17-11-2010
NEW FOCUS RACE CAR CONCEPT: L.A. AUTO SHOW
DEBUT FOR FORD’S NEXT GLOBAL TOURING RACE CAR
• |
Focus race car concept by Ford Racing makes its global debut at the
2010 Los Angeles International Auto Show |
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Powered by a 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost™ turbo engine, the Focus race car
concept is built to compete in global road and touring car racing |
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All-new Focus, Ford’s latest offering, will be raced by touring car
teams globally, building on Ford’s history in engineering race-ready
platforms. First race appearance for the car is anticipated to be in the
2011 British Touring Car Championship |
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Focus race car concept hints at future potential as Ford coordinates
with and provides technical support to private race teams around the
world to develop one common race car capable of winning major touring
car categories |
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17, 2010 – Ford Motor Company is putting racing on the
map at the
2010 Los Angeles International Auto Show with the debut of the Focus
race car concept, demonstrating future potential for the all-new 2012
Ford Focus to compete in road and touring car championships with teams
around the world.
The Focus race car concept is a dramatic example of Ford’s global
approach to product development and builds on the company’s
comprehensive approach to leveraging its global product platforms.
This race car concept, powered by the sophisticated 2.0-liter Ford
EcoBoost I-4 engine, is the first to benefit from a collaborative effort
between Ford and race teams around the world that have already built and
raced successful Focus race cars. The Focus race car concept has been
based around rules governing circuit racing in the United States and
beyond.
“This teamwork has resulted in a global racing platform using a common
Focus body and a safety cage built to FIA regulations – a competitive
platform that can be tailored for regional competition, based on
different rules,” said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance
Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development. “By leveraging our
collective experience and Ford technology worldwide, this approach
parallels our global dedication to the Focus production car and
specifically its exciting performance derivative, the new Focus ST, to
deliver a competitive race car that can be campaigned around the world.”
Using the all-new Focus as its base, the Focus race car concept features
AST performance coil-over adjustable dampers, Ford Racing upgraded sway
bars with adjustable end links and front brakes with 320-millimeter
two-piece rotors and race pads. The Anthracite 18-inch wheels and
Hoosier race tires put the finishing touches on the exterior.
In addition to the FIA Super 2000 regulations roll cage, interior
components include a Recaro® racing seat, AIM MXL Pista data system and
AIM SmartyCam. Ford Racing fire suppression system and Ford Racing
six-point safety harness round out the modifications that bring the car
from street-spec to race-ready.
“There has been tremendous interest from the racing world in the new
Focus, and it’s the perfect fit for a global touring car,” said Capito.
“Even more, by working with professional private race teams, we’re
ensuring Focus has the support it needs to compete and win around the
world.”
Benefits will stretch beyond the track
Professional private race teams are partnering with Ford to develop
common technical specifications for the race car, which will conform to
FIA Super 2000 regulations with potential to adopt to other regulations.
The teams are being brought together by Ford to harness their strengths
and define roles for the development of the race car. Ford will also
support the race teams by providing data, advanced engineering tools,
state-of-the-art testing facilities and production parts, resulting in
teams racing more competitive cars that are developed with greater
efficiency.
“Ford’s commitment to using motorsports to influence high-performance
vehicles will be highly evident, as the development of the Focus touring
car will also provide valuable input as we develop the upcoming Focus ST
production car,” said Capito. “It’s very similar to how the Mustang team
was able to apply learnings from the Ford Racing Boss 302R to the 2012
Mustang Boss 302.”
The first race appearance for the Focus is targeted for the 2011 British
Touring Car Championship. Globally, the race car has the potential to
run in many national and regional championships, such as the China
Touring Car Championship and 24-hour endurance races like the classic
Nürburgring in Germany.
New global Focus has it all
The new Focus is the result of a global product development program
bringing together Ford’s best engineers and technology from around the
world. The new Focus will be sold in 122 markets worldwide and
manufactured in Ford plants in Asia, Europe and North America.
All Focus models sold in North America will be powered by Ford’s most
advanced naturally aspirated engine ever: a new, 2.0-liter gasoline
engine equipped with direct injection and twin independent variable
camshaft timing – two important fuel-saving technologies. A six-speed
PowerShift automatic transmission will be offered.
A Focus ST version also will be available, boasting exhilarating
performance and an addictive sound. Ford’s first global high-performance
model, scheduled for 2012 launch and developed by Ford’s global
performance vehicles team, will deliver a 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine,
lowered chassis, high-performance brakes and unique suspension tuning.
The standard transmission for Focus ST is a six-speed manual, optimized
with sporting ratios matched to the performance characteristics of the
engine.
Ford’s North American engineering team is targeting fuel economy of 40
mpg highway for the most efficient Focus model, equipped with an
automatic transmission. The new Focus will also offer North American
consumers a full suite of Ford technology – including Ford SYNC®, MyFord
Touch™, in-car Wi-Fi capability, active park assist and rear view
camera.
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