Autoblog

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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Ford to retool U.S. plant for European vehicles

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Ford, UK

We wrote about it earlier, just as a rumor, but it looks like an announcement is imminent: the Wall Street Journal says that Ford is going to make European cars on this side of the pond. However, it isn't merely North American plants that will be changed over, but American plants. The Journal doesn't give any further indication of where those plants might be or what those cars might be, only saying that the strategy could be revealed during Ford's Q2 earnings announcement this Thursday. But we'll say again: come on, Mondeo! (And Focus and Focus Coupe and Ka and...)

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

Ford to retool U.S. plant for European vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2008 Ford Focus

John Neff — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Sedan, Wagon, Hatchback, Ford

This is a pretty bad shot of a heavily camo'd 2008 Ford Focus taken with a camera phone. It's damn near impossible to see any changes, but we'd bet our last gallon of gas that there's a shiny three-bar chrome grille hiding under that covering. The 2008 MY Focus will likely see the last tweak before we (FINALLY) get a Focus based on the company's C1 platform around 2010. Until then Ford will graft the Fusion's three-bar grin onto the Focus and apparently refresh the rear, as well.

Rumor on the Focaljet forum where this and more pics were posted is that the Focus three-door hatchback, five-door hatchback and possibly wagon will be deleted from the lineup next year. As far as we know that's just speculation, although it wouldn't surprise us if Ford trims down the number of Focus models being offered in the last couple of years before it's replaced. Perhaps if we're lucky part of Ford's accelerated Way Forward plan will be to sell the C1-based Focus here ahead of schedule.

Thanks focaljet-1 for the tip!

[Source: Focaljet]

Spy Shots: 2008 Ford Focus originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Jul 2006 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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