Autoblog

Ford shows off 67-mpg Focus Econetic ahead of Amsterdam debut

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Ford, Diesel

Ford Focus Econetic - Click above for high-res image gallery

We may have the 40-mile-per-gallon SFE trim on the 2012 Ford Focus here in the States, but European eco-warriors will soon be able to sink their teeth into the new Focus Econetic, designed purely with efficiency in mind. Ford claims that the Focus Econetic can achieve up to 80 mpg on the European testing cycle, or about 67 mpg here in the U.S.

Ford's road to super-efficiency starts with the automaker's 103-horsepower, 1.6-liter Duratorq diesel engine. That, combined with start-stop, smart regenerative charging, Eco mode and a revised final drive ratio allow this engine to perform as efficiently as possible at all times. For reference, the standard Euro-spec Focus equipped with the 1.6-liter diesel four is good for about 55 mpg (U.S.).

Aerodynamic enhancements consist of active grille shutters on the front fascia, as well as special low-drag wheel covers. We're all for added efficiency, but it might be nice if these plastic wheel caps didn't look like they were ripped straight from a 1992 Honda Accord.

The Focus Econetic makes its official debut next week at the Amsterdam Motor Show, with the first examples hitting the streets in early 2012. Both four- and five-door body styles will be available. Follow the jump for the full details.

Gallery: Ford Focus Econetic

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford shows off 67-mpg Focus Econetic ahead of Amsterdam debut

Ford shows off 67-mpg Focus Econetic ahead of Amsterdam debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Focus RS500 already sold out?

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Hatchback, Ford, Racing

2011 Ford Focus RS500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Well, that didn't take long, did it? We knew the new 2011 Ford Focus RS500 would move fast, but not quite this fast. Powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder that produces 345 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, Ford's hottest hatch one-ups even the already bonkers Focus RS with its piddly 305 horsepower and 325 lb-ft. Considering that the RS is capable of a 0-62 mile per hour sprint of under six seconds and a top speed of 163 mph, the RS500 should clock in around 5.6 seconds.

What we didn't expect was the fact that the RS500 would sell so quickly. With their matte black paint, 19-inch wheels and all that performance on tap, we certainly expected them to be a hot commodity, but if Autocar is to be believed, the whole run of 500 units has already sold out - some 12 hours after the reveal. Sales will be spread out over 20 European markets, with the UK getting 101 units, Germany getting 55 cars, France receiving 50 and Belgium scoring 50 units, with Denmark, the Czech Republic and Greece getting five units each, while Ireland receives three.

The best part of the story is the fact that all 500 units are already spoken for, even before prices have been announced. Ford is said to be sorting through the letters of intent from customers to figure out dealer allocations. And don't forget, the order books don't formally open until May. With the regular RS trading above sticker on the used car market, we're guessing there will be more than a few flippers in the initial owner group.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Focus RS500 (Europe)

[Source: Autocar.co.uk]

Ford Focus RS500 already sold out? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Focus RS500 hacks out onto the Internet ahead of schedule

Chris Paukert — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:55:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Ford, UK

2011 Ford Focus RS500 - click above for high-res image gallery

We've been waiting patiently for the digital reveal of the stonking new Ford Focus RS500, but apparently others aren't quite so couth. According to one of our inside sources at the Blue Oval, the RS500's site was breached and the pictures have begun leaking out onto desktops in Europe. In response, Ford of Europe has announced that "Due to overwhelming interest shown for the new Ford Focus RS500, Ford has decided to release more information today." Uh-huh. Admittedly, while we can't condone the hacker's methodology, judging by these photographs we can understand their hurry, because Ford's latest limited-edition hot hatch looks to be a real corker.

Powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder that gives 350 PS and 460 Nm of torque (that's 345 horsepower and 339 pound-feet to us Yanks), the RS500 offers an appreciable boost over the standard - and still bonkers - Focus RS and its 305 horsepower and 325 lb-ft. We're assuming that like the 'base' RS that all that power gets funneled through the front wheels, which, even with Ford's trick RevoKnuckle front suspension and Quaife limited-slip differential, figures to be something of a handful. An entertaining handful, we're sure, but a handful nevertheless. Ford hasn't released full details yet, but the current RS hits 62 mph in under six seconds and blasts to 162 mph.

If you see one of these beasties on the road (you'll know them by ~~the trail of dead~~ their 19-inch wheels and serialized one-of-500 dashboard plaques, and at least judging by the pictures above, their matte black paint), you might want to take ask for a ride - or at least take a picture. The entire 2011 production run will be spread out over 20 European markets, with the U.K. predictably getting the most (101 units), Germany getting 55 cars, France receiving 50, tiny Belgium punching above its weight with 50 units of its own, and trickling on down until the hatches get to the likes of Denmark, the Czech Republic, and Greece (five units each) and Ireland, which will receive just three.

If you're interested in picking one up and you live in one of the twenty EDM markets that the RS500 will be sold in, might we kindly suggest that you stop looking at your computer screen and get on the phone to your local dealer now? For everyone else, you'll want to check back on Wednesday, March 31 when Ford releases more information, along with added frippery like ringtones, video snippets and so on. Top tip, Helmut!

Gallery: 2011 Ford Focus RS500 (Europe)

[Source: Ford]

Ford Focus RS500 hacks out onto the Internet ahead of schedule originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Memory Jog - Revisiting the Mercury Tracer

Dan Roth — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Mercury

Classic Mercury Tracer - Click above to watch the video after the break

"It's peppy," the salesman said as an enticement to buy... It's not that the Mazda 323/Ford Laser-based first-generation Tracer was a bad car, but the Escort apparently called stronger for our own hard-earned dollar, so we drove home in a brand new 1989 wagon. Ford apparently figured this out with the second-generation Tracer, which was joined with the Escort as part of a comprehensive redesign in the early 1990s.

Must have been a step in the right direction - that car managed to make it onto Car & Driver's 10Best list. A preponderance of Tracers seem to have been painted metallic teal, one of the hottest colors of the time, but even in its second iteration the Tracer was nothing more than someone else's hardware with a badge/grille job.

Out of all the shelved model names it could choose from, Mercury is apparently going to dust off the Tracer name for an interplanetary version of the new Focus. Since the next-gen Focus appears to be so good, the new Tracer ought to follow suit, but why not take this opportunity to remember a time when power mirrors and a tachometer were "features?" On to the videos, then, after the jump.

Continue reading Video: Memory Jog - Revisiting the Mercury Tracer

Video: Memory Jog - Revisiting the Mercury Tracer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford to merge U.S. and European performance lines; Focus RS coming to America?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Ford

2009 Ford Focus RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Our friends across the pond in Europe have always good things to say about the Ford Focus RS, leading to a great deal of angst in America since the Blue Oval Boys have never brought the hi-po Focus Stateside. News from Jost Capito, the man in charge of aligning Ford's performance divisions all around the globe, has us anxiously awaiting the time when that gross oversight is finally corrected.

Automobile recently got the chance to sit down and chat with Capito, and the conversation quickly turned to the new global Ford Focus platform that was recently unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show. According to Capito, Ford is still deciding what to call the next-gen high-performance Focus, saying only, "I don't see RS in Europe going away, and I don't see SVT in the U.S. going away."

Regardless of what it's called, we could very well see the speedy Focus take on multiple forms - similar to the path Ford has taken with the car in Europe with both a Focus ST and top-level RS. Previously, we heard rumors that a 240-horsepower Ecoboost-powered Focus ST could hit the scene within 18 months, followed by the latest RS, which could sport a 350-horsepower all-wheel drive hybrid powertrain, within the next three years.

There are plenty more interesting tidbits in the interview, click here to follow along.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (green)

[Source: Automobile Magazine]

Ford to merge U.S. and European performance lines; Focus RS coming to America? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 350-hp Focus RS Clubsport coming, next-gen RS to get hybrid power

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:25:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Ford

2009 Ford Focus RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's no secret that we openly covet the Ford Focus Rallye Sport. Unfortunately, the Blue Oval never found it in its heart to let the hottest version of its Focus hatchback into the United States... or any version of the European Focus for that matter. As such, we're certainly not expecting to see the rumored Clubsport model that Auto Express claims will be the current car's swan song before the new version is unveiled based on the all-new Focus.

Too bad, as the idea of 350 horsepower from Ford's highly lauded 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine sounds just peachy, as do the lightweight racing seats, lowered and stiffened suspension and suitably sticky rubber. If there's any truth to all of this, expect the run to 60 to be dispatched in just about five seconds flat. Don't be too saddened by the news, though.

The next juicy bit of internet rumormongering is that a new version of the RS has been greenlit, based on the new Focus platform that was recently unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show. This model would seemingly have a much better chance of coming Stateside, being that the next Focus will be a true global vehicle.

If you're the type that likes to save fuel while scorching asphalt, you'll like the rumored inclusion of a hybrid powertrain centering on Ford's 2.0-liter Ecoboost four cylinder. That boosted mill would reportedly drive the front wheels while an electric motor would send torque to the rear, resulting in an all-wheel drive arrangement, estimated 0-60 run of (again) five seconds and a top speed of 155 miles per hour.

Interestingly, AE reports that this is the same powertrain Peugeot used in its SR1 concept, and the French automaker is said to have co-developed the hybrid drivetrain with Ford. We won't know whether or not any of this is accurate for quite some time, as the car reportedly won't be ready for another three years, but a 240-horsepower Ecoboost Focus ST may be on the way within the next 18 months. We'll see...

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (green)

[Source: Auto Express]

Rumormill: 350-hp Focus RS Clubsport coming, next-gen RS to get hybrid power originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AB's Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Etc.

We love auto show season, mostly for the chance to see all the coolest new cars and concepts that the world's best automakers have to offer. This year at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, though, there weren't nearly as many new models to point our DSLR lenses at... for rather obvious reasons.

As such, we've cut the typical Top 10 in half and compiled a list of the Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Keep in mind that there are a number of reasons why a vehicle might be interesting or important, and we've run the gamut to represent all different types on our list.

Interestingly, you'll only see Detroit-based automakers in our Top Five. That conclusion wasn't reached on purpose, we simply judged each new model on its own merits and this is how our musings turned out. For an added bonus, each of us in attendance picked our own personal favorite. So, without further ado, click here to see our Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

[Image: Bryan Mitchell/Getty]

Continue reading AB's Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show

AB's Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Next-gen Ford Focus a C-segment savior [w/video]

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:04:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford, Electric

Next-gen Ford Focus live unveiling - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's taken far too long, but an all-new Ford Focus has arrived and we've just seen it in the metal here at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Complete with a new platform, new engine, some shapely sheetmetal and a host of tech, this new Focus that we'll finally be sharing with Europe and the rest of the world promises to set a new bar for the small car C-segment.

The Focus will initially be available in the U.S. in both four- and five-door hatchback body styles, with a three-door hatch and coupe likely in the works as well. A new 2.0-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque will be the only engine at launch, but buyers will have a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and Ford's new six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Ford also confirmed during its press conference this morning that a Focus Electric is due to arrive in 2012, with a hybrid version arriving the next year - both of which will be built in Michigan.

For all the details, hit up our deep dive of the next generation Ford Focus after checking out our first live shots from the Detroit Auto Show in the gallery below. Hit the jump to watch video of the 2011 Ford Focus live reveal.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Next-Gen Ford Focus

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Follow our coverage of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show live all day on Twitter at http://twitter.com/therealautoblog

Continue reading Detroit 2010: Next-gen Ford Focus a C-segment savior [w/video]

Detroit 2010: Next-gen Ford Focus a C-segment savior [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next-Gen Ford Focus unveiled! U.S. and Euro models finally united

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:02:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford

Next-gen Ford Focus - Click above for high-res image gallery

As we begin 2010, it looks like the compact C-segment is shaping up to be one of the most highly competitve segments in the auto industry. The Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, VW Golf and Jetta, along with the new Chevrolet Cruze are fighting for the hearts, minds and dollars of the masses. And then there's the Ford Focus.

This week in Detroit, Ford is unwrapping an all-new Focus for the 2012 model year. When the original Focus debuted internationally in 1998 and then in the U.S. a year later, it was more or less a common design. The U.S. version, however, suffered from a series of manufacturing issues and recalls within its first year of sales. Meanwhile, the overseas model got a full redesign in 2004, but Americans kept the MK1 Focus until three years ago when it got an unfortunately awkward re-skin. This time around the new Focus is truly global and adopts the latest evolution of Ford's European "Kinetic" design language. Judging by our first exposure to the 2012 Focus, every other contender in the segment may have a real problem to deal with next year. Learn more about the new Focus after the jump.

Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus

Continue reading Next-Gen Ford Focus unveiled! U.S. and Euro models finally united

Next-Gen Ford Focus unveiled! U.S. and Euro models finally united originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: 10 Ford Focus variants coming to the U.S.

Chris Shunk — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:39:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Crossover, Hatchback, Ford

Ford C-Max - Click above for high-res image gallery

While the first-generation Ford Focus certainly had its faults, it was also ahead of its time, with engaging driving dynamics and a ton of different variations. You could get a Focus sedan, a three- or five-door hatch and even a wagon. For a few years there was even a high-revving SVT Focus (those were the days). While the current Focus is relegated to only sedan and coupe variants, the 2011 Focus will reportedly have a lot more options from which to choose.

Car and Driver recently sat down with Ford marketing chief Jim Farley, and when the subject of the Blue Oval's long awaited next-gen global Focus came up, Black Sheep's first cousin came up with the number 10. That's 10 as in the number of Focus variants we might expect here in the U.S. While Farley didn't go too far into which Focus variants will be available here, the list isn't difficult to guess.

One vehicle that we know has been given the green light for sale here in the U.S. is the Focus C-Max and Grand C-Max minivan, which will come in five- and seven-seat variations. Then there's the sedan and coupe, three- and five-door hatch, the promised Electric Focus, the Kuga crossover and possibly Lincoln and Mercury versions that will utilize Ford's global C-Segment platform. The next couple of years will be pretty interesting for Ford as it finally gets serious about small cars here in the U.S. With 10 Focus-based vehicles and an excellent new Fiesta, customers will finally have some solid small car choices from which to choose. The new Focus we've all been waiting for should make its global debut at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show in January, so stay tuned.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Ford C-Max

[Source: Car and Driver]

REPORT: 10 Ford Focus variants coming to the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor XT, $100K off-road race truck

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, SEMA Show, Truck, Ford

2010 Ford F150 Raptor R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Does the idea of a $100,000 pickup truck give you heart palpitations? If so, you might want to skip over the rest of this text. For the past year Ford has been using off-road races like the Baja 500 and 1000 as real world test tracks to prove out the performance and durability of the new F-150 SVT Raptor pickup. The Raptor R that Ford has been racing is actually pretty close to the production truck, although it does have more power and suspension travel.

Now the Ford Racing crew is following in the footsteps of the various FR500 Mustangs of the last five years and offering a factory-built race truck. Called the Raptor XT, it features the same 500-hp 6.2-liter V8 found in the latest edition of the Raptor R. The Raptor XT also gets all the interior amenities of a standard road going Raptor while adding the chrome-moly roll cage and tubular bumpers of the R. The XT even gets the 15-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel travel of the race truck.

Only 50 units of the Raptor XT will be built for the 2011 model year and only the most extreme off-roaders will be willing to pay the $99,950 price tag. Like the FR500 race Mustangs, the Raptor XT is off-road only, but in this case it's really off the road.

Gallery: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading SEMA 2009: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor XT, $100K off-road race truck

SEMA 2009: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor XT, $100K off-road race truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pretty in Pics: Leno's electric Ford Focus gets a face, specs

Chris Shunk — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Ford, Celebrities, Electric

Jay Leno's Green Car Challenge Ford Focus EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

The new Jay Leno Show has been given as much push as any new program in recent memory, with a constant barrage on TV, the radio and all over the interwebs. One part of the show that has really piqued our interest is Jay's Green Car Challenge, which puts celebrities behind the wheel of an electric Ford Focus. We reported on Jay's Top Gear-like challenge last week, but we hadn't gotten our hands on any pics or specs... until now.

The special battery-powered Focus started life in Germany as a run-of-the-mill Focus ST five-door hatch back in July, then it was shipped to Dearborn, MI for electrification. The one-of-a-kind Focus was given an extreme makeover in only six weeks, but we think the results are pretty remarkable. The Green Car Challenge Focus is bright orange, has more decals than Tony Stewart's car and packs a permanent magnet electric motor. The electric Focus weighs in at a portly 3,421 pounds due in part to the vehicle's 98 air-cooled, 60 Ah lithium ion batteries. The electric motor kicks out 141 hp (105 kW) and 235 lb-ft of torque and has a 7,500 rpm redline.

The goal of Leno's Green Car Challenge is for celebrities to achieve the best possible lap times, so Ford made sure its ecologically friendly Focus could also handle track duty. Among the added features in this Euro Focus ST are Recaro racing seats, a full roll cage and a five-point racing harness. Ford also added 12.6 inch front rotors and 11 inch discs out back to make sure this hot orange Focus could stop as well as it can go.

The Green Car Challenge Ford Focus will first hit the airwaves tonight as actress Drew Berrymore gets behind the wheel for some track time. Hit the jump for more details about Ford's converted Euro Focus ST, and click on the gallery below to see a couple great looking pics.

Gallery: Jay Leno's Green Car Challenge Ford Focus

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Pretty in Pics: Leno's electric Ford Focus gets a face, specs

Pretty in Pics: Leno's electric Ford Focus gets a face, specs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All new 2011 Ford Focus to debut at Detroit Auto Show

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford

Ford C-Max - Click above for high-res image gallery

The wait for an all-new Ford Focus in North America will soon be over as Ford has announced that it will debut the car at the Detroit Auto Show in January. The Detroit festivities will mark the global debut of the new global Focus that will be sold here, Europe and the rest of the world.

The Ford Focus shares its platform with the C-Max and Grand C-Max that are debuting in Frankfurt this week. North American hatchback fans will be happy hear that the five-door form factor is returning alongside the four-door sedan. Initially, we won't be getting a three-door hatch, but it's a start. The overall look will be very similar to what we see in the C-Max twins, especially at the front and along the sides.

The new Focuses for North America will be built at two U.S. assembly plants in Michigan and will go on sale about a year from now. Ford isn't announcing its powertrain plans yet, but the 1.6-liter EcoBoost will likely find a home in these cars before long.

Check out the latest edition of the Autoblog Podcast as Ford's Mark Schirmer and Mark Kaufman join us to discuss the new C-Max, EcoBoost and the rest of the C-Segment vehicles.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Ford C-Max

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading All new 2011 Ford Focus to debut at Detroit Auto Show

All new 2011 Ford Focus to debut at Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill Entry No. 3,256 - North America could get next-gen Ford Focus RS

Noah Joseph — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Ford, Rumormill

2010 Ford Focus RS - Click above for a hi-res gallery

Could the North American market finally get the Ford Focus RS? According to the latest reports, it could happen. But not until after the next-generation model debuts in a couple of years. Like the new Fiesta, the next Focus is being developed as a global product, with the North American market in mind as much as those overseas. And with the amalgamation of Ford's performance divisions in the United States and Europe - SVT and Team RS, respectively - an RS version could reach American shores in a few years' time.

According to Automotive News, Ford's global performance guru Hermann Salebauch says the potential for a U.S.-market Focus RS depends entirely on demand. That is, if enough American buyers want an RS, it could happen. So what do you think, should Ford give its home market a smokin' hot hatch based on the next Focus? Leave your thoughts in the comments section because... well... who knows?

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (green)

Gallery: Paris 2008: Ford Focus RS LIVE

[Source: Automotive News]

Rumormill Entry No. 3,256 - North America could get next-gen Ford Focus RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Ford Focus could net over 40 MPG

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Green, Ford

Click above for a gallery of the 2008 Euro Ford Focus

Even if the Lincoln Concept C from the Detroit Auto Show never makes it to production, its powertrain could find its way into FoMoCo's small cars. While the first application of Ford's new EcoBoost series of engines will be a 3.5L V6 in the 2009 Ford Flex, the technology might make the most sense in a much smaller and more efficient package. For instance, in the Lincoln Concept C, the 1.6-liter turbocharged, direct injected four-cylinder offers up 180 hp and an equal amount of torque while returning a (theoreticall) 43 mpg on the highway. This powerplant could be mated with Ford's PowerShift dual clutch gearbox in an uplevel version of the next-gen Focus subcompact that's expected to debut in 2010, offering a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency over the outgoing 2.0L four.

Gallery: 2008 Euro Ford Focus

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Next Ford Focus could net over 40 MPG originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: 2011 Ford Focus

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:39:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Wagon, Europe, Ford, UK, Rendered Speculation

When we see things like this, we feel like Bruce Banner... having to contain our anger... at not getting... the Euro Focus. But hopefully tomorrow our fortunes will change, and if they do, here' s a look at the Focus we could get in 2011.

We were happy enough about the second-gen Focus, and this is even better. With a massive front maw, revised panels throughout, and a well executed sportback rear, the Focus Mk. 3 is, as the English would say, a bit of all right. The highlight show continues inside with better materials and an HMI-like control system. The UK will get the car later this year.

Although this Focus isn't slated (yet) for an RS version, it will put on an ST badge and mods at some point, and will come in three-, four-, and five-door variants, plus a wagon and a convertible. And if you're in Spain, you'll get a special edition diesel Focus WRC-S, with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder pumping 134 bhp. Each one of 666 samples will be signed by Ford WRC driver Marcus Gronholm. Prices have not been announced for any of the new Focus models.

[Source: Auto Express]

Rendered Speculation: 2011 Ford Focus originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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C-Max and Kuga may follow Euro Focus to the U.S.

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 19 May 2008 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Crossover, Ford

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Ford Kuga

Nary a ~~month~~ ~~week~~ day goes by that we're not told of the imminent importation of Ford's grass-is-greener Euro models. The Fiesta has been approved for U.S. consumption in 2010, and even though we've heard the Focus shtick before, it would appear that it's finally coming to fruition in late 2010 or early 2011. But Ford can't rely on just one product to justify sales of the next-generation C1 platform in the States (there's also the Volvo S40/C30 and Mazda3), so it's looking to bring two other Blue Oval-branded models to justify the expense.

Speaking with Automotive News, Ford's president of the Americas, Mark Fields, confirmed that the U.S. is slated to receive multiple C-segment vehicles that have already debuted in Europe and Japan. The first vehicle that could conceivably be brought to market is the recently released Kuga crossover, which shares the C1 platform and could be marketed as the next Escape or Mercury Mariner if we're lucky. The second model is the Ford C-Max, which is a more modern take on the traditional people mover, and would provide SUV refugees a compelling case to downsize their rides into anything but a minivan.

Fields didn't divulge when the European product onslaught would take place, but it's a safe bet that if either vehicle immigrates across the Atlantic, we'll be seeing them around the turn of the decade.

Gallery: Ford Kuga

Gallery: 2008 Ford C-MAX

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

C-Max and Kuga may follow Euro Focus to the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 May 2008 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Ford Focus will be a "global project", C1 platform coming Stateside

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:05:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Ford

Click above for a gallery of the 2008 Ford Focus ST.

During the SAE World Congress in Detroit, Ford's product chief, Derrick Kuzak, told attendees that the next generation Focus will benefit from the joint efforts of FoMoCo's engineers here in the U.S. and abroad. The redesigned Focus is set to debut sometime in 2010 or 2011 and will be built off the C1 platform that underpins the current Euro Focus. According to Kuzak, 87-percent of the parts will be sourced from Ford's global parts bin in a move to cut costs and globalize Ford's engineering process. While we've heard this numerous times before, this is the first time a definitive timeline has been outlined for the official entry of the superior C1 platform to the U.S. market. Here's hoping that Ford sees the light and we finally get ST and RS variants of the Focus here in the States.

Gallery: 2008 Ford Focus ST

Gallery: 2008 Euro Ford Focus

[Source: Autoweek]

Next Ford Focus will be a "global project", C1 platform coming Stateside originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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