FPV Focus....

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by geckoGT

I do see your points and they are very valid.

I suppose the points on badge engineering are all a matter of perspective. As FPV is part owned by Prodrive and Prodrive had a large input into the R&D of the Focus RS, would FPV re doing a hot hatch not be Prodrive reinventing their own work? Local engineering is fine but not when it is change for the sake of change on a already class leading product.

FPV have the business mantra that they will only R&D australian work, which at the time they began was a good thing. The problem is that does not now fit in Fords own "One Ford" business model that they are working towards.

The real question is, are they going to ignore a large growth market on the basis of business principles that were set down in a different economic climate? Personally I do not think they will, the sales of cars like the Lancer Evolution X MR, Subaru STI, Golf R32 and Mini JCW are evidence that there is a market in Australia for a high end performance smaller car. This is something I believe Ford and FPV would be crazy to turn their back on, that market is growing.

Personally, I see no problem, even with the FPV mantra in mind. FPV could quite rightfully take the Focus RS, make some changes to the badging, interior etc and sell it with their heads held high based on the direct link with Prodrive. Just as long as they leave the mechanicals alone, I would seriously look at it. If they do not, our next performance small car at this stage is likely to have a Mini or VW badge, end of story. I know we are not alone, have a look around, it is not rare to see a FPV or HSV parked in a driveway alongside a WRX, Evo or GTI.

Personally, I don't care if Ford or FPV bring in an RS, whatever badge I will seriously consider it. I would prefer it wears FPV badges (it would match my other FPV nicely) but I would still buy it with Ford badges. I just believe with the performance characteristics of the RS, it belongs in the FPV stable and not the Ford stable. Perhaps it even belongs in the performance stable more than some of the present occupants, it out performs them.

I've never heard of any Prodrive involvement in the Focus RS. Are you sure they were involved. I thought all the work was done by Team RS.

I don't understand why Ford don't just bring in 100 RS's, as Mitsubishi did in the past with the TME Evos, and other brands have done with particular models in small batches. I think you can bring in up to 100 of a particular model and not have to have full ADR compliance if it passes similar compliance requirements in other markets. Or something along those lines. I know that if you only bring in 100 or less it is much easier and cheaper to put it on sale here.

Someone else might be able to explain it.