2006 Ford Focus XR5

“It was all about finding the fine line between sporty presence and discreet presentation. The Focus XR5 Turbo emanates performance as well as practicality. The new Focus has excellent proportions; so giving it more sporting appeal was a sure winner. The distinguishing design characteristics of the Focus XR5 Turbo don’t just look great, they also serve a function. As the turbo intake needed a lot of fresh air, the air intakes on the front spoiler had to be enlarged. Not enough air came through an initial version, and it took a lighter radiator grille design with less air resistance to get thermal issues under control." said Ford TeamRS Chief Designer Chris Clements

Exterior

On the outside, the front bumper has been emphasised to give the Focus XR5 Turbo a lowered look incorporating an aggressive inverted-trapezoid lower grille. Flanking the top of the lower grille, fog lamp openings are trimmed in brushed aluminium.Sporty and performance oriented from every angle, the Focus XR5 Turbo’s design reflects the elegance and calmness of a superior athlete. 18" alloy wheels sit proudly beneath pronounced wheel arches. Aquatic fins on the rear wheel arches project a look of purposeful intent. Plus a lower, athletic stance, twin chrome exhausts and high level rear light clusters reflect the Focus XR5 Turbo’s passion for smooth, superior performance.

"The fastback stretches the rear of the new Focus, and the larger XR5 rear spoiler provides a nice contrast. The car looks like it’s taking off,” said Clements.

The designers also wanted to achieve a greater presence in the lower body sections. They wanted a rear end with imposing exhaust pipes, while engine technicians wanted a large tailpipe so their impressive work would be signed off with a striking acoustic signature. Engineers soon came up with an answer in the form of a voluminous silencer, mounted laterally with two exhaust pipes coming out of its sides. This booming addition to the car couldn’t be mounted on the volume production Focus bodyshell because of the spare tyre housing, so the lower section of the luggage space on the XR5 is removed and the remaining hole covered.

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