dpa Ford Focus at the Detroit Motor Show 2010
11.01.2010
The Focus story began almost twelve years ago: In 1998 Ford presented the successor to the successful model
The Ford Focus is based on a new platform
Most of the development work for the new Ford Focus took place in the Ford development center in Cologne-Merkenich. The basis is the new C-segment vehicle architecture, on which, in addition to the Focus and the IAA presented Ford C-Max and Grand C-Max to build seven more new models. This is where the 'One Ford product strategy' proclaimed by Ford boss Alan Mullaly comes into play: The new Focus will roll off the assembly line with almost the same specification for all world markets, which should significantly reduce production costs.
The new Ford Focus will be built in Saarlouis and Michigan (USA) from the end of 2010. In addition, the compact Cologne will also roll off the assembly line in Chongqing, China.
At the NAIAS in Detroit Ford shows the new Focus as a five-door hatchback as well as a four-door notchback version. The well-known Kinetic design also retains the new one, but is markedly more aggressive than its predecessor. In addition to the large air inlets in the front and the headlights, which extend into the front fenders, the new Ford Focus is characterized above all by the curved, steeply sloping roof line. The tail lights are reminiscent of the group brother Volvo C30 . The belt line is also more striking than on the predecessor.
The futuristically designed cockpit and modified chassis in the new Ford Focus
The interior presents itself Ford Focus in its thirdGeneration extremely futuristic. The dashboard, drawn in the cockpit style, and the curved center console are hardly reminiscent of the predecessor. Ford also promises an even higher quality of workmanship, which should rank on the level of premium sedans in higher segments.
Like its predecessors, the new one should also be able to convince with its high dynamic driving qualities. Thanks to profound changes to the chassis layout, the Ford Focus should show even more agile and sporty driving behavior than before. The sword-arm rear axle was also redesigned, as were the front and rear chassis frames. For the first time in Focus, the so-called 'Dynamic Cornering Control' in conjunction with the 'Torque vectoring system' ensures a situation-dependent distribution of the torque between the driven front wheels. The effect: annoying understeer should be minimized and traction and steering behavior optimized. Overall, the new Focus should therefore be characterized by improved cornering stability.
Gasoline engines with turbocharging and lower consumption
Under the hood, either EcoBoost SCTi gasoline engines or the Duratorq TDCi diesel engines are used, which also received a revision. The four-cylinder petrol engines all have direct injection and turbocharging, which, in conjunction with the variable camshaft adjustment, should reduce fuel consumption by ten to 20 percent compared to the previous model. An All-electric version of the new Ford Focus , the production of which will start in Michigan in 2011, is reserved exclusively for the North American market.
The well-known Powershift dual clutch transmission is optional for the new Focus available. In addition, the surcharge list includes a semi-automatic parking system for the first time. Ford has not yet announced the prices at which the new Ford Focus will be launched on the German market in early 2011.
