During a pre-show event in Geneva, Ford confirmed the development of a high-performance version of the new Focus that will be powered by a version of its 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine family that features both turbocharging and direct-injection and will be offered in all markets.
"We want to reassure enthusiasts of Focus performance models that we have a plan for them as well," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Product development.
"Our commitment is to deliver an exciting performance model of the new Focus on a global basis and using a version of our advanced new Ford EcoBoost petrol direct-injection turbo engine. We're not ready to reveal more details yet, but we recognize how important this model will be in the Focus line-up, particularly for customers in Europe."
Currently, Ford's 4-cylinder EcoBoost range comprises of a 1.6-liter unit with 150HP or 180HP and a 2.0-liter engine with over 200HP. In Europe, both the current Focus ST and RS are motivated by a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five with 225HP and 305HP respectively.
Chances are that the hot Focus will use a pumped up version of the larger 2.0-liter EcoBoost producing over 250HP.
The company did not say if the hot Focus would wear the ST, RS or perhaps a different badge altogether in the case of the North American market model (SVT anyone?), but it did say that the car will be available within the next two years.
It may not be an earth-shattering revelation or anything – Ford's own Jost Capito said about as much a couple weeks back – but Ford has reportedly confirmed at the Geneva Motor Show that it is merging its European and American high-performance divisions into one unit. First up on The Blue Oval's hi-po radar will be a hotted-up version of the new next-gen Focus.
Will the car carry an ST, RS or SVT badge? That we don't yet know. Nor do we know what engine will be powering the hot hatch, though our best guess (which goes along nicely with rumormill fodder) would be a four-cylinder EcoBoost. Perhaps Ford will find a few more ponies lurking within in its new 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected mill. We'd also gladly take the Powershift six-speed dual clutch gearbox.
All-wheel or front-wheel drive? Dunno. Hatchback bodyshell? Probably, and we hope so. Sale date? No clue, but certainly not before 2011 hits and probably well into the year. Price? We'll see. Clearly, there are way more questions than answers at this point, but you can consider our interest officially piqued by the notion of a return to real performance from Ford's neglected (in the U.S. at least) Focus platform.
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/01/repo ... o-spawn-u/_________________
Marty Howard
2011 NASA SE Factory Five Challenge Champion
Track Events Logistics Coordinator - TZC/THSCC
2007 Factory Five Challenge Car.
http://www.mh-motorsports.com
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