upgrade reduces the 0-60mph sprint by 0.6sec to 5.9sec, and the 0-100mph time by 1.9sec to 14.1sec.
Ford will invest at least $75 million to begin converting a Michigan SUV plant to small car production as part of its strategic shift to sell more of the fuel-efficient vehicles in North America. The 51 year old plant is located in Wayne, Michigan and is currently used to build the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs. Begining in November, Ford will start moving equipment to build the big SUVs to the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, which currently makes Super Duty F-series trucks. The move will clear space for Michigan’s truck body shop to be retooled to make Focus bodies. The Michigan factory will be converted entirely to a car plant in 2010.
The changes are part of Ford’s plan to build more small cars in response to the rapid U.S. market shift away from trucks and SUVs. For the past few months, Ford has said it has not been able to build Focuses fast enough.
Remember that Saleen doesn’t just work with Mustangs, but a whole host of Ford products. To help squeeze a little more performance out of a budget car, Saleen has turned its attention to the Ford Focus coupe. The new vehicle called Racecraft Focus RC2 includes a new front fascia, a new grille, side sills, a new rear spoiler and a rear apron with integrated exhaust system. The new suspension system was also upgraded and together with the new 18 inch alloy wheels the stability was improved.
Under the hood a power boost of 15 hp was obtained with the help of the new exhaust system and the cold air intake. With a price under $20,000 the new Saleen Racecraft Focus RC2 promises to be a best-seller comparing it with the Saleen N2O.
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