Official: Introducing Next Generation Ford Focus for 2012

[DueceCoupe]

Originally Posted by Peregrine

^ A performance model can't be justified unless sales of this retool can support SVT to come up with something decent to play around with.

But if this is the Global Ford Focus,why do we not have the Euro RS or ST available?
I mean freakin Mexico has it,but not us???
Why should it be up to SVT?
And also if this were true,why the SVT Raptor?
No prior sales to justify that build.
I just dont get it.

[nepafocus03]

i dont hate it but i also dont love it. honestly id take the previous few years euro ST. that car was about perfect to me. also x1000 on te 3 door hatch and svt versions. im on the fence on this one still.

[wrc_fan]

Originally Posted by DueceCoupe

But if this is the Global Ford Focus,why do we not have the Euro RS or ST available?
I mean freakin Mexico has it,but not us???
Why should it be up to SVT?
And also if this were true,why the SVT Raptor?
No prior sales to justify that build.
I just dont get it.

Trucks still have a huge profit margin when compared to small/mid size cars, so the Raptor is easier to justify.

Now that the content is 80% global, we should see very strong aftermarket support, companies like Koni, H&R, Cosworth, et al. should have very strong product selection coming out soon. Also, with the content sharing, if/when performance versions of this gen are released in Europe, the parts should be adaptable.

[warneej]

Why is everyone whining about the "lack" of a performance model? Since the beginning of time a so-called performance model is never introduced at the same time as the model is debuted. Don't worry people something will come, it will be turbo, will have at least 225hp, and will be called an ST or SVT. Read the articles, think intellegently, and stop WHINING. This car is the nicest thing to "come from" America since ever and to make it better, its our focus!

[nepafocus03]

just had to add does anyone else feel let down now? im not bashing it im just saying that ive been waiting for months with no spy shots or anything and now that ive seen it its sort of like the day after christmas lol

[JustHereFTM]

i feel let down quite a bit!! but like i said when i get a chance to see in person ill probably love it. so far... i feel a bit cheated. i was hoping for something ground breaking as far as exterior design

[_spyder]

So there is no 2 door coupe or 3 door hatch?

[apagios]

Jalopnik reported 235/40R19 tires. That width plus the revo knuckle from the RS, is prime for a SVT a year or 2 later, maybe 2013 or 2014. Ford is being smart and riding the the good media exposure to market. why would they release info on the new Focus and then in the same breathe say "Oh btw we are going to bring an RS equivalent to the US." I agree with Warneej that it will be a little while before we hear about an SVT/RS.

My main point was the 2L engine is supposed to be in the 150's hp and mid 140's torque. 235 width tires is way over kill for that, heck the SVTF is 170/145 and came stock with 215 width tires. The fact that they designed for 235 width tires/wheels bodes well for putting RS levels of power to the ground. Plus they got the Revknuckle proven in the RS, no reason not to bring that over as well.

I am a mazda fan as well (mazdaspeed miata), I love the MS3 as well, I have no issue with torque steer since it comes with the FWD territory, but the number 1 complaint from media reviews of the MS3 is torque steer. Ford has their new Focus primed to take the RS engine and out perform the MS3 and do it with less torque steer. Lets just be patient and drool all over the new focus for a while and go nuts later when the SVT details come out

Besides, I am about to put a new clutch & timing belt in my SVTF so I should be good to wait a couple years, if they came out with a new SVTF based on the RS in 2012 I would be sad about not being able to buy it yet

[Dean-16]

Does this mean there is no 3 door hatch version?

And id rather a proper ST version of this than an SVT.
And when i say St i mean Euro ST not USA ST.

[Peregrine]

Originally Posted by warneej

Why is everyone whining about the "lack" of a performance model? Since the beginning of time a so-called performance model is never introduced at the same time as the model is debuted. Don't worry people something will come, it will be turbo, will have at least 225hp, and will be called an ST or SVT. Read the articles, think intellegently, and stop WHINING. This car is the nicest thing to "come from" America since ever and to make it better, its our focus!

Exactly.