http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WUO-lPubXeI&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DWUO-lPubXeI#
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Oh where have you been, Fast Ford Mag
Check out "Fast Ford"
Available now on Google mags!!!
Grab a copy & be prepared to ship your pants K-Mart style!
Monday, April 22, 2013
Scott Speed wins XGames gold in a Fiesta!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dz8EmP_WeB8&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Loved watching Speed when he was driving for Toro Rosso in F1 a few years back. Hadn't heard much about him until he appeared out of the blue @ the X Games and stole the show.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
We knew it was coming but now the numbers are in and it's official.
Ford Focus is the world's best selling car... Again.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Ford Focus History
Disclaimer: car models
will be referred to by one of two monikers denoting their place of
origin. Those models with an origin in Europe or east of the Atlantic
will brandish an "Mk" (Mark), in front of Roman numerals which will
refer to it's specific chassis and production period. Models which have
an origin in the Americas will be referred to with a "Gen" in front of
numerals, to specify a certain chassis and production period. In
the period when a model would deviate in chassis design from those made
in it's original place of origin, it will adopt the moniker denoting
it's current place of origin. For instance: the second iteration of the
Focus in North America deviated from those made in it's original place
of origin, Europe. There for, it will be referred to as the Gen 2 since
it is the second iteration of the Focus, but it's place of origin
was America. When, in the case of the third version of the Focus,
different models go back to one iteration of a model, it will be
referred to by it's proper place of origin. I.E. MkIII Focus, which was designed and engineered in Germany.
Ford Focus History
Focus Mk I
Code-named CW170 during its development,the Ford Focus was launched in 1998 in Europe, and in 1999 in North America as a 2000 model. Since then it has become the most popular car in the United Kingdom, following in the success of the Escort, its predecessor.
The Focus was a "world car", which saw Ford co-ordinate and pool its resources from all over the globe though most of the design and engineering work took place in Europe. The Focus is arguably the biggest indication of the change in Ford's design and engineering philosophy. After the Ford Escort Mk V took a beating by the global automotive press as being designed by "bean counters" , Ford decided to take more risks in its replacement. As a result the Focus had bold styling and much improved quality.
the original Focus took its name from a Ghia concept car which was shown in 1991. Initial spy photographs of the car seen in 1995 took the world by storm, further developing Ford's "New Edge" styling philosophy which was first seen in the concept "GT90". The daring styling made it largely unchanged into production sheet metal three years later.
Mechanically it drew heavily from other European Ford models, using a sophisticated fully independent multi-link rear suspension (dubbed "Control Blade") derived from the Short-Long Arm system used in the Mondeo station wagon, giving the Focus class leading handling and ride. The engines used are the well-proven Zetec units.
The CVH/SPI Engine made it into a good portion of Gen1 American sedans. It was essentially an Iron CVH block with an advanced designed (and poorly executed) aluminum head. The engines had issues with dropping valve seats at around 100k-120k miles, usually in the number 4 cylinder.
The Zetec engine, which powered many of the MK1 Focus', was first launched in 1992 as the replacement to the CVH and dubbed the "Zeta" after the code name for it's head. The name was soon changed to Zetec when Italian auto maker, Lancia, threatened to sue over trademark infringement.
A major face lift occurred for the 2005 model year using the CW170 platform.
The MK1 engines included:
1.4 L Zetec-SE (Euro Only)
1.6 L Zetec-SE (Euro Only)
1.8 L Zetec (Mazda "BP")
2.0 L CVH/SPI (US Only)
2.0 L Zetec
2.0 L Duratec turbo (Euro Only)
2.3 L Duratec
1.8 L Endura-D diesel (Euro Only)
1.8 L Duratorq diesel (Euro Only) (TDci)
Bodies (offerings vary by market)
3 door hatchback
5 door hatchback (part of the original line in Europe, added in North America starting in 2002)
4 door sedan/saloon (not available in Japan or New Zealand)
5 door wagon/estate (only available in Europe, Japan and North America)
Transmissions:
5-speed manual (MTX-75)
6-speed manual (Getrag)(Euro ST, US SVT)
4-speed automatic (ATX-75)
Euro Focus Mk II
The Focus Mk II, codenamed C307, uses a new platform called C1 shared with the Volvo S40, Mazda 3 and Focus C-Max. It was launched at the Paris Motor Show in 2004 as a three and five door hatchback and a station wagon. The four-door sedan version was previewed as a concept by Ford Australia at the Beijing Motor Show in mid-2004 and joined the range later that year though it sold in much fewer numbers. The basic suspension design has been carried over largely unchanged from the Mk I, although Ford claims that the stiffer chassis further improves the Focus' handling.
The engine line-up for the Mk II is a mixture of old and new, with the Zetec petrol engines of the original having been superseded by the newer Duratec range. The 1.4 L and 1.6L (100bhp and Ti-VCT 115bhp) units, although named "Duratec", are in fact revised versions of the old Zetec-SE units, while the 2.0 L versions are Mazda-"MZR" based units. The Duratec 2.5L was added to power both the ST170 and the venerable RS. This 5 cylinder unit was lifted from the Volvo T5 and R models, internally known as the "B5234 T" engines, (Volvo being under the Ford umbrella at the time).
US Focus Gen2
Ford had decided that a new chassis would not be profitable in the states. Using the old CW170 platorm, most of the major body panels were replaced. Only a sedan and coupe were retained from the original line up and the second generation suffered in sales. The drive-train, however, remained solid, helped by the introduction of the Mazda-derived "Duratec" line of engines during shortly before the last face-lift. Central and South America got many different models. They produced a "Fiesta" using a MkI body with a different facia and lights and at the same time were importing the MkII including the RS. As recently as early 2011, you could purchase a MkII Focus RS in Mexico and with the some minor modifications and the proper papers, drive it across the border. Ken Block prefers his in green
The MkII and Gen2 Engines include:
1.4 L Duratec (Euro Only)
1.6 L Duratec (Euro Only)
1.6 L Duratec Ti-VCT (Euro Only)
2.0 L Duratec
2.3L Duratec
2.5 L Duratec-HE 5 cyl (Euro Only)
MkIII (return of the "World Car")
The latest Focus was introduced in both America and Europe in 2010 as a 2011 model. It is a larger car designed to occupy a up-scaled market place with the likes of VW Jetta, Mazda 3, Chevy Cruze (which was also designed and launched in Europe), and Toyota Corolla. Initially, the newest Focus was launched with a 5 door hatch both here in the states and in Europe with a second option being a 4 door Sedan for us and an Estate (or wagon) and 3 door in Europe. The engine line up remains Duratec derived though now with direct injection. Ecoboost is also a part of the new line up making a claimed 252 HP. We can only hope for the return of a proper RS sporting AWD though it is unlikely.
Engines line up includes:
2.0L Ti-VCT GDI I-4 (US Only)
1.6L Ti-VCT Duratec (Euro Only)
1.6L Ecoboost (Euro Only)
1.6L Ecoboost S (Euro Only)
2.0L Ecoboost
Awards:
Since its launch in 1998 the Mk I Focus has won over 75 awards including 15 Car of the Year awards in both Europe and North America, including the best family car ever (Autocar UK 2003). The Focus was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for five consecutive years (2000 through 2004). In 2005, in a poll by Men & Motors TV channel in the UK, it was placed 19th in the nation's favourite 100 cars of all time.
The North American version has been a favorite of Car and Driver magazine, which has elected it to its Ten Best list every year since its introduction in 2000 . Motor Trend magazine has also given the Focus favorable reviews, writing comments like "As entry-level sedans go, few can touch Ford's Focus on the fun-to-drive front" .
In 2001 and 2002, Focus was the world's best selling car. It recently retook the top spot for 2012 with the sibling Fiesta coming in 5th.
Ford Focus History
Focus Mk I
Code-named CW170 during its development,the Ford Focus was launched in 1998 in Europe, and in 1999 in North America as a 2000 model. Since then it has become the most popular car in the United Kingdom, following in the success of the Escort, its predecessor.
The Focus was a "world car", which saw Ford co-ordinate and pool its resources from all over the globe though most of the design and engineering work took place in Europe. The Focus is arguably the biggest indication of the change in Ford's design and engineering philosophy. After the Ford Escort Mk V took a beating by the global automotive press as being designed by "bean counters" , Ford decided to take more risks in its replacement. As a result the Focus had bold styling and much improved quality.
the original Focus took its name from a Ghia concept car which was shown in 1991. Initial spy photographs of the car seen in 1995 took the world by storm, further developing Ford's "New Edge" styling philosophy which was first seen in the concept "GT90". The daring styling made it largely unchanged into production sheet metal three years later.
Mechanically it drew heavily from other European Ford models, using a sophisticated fully independent multi-link rear suspension (dubbed "Control Blade") derived from the Short-Long Arm system used in the Mondeo station wagon, giving the Focus class leading handling and ride. The engines used are the well-proven Zetec units.
The CVH/SPI Engine made it into a good portion of Gen1 American sedans. It was essentially an Iron CVH block with an advanced designed (and poorly executed) aluminum head. The engines had issues with dropping valve seats at around 100k-120k miles, usually in the number 4 cylinder.
The Zetec engine, which powered many of the MK1 Focus', was first launched in 1992 as the replacement to the CVH and dubbed the "Zeta" after the code name for it's head. The name was soon changed to Zetec when Italian auto maker, Lancia, threatened to sue over trademark infringement.
A major face lift occurred for the 2005 model year using the CW170 platform.
The MK1 engines included:
1.4 L Zetec-SE (Euro Only)
1.6 L Zetec-SE (Euro Only)
1.8 L Zetec (Mazda "BP")
2.0 L CVH/SPI (US Only)
2.0 L Zetec
2.0 L Duratec turbo (Euro Only)
2.3 L Duratec
1.8 L Endura-D diesel (Euro Only)
1.8 L Duratorq diesel (Euro Only) (TDci)
Bodies (offerings vary by market)
3 door hatchback
5 door hatchback (part of the original line in Europe, added in North America starting in 2002)
4 door sedan/saloon (not available in Japan or New Zealand)
5 door wagon/estate (only available in Europe, Japan and North America)
Transmissions:
5-speed manual (MTX-75)
6-speed manual (Getrag)(Euro ST, US SVT)
4-speed automatic (ATX-75)
Euro Focus Mk II
The Focus Mk II, codenamed C307, uses a new platform called C1 shared with the Volvo S40, Mazda 3 and Focus C-Max. It was launched at the Paris Motor Show in 2004 as a three and five door hatchback and a station wagon. The four-door sedan version was previewed as a concept by Ford Australia at the Beijing Motor Show in mid-2004 and joined the range later that year though it sold in much fewer numbers. The basic suspension design has been carried over largely unchanged from the Mk I, although Ford claims that the stiffer chassis further improves the Focus' handling.
The engine line-up for the Mk II is a mixture of old and new, with the Zetec petrol engines of the original having been superseded by the newer Duratec range. The 1.4 L and 1.6L (100bhp and Ti-VCT 115bhp) units, although named "Duratec", are in fact revised versions of the old Zetec-SE units, while the 2.0 L versions are Mazda-"MZR" based units. The Duratec 2.5L was added to power both the ST170 and the venerable RS. This 5 cylinder unit was lifted from the Volvo T5 and R models, internally known as the "B5234 T" engines, (Volvo being under the Ford umbrella at the time).
US Focus Gen2
Ford had decided that a new chassis would not be profitable in the states. Using the old CW170 platorm, most of the major body panels were replaced. Only a sedan and coupe were retained from the original line up and the second generation suffered in sales. The drive-train, however, remained solid, helped by the introduction of the Mazda-derived "Duratec" line of engines during shortly before the last face-lift. Central and South America got many different models. They produced a "Fiesta" using a MkI body with a different facia and lights and at the same time were importing the MkII including the RS. As recently as early 2011, you could purchase a MkII Focus RS in Mexico and with the some minor modifications and the proper papers, drive it across the border. Ken Block prefers his in green
The MkII and Gen2 Engines include:
1.4 L Duratec (Euro Only)
1.6 L Duratec (Euro Only)
1.6 L Duratec Ti-VCT (Euro Only)
2.0 L Duratec
2.3L Duratec
2.5 L Duratec-HE 5 cyl (Euro Only)
MkIII (return of the "World Car")
The latest Focus was introduced in both America and Europe in 2010 as a 2011 model. It is a larger car designed to occupy a up-scaled market place with the likes of VW Jetta, Mazda 3, Chevy Cruze (which was also designed and launched in Europe), and Toyota Corolla. Initially, the newest Focus was launched with a 5 door hatch both here in the states and in Europe with a second option being a 4 door Sedan for us and an Estate (or wagon) and 3 door in Europe. The engine line up remains Duratec derived though now with direct injection. Ecoboost is also a part of the new line up making a claimed 252 HP. We can only hope for the return of a proper RS sporting AWD though it is unlikely.
Engines line up includes:
2.0L Ti-VCT GDI I-4 (US Only)
1.6L Ti-VCT Duratec (Euro Only)
1.6L Ecoboost (Euro Only)
1.6L Ecoboost S (Euro Only)
2.0L Ecoboost
Awards:
Since its launch in 1998 the Mk I Focus has won over 75 awards including 15 Car of the Year awards in both Europe and North America, including the best family car ever (Autocar UK 2003). The Focus was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for five consecutive years (2000 through 2004). In 2005, in a poll by Men & Motors TV channel in the UK, it was placed 19th in the nation's favourite 100 cars of all time.
The North American version has been a favorite of Car and Driver magazine, which has elected it to its Ten Best list every year since its introduction in 2000 . Motor Trend magazine has also given the Focus favorable reviews, writing comments like "As entry-level sedans go, few can touch Ford's Focus on the fun-to-drive front" .
In 2001 and 2002, Focus was the world's best selling car. It recently retook the top spot for 2012 with the sibling Fiesta coming in 5th.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Friday, November 30, 2012
American Cars from Europe: Are we gonna get this one Ford?
We originally ran this story back in May of 2011. It was made official on Nov. 26th that we would be getting a 5 door Fiesta ST! Making 197HP and 214 torques and still getting 34 MPG. We will be putting in our pre-order A.S.A.P, Ford, and thanks again for answering at least some of our prairs.
http://2014fiesta.fordpresskits.com/factsheets/2014_FiestaST_Product_Sheet_US.pdf
American Cars from Europe: Are we gonna get this one Ford?
Friday, October 12, 2012
EuroSpec Focus MkII Still in Circulation in China and Elsewhere
We never got it but it seems everybody else on the planet did. Here is Ford China's current site sporting the Focus EuroSpec Mk II as a new model. It is also sold in South America. China is quickly becoming a nation of enthusiastic car aficionados. If their car design is any indication, it is likely they will come up with some interesting options and performance enhancing add-ons that are derived from "outside the box".
The Ranchero Still Alive?
Monday, July 16, 2012
Gymkhana Five Yall!
Gymkhana Five Yall!
Hats off to the City of San Fran for allowing this to go down!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5w9vDEENJjQ&feature=player_detailpage
Hats off to the City of San Fran for allowing this to go down!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5w9vDEENJjQ&feature=player_detailpage
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
'Bout time Dodge. Still, what is this hate of hatchbacks?
Yes, Ford has been doing it for years, then Chevy. Now Dodge has joined the "hey they got some cool stuff in Europe, why don't we bring it over here?" party. Pictured is the 2013 Dodge Dart and it's DNA donor, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. It has obviously been sculpted since us Americans don't like hatchbacks (apparently). It is rumored that "Hornet" may be coming that will be a hatchback. I gotta say, I am kinda smitten with both versions.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Mikko on the Nürburgring // Mikko Hirvonen meets the Ford Focus RS500 - ...
Im still drooling and a little angry that america doesn't get the rs but ford gives us the crumbs (focus st). Doesn't seem fare does it.
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