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Focus Race Concept Next Ford Global Track Car

At the L.A. Auto Show, Ford is introducing the Focus Race Car Concept, its next global track car. Unlike other concepts debuting at the show, this has to be considered practically production ready with the technology it embraces including the 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost turbo engine. The first race appearance for the car is anticipated to be in the 2011 British Touring Car Championship.

The Onboard Racing Technology of Ford's Focus Race Concept

According to Ford, the Focus race car concept uses the all-new Focus as its base, 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.

“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,” said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development.

In addition to the FIA [Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile] 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.

The Focus for the Rest of Us

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 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. 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.

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