FPV to fly with homegrown Focus

[MISTA FIESTA]

Expect to see a hi-po FPV version of Ford's next-generation Focus small-car

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS 8 February 2008

FORD Performance Vehicles has long considered adding the Focus to its expanding artillery, but the first FPV small-car will not be a variation of the upcoming Focus RS due to be unveiled in Europe mid-year before being launched in 2009.

Instead, the firm – which is 51 per cent owned by Prodrive and the rest by Ford Australia – is likely to produce its own high-performance version based on the all-new third-generation Focus now under development now and due to be produced in Australia from 2011.

In a move aimed directly at HSV’s 177kW AH Astra-based VXR hatch, an FPV Focus would comfortably exceed the 141kW offered by the existing Focus performance range-topper, the 166kW XR5 Turbo.

Last year Ford announced that it will build the next Focus at its Broadmeadows plant in the north of Melbourne. The current model comes out of South Africa (or Germany if it's the XR5 Turbo).

If given the green light, the 2011 FPV Focus will be the fastest and most powerful small-car ever built in Australia.

“When the 2011 Focus is running down the Broadmeadows production line then we’ll have a lot of opportunity with that car,” Rod Barret – FPV general manager – revealed to GoAuto last week.

[Bossxr8]

Whats with the bit that says "the FPV Focus will comfortable exceed the 141kw offered by the Focus range topper, the 166kw XR5 Turbo". :

[RJO89]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Whats with the bit that says "the FPV Focus will comfortable exceed the 141kw offered by the Focus range topper, the 166kw XR5 Turbo". :

lol, yeah I caught onto that too. Got absolutely no idea where they got the 144kw bit from..

[CAT600]

Originally Posted by MISTA FIESTA

FORD Performance Vehicles has long considered adding the Focus to its expanding artillery, but the first FPV small-car will not be a variation of the upcoming Focus RS due to be unveiled in Europe mid-year before being launched in 2009.

Idiots, why rework a car and spend all that money, when Ford Europe will do all the hard work for them.

All that money should have been pumped into the Orion range and/or the FPV Territory.

Idiots.

Daniel

[zetec]

Originally Posted by CAT600

Idiots, why rework a car and spend all that money, when Ford Europe will do all the hard work for them.

All that money should have been pumped into the Orion range and/or the FPV Territory.

Idiots.

Daniel

I agree, why spend a cent when Tema RS will surely product a ball tearer. when has any ST or RS NOT been a beast?!!!

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by zetec

I agree, why spend a cent when Tema RS will surely product a ball tearer. when has any ST or RS NOT been a beast?!!!

x3...a simple rebadge job would do the trick.

UNLESS......Is there anything stopping FPV from developing the RS and then having it exported? If we are going to build the focus here wouldn't that make sense?

Where is the RS currently being built?

[photn]

There arent any Focus RS in production at the moment.

The old one was built in Germany and i would assume that the new one would also be built in germany along with the Focus ST and the Fiesta ST. German design and German engeenering = Top of the line.

[Escort_RPDriver]

they want there own brand of fpv focus not just a rebadge like hsv and once the focus is built here it will be easer to develop there own specs for it and we will be able to say hey us aussies have are own hot hatch

[Steffo]

Originally Posted by zetec

I agree, why spend a cent when Tema RS will surely product a ball tearer. when has any ST or RS NOT been a beast?!!!

The first gen Focus ST was definitley not a beast.

The current Fiesta ST aka XR4 is also fimly in the not beast category.

I'm all for it. Go FPV!

[BlackLS]

Just throwing an idea out there...

RWD?

[mitch_lx]

^^^^^^ Never going to happen. join the falcon forum

[Tj-zetec]

AWD?

just thought i'd throw that out there.

I think the lads at RS would be kidding themselves if they don't at least consider it. It'd put it in the same league as the new sti (which nobody seems to care about) and the golf r32 (which arouses strange reactions in my pants). and that's just limiting it to the so called hot hatch category.

i agree, fpv are wasting their time. I guess this means we deffinately WONT be getting the new RS.

[BlackLS]

Originally Posted by mitch_lx

^^^^^^ Never going to happen. join the falcon forum

I just wish for a small RWD, closest thing to what I want is probably a BMW 1 series.

Ford having the global RWD dev here it would make sense that; if it was to happen anywhere it would be here. Both the Falc and Foc run control blade rear, and the Foc has a pretty mean tailshaft lump for a FWD. Although it would be more likely to be AWD, seeing as there is a AWD version of the MTX75 being mated to the duratec...

[TITO]

Yes there is a RS focus in production, check out the pommy Ford web site.

Originally Posted by photn

There arent any Focus RS in production at the moment.

The old one was built in Germany and i would assume that the new one would also be built in germany along with the Focus ST and the Fiesta ST. German design and German engeenering = Top of the line.

[zetec]

Originally Posted by Steffo

The first gen Focus ST was definitley not a beast.

The current Fiesta ST aka XR4 is also fimly in the not beast category.

I'm all for it. Go FPV!

The point I was making was that everything from ST170 to Fiesta ST and Focus ST has been a well made car. All of them with brilliant chassis and all of them very well built.

Despite not having a Turbo, the Fiesta ST is a little ball tearer on anything but the Western Suburbs traffic Light Drag on a Friday night and you should know the benefits of a real car that turns corners since you own one of the best in the world.

Hard to argue against the Focus ST at all really as it's a fine automobile. Sure any car could take more power, but most would lose their balance too.

Leaving the ST170 to last, it too is an absolutely brilliant car on real roads. Granted it was criticised for not having enough power but much of that was not due to the weakness of the engine rather the brilliance of the chassis that begged for MORE power. It won't smoke an XR6 in a straight line. That was the RS' job and it was never brought out here back then due to import tariffs being much higher I'd imagine. It would be more cost effective to bring out an RS model form Europe now with lower tariffs and a more competitive market than develop a model locally. The reason th RS was so dear was due to the Brembo, Sparco, Oz Racing and all manner of automotive porn brands fitted to it. Focus ST is a lot more cost effective thanks to mostly non-branded parts apart from the Recaro seats. The ST170 was an excellent vehicle and will do more than keep up with many more powerful cars thanks to its unbelievable grip and handling.

Why spend money trying to add kilowatts to already well rounded and highly-effective packages when you're suddenly going to go against the multi million dollar budgets of Europe. It'd be like asking Renault to mod local RSport Clios for more power if they were built here, when they already come almost perfect. It just doesn't make business sense when you consider that making a local version would probably involve crash testing etc, all of which is costly and has already been done by the Europeans.

I've spent quality time in Focus XR5 (ST), Fiesta XR4 (ST) and Focus ST170 vehicles and all three are stunning drives, all three leave you smiling just like a Clio would. European carws are about balance, control and finesse, not bulk kilowatts for boasting power!

And TITO, Focus RS production stopped in November 2003. No current RS model exists on sale nor has for almost 4 and a half years. There's known to be only one old model in Australia, that's in Perth, imported by an ex-pat Englishman. It has a S55 badge on the boot, indicating it's boosted to 255hp (which I think is rice to be honest on a car as cool as the RS).

[zetec]

Originally Posted by BlackLS

I just wish for a small RWD, closest thing to what I want is probably a BMW 1 series.

Ford having the global RWD dev here it would make sense that; if it was to happen anywhere it would be here. Both the Falc and Foc run control blade rear, and the Foc has a pretty mean tailshaft lump for a FWD. Although it would be more likely to be AWD, seeing as there is a AWD version of the MTX75 being mated to the duratec...

It's not space efficient and goes against 20 years of industry development!! BMW persist with tiny boots and rear seats as they've carved out a niche. Albeit an expensive one. They'll always find buyers, but it's not going to attract the masses.

Most well setup performance hatches lose nothing to RWD and in some cases gain a whole lot more character. At the top end a Race car benefits from RWD but given a Focus ST lapped the 'Ring 3 seconds faster than a RWD Boxster, clearly FWD can hold its own on a track. An Integra Type R or a Civic Type R will also beat a standard Porsche Carrera. Yes a 130i beats them all to death, but none have the space and comfort of the front wheel drive hatches.

Focus' tailshaft is designed to accomodate WRC AWD systems, the shell is designed with WRC in mind. The original road-going LR focus was stiffer than a 1997 WRC Escort, to assit with the new Focus' WRC exploits. It has to date been one of the most successful and consistent WRC cars in recent years.

[photn]

Originally Posted by TITO

Yes there is a RS focus in production, check out the pommy Ford web site.

Im sorry to say mate but there is no Focus RS in production on www.ford.co.uk

The original Focus RS was a limited run from what ive read. Ford lost out on them as well. (again, from what ive read)

[Steffo]

Originally Posted by zetec

The point I was making was that everything from ST170 to Fiesta ST and Focus ST has been a well made car. All of them with brilliant chassis and all of them very well built.

Despite not having a Turbo, the Fiesta ST is a little ball tearer on anything but the Western Suburbs traffic Light Drag on a Friday night and you should know the benefits of a real car that turns corners since you own one of the best in the world.

Hard to argue against the Focus ST at all really as it's a fine automobile. Sure any car could take more power, but most would lose their balance too.

Leaving the ST170 to last, it too is an absolutely brilliant car on real roads. Granted it was criticised for not having enough power but much of that was not due to the weakness of the engine rather the brilliance of the chassis that begged for MORE power. It won't smoke an XR6 in a straight line. That was the RS' job and it was never brought out here back then due to import tariffs being much higher I'd imagine. It would be more cost effective to bring out an RS model form Europe now with lower tariffs and a more competitive market than develop a model locally. The reason th RS was so dear was due to the Brembo, Sparco, Oz Racing and all manner of automotive porn brands fitted to it. Focus ST is a lot more cost effective thanks to mostly non-branded parts apart from the Recaro seats. The ST170 was an excellent vehicle and will do more than keep up with many more powerful cars thanks to its unbelievable grip and handling.

Why spend money trying to add kilowatts to already well rounded and highly-effective packages when you're suddenly going to go against the multi million dollar budgets of Europe. It'd be like asking Renault to mod local RSport Clios for more power if they were built here, when they already come almost perfect. It just doesn't make business sense when you consider that making a local version would probably involve crash testing etc, all of which is costly and has already been done by the Europeans.

I've spent quality time in Focus XR5 (ST), Fiesta XR4 (ST) and Focus ST170 vehicles and all three are stunning drives, all three leave you smiling just like a Clio would. European carws are about balance, control and finesse, not bulk kilowatts for boasting power!

And TITO, Focus RS production stopped in November 2003. No current RS model exists on sale nor has for almost 4 and a half years. There's known to be only one old model in Australia, that's in Perth, imported by an ex-pat Englishman. It has a S55 badge on the boot, indicating it's boosted to 255hp (which I think is rice to be honest on a car as cool as the RS).

The reason I criticise the ST170 and current XR4 is because they're amongst the slowest car in their class. Yes, they both hand great, but both are severily lacking in the power department where everyone else isn't.

IMO the ST170 and XR4 are missing something. Yes, they're great chassis and great handlers - but without adequate power. The ST170 was slower down a straight line drag race then a GTI IV Golf and TS Astra SRi Turbo. Or around dead even with an AU Taxi. I was going to buy one... but... ehh. I wish they sold the RS here...

Much the same deal with the XR4. It seems to be having trouble staying infront of a Citroen C2 VTS in a drag, let alone proper hot hatches. Having owned a Zetec Fiesta, I feel the XR4 is not an adequate improvement over it to warrant upgrade.

Those Fords don't come here perfect, that's the thing. The new Focus XR5 does, I wouldn't touch that. However the point wouldn't be FPV modding a Focus ST, it would be making their own version. Stuff what Team RS has done, it would be Team FPV's car. And seeing how they can make the F6 Typhoon that can run with the likes of the V10 M5, and the same lot of people with a different name to the company made the T3 TE50 which was faster around corners then the old E39 M5, I'd love to see what they could do with a Focus. Plus it would nothing but help local industry, more locally made cars, more local work.

[zetec]

Originally Posted by Steffo

Those Fords don't come here perfect, that's the thing. The new Focus XR5 does, I wouldn't touch that. However the point wouldn't be FPV modding a Focus ST, it would be making their own version. Stuff what Team RS has done, it would be Team FPV's car. And seeing how they can make the F6 Typhoon that can run with the likes of the V10 M5, and the same lot of people with a different name to the company made the T3 TE50 which was faster around corners then the old E39 M5, I'd love to see what they could do with a Focus. Plus it would nothing but help local industry, more locally made cars, more local work.

This is the problem with the argument though. It's simply unfeasible, unproductive and a waste of time to expect FPV to make something better than a Team RS produced ST or RS, because let's face it, if people wanted something less than or equal to an XR5, they'd buy one.

For FPv to produce a BETTER, faster or more powerful version is like asking Europe to import a handful of Falcons and make a better Typhoon or GT. It's simply a stupid idea given the market size - sure it's possible technically.

FPV would never be able to justify spending - from scratch - the money on a Focus Zetec to convert it into a ball tearer when Team RS will do thousands of hours on a product that would have such a huge advantage in being developed for a much bigger worldwide market and hence a much bigger budget. They'd have to produce bodykits, engines, you name it.

Understand what people are alluding to, as far as I see it it's a very very unfeasbile idea. Makes no business sense at all. Europe would never make their own go fast Falcons just like it wouldn't make sense doing the reverse here for Focus.

Just because FPV do it to Falcons, doesn't mean it's the same on Focus given that it's already done to Focus elsewhere. Why would any company spend twice as much to achieve more or less the same thing? Not even Telstra is that stupid.

As for ST170 being slowest in its class, I for one would not have bought an Astra Turbo if it was 10% cheaper. The Focus was the best handling car in its class and not everyone gives a toss about straight line speed! For the $27,000 I spent on a new Focus Zetec 5 years ago I could have bought a sweet 185kw 5.0L EL XR8 and modded it and kept funds for the extra fuel. NO THANKS. The XR8 didn't have leather, 4 airbags, DSC, great European style, independent suspension or any class. 127kw wasn't enough to drag, but most people who buy hatches aren't interested in that.

[Uni]

$100 says the extent of the FPV upgrades are intake, exhaust, an aggro tune and lower, stiffer suspension.

Development costs on that won't be high enough to blow the bank, ProDrive will make a fortune using the R&D work to sell upgrade packs for the current XR5. It also means the Focus goes to the top of the performance hatch podium in both pace AND handling, which from a marketing point of view is a winner, even if people don't go out and buy the FPV one.

Ford better do their homework though...


Uni/.

[ClevlndStemer]

Originally Posted by Steffo

The reason I criticise the ST170 and current XR4 is because they're amongst the slowest car in their class. Yes, they both hand great, but both are severily lacking in the power department where everyone else isn't.

IMO the ST170 and XR4 are missing something. Yes, they're great chassis and great handlers - but without adequate power. The ST170 was slower down a straight line drag race then a GTI IV Golf and TS Astra SRi Turbo. Or around dead even with an AU Taxi. I was going to buy one... but... ehh. I wish they sold the RS here...

Much the same deal with the XR4. It seems to be having trouble staying infront of a Citroen C2 VTS in a drag, let alone proper hot hatches. Having owned a Zetec Fiesta, I feel the XR4 is not an adequate improvement over it to warrant upgrade.

Those Fords don't come here perfect, that's the thing. The new Focus XR5 does, I wouldn't touch that. However the point wouldn't be FPV modding a Focus ST, it would be making their own version. Stuff what Team RS has done, it would be Team FPV's car. And seeing how they can make the F6 Typhoon that can run with the likes of the V10 M5, and the same lot of people with a different name to the company made the T3 TE50 which was faster around corners then the old E39 M5, I'd love to see what they could do with a Focus. Plus it would nothing but help local industry, more locally made cars, more local work.

I am sorry I have to disagree with your comments on the XR4. It may be a slower car on the 1/4 mile or 0 - 100km/h but then that isn't what this car was built for, it is an everyday car with some kick when you would like it.
It hands brilliantly around the track. Fifth Gear tested it and their time was only 0.7 sec slower around the track than the Focus RS, Video of it.
Even when Motor Mag tested it in BFYB (I think it was that) it did quite well, beating the Aurion sportivo by about 1.7seconds around the track.

0 - 100 times are really for cars that can't turn, anyone can make a car go quick in a straight line, but make it handle around the track.
It isn't all about power, it is a balance between weight and power.

As for FPV building a Focus, pleeeease. I would rather pay more for what team RS can deliver (rebadged for here). I am almost 100% certain they would run rings around anything FPV would do.

The work they did on the XR5/ST is awesome. I can't fault my car.

[5.4 GT]

Originally Posted by Uni

$100 says the extent of the FPV upgrades are intake, exhaust, an aggro tune and lower, stiffer suspension.

$200 says its a Stripe package...

[5.4 GT]

Originally Posted by ClevlndStemer

0 - 100 times are really for cars that can't turn, anyone can make a car go quick in a straight line, but make it handle around the track.

It isn't all about power, it is a balance between weight and power.

That's just a lame cop out to try and protect the underpowered XR4. You hear it all the time from Honda owners.

The Lotus Exige is thought to be one of the best handling cars around. It goes from 0-100 in about 4.9 seconds. Some people didn't think this was fast enough for the Exige that was supposed to be a whole lot better than the Elise. So they added a supercharger and called it the Exige S. It only added 20kg and didn't spoil the handling in any way but cut the 0-100 time down to 4.1 seconds.

Maybe the little Fiesta can't handle more power through its chassis? However if Ford wanted to make a serious crack at this market against the Polo GTi etc then it should have made a car that had more power and ran better times than it currently does with the XR4.

[Uni]

Originally Posted by DaveO_SP

That's just a lame cop out to try and protect the underpowered XR4. You hear it all the time from Honda owners.

The Lotus Exige is thought to be one of the best handling cars around. It goes from 0-100 in about 4.9 seconds. Some people didn't think this was fast enough for the Exige that was supposed to be a whole lot better than the Elise. So they added a supercharger and called it the Exige S. It only added 20kg and didn't spoil the handling in any way but cut the 0-100 time down to 4.1 seconds.

Maybe the little Fiesta can't handle more power through its chassis? However if Ford wanted to make a serious crack at this market against the Polo GTi etc then it should have made a car that had more power and ran better times than it currently does with the XR4.

you can't really compare a purpose-built sports car with possibly the best handling chassis in existence (at least under, say, $300,000) with a shopping trolley with a focus 2L shoehorned into the front of it.

That said, I agree with you. The XR4's chassis could handle more power.. i have a funny hunch that it was designed this way so Ford can update the range later with a more powerful version.


Uni/.

[5.4 GT]

Originally Posted by Uni

you can't really compare a purpose-built sports car with possibly the best handling chassis in existence (at least under, say, $300,000) with a shopping trolley with a focus 2L shoehorned into the front of it.

That said, I agree with you. The XR4's chassis could handle more power.. i have a funny hunch that it was designed this way so Ford can update the range later with a more powerful version.


Uni/.

Yeh I wasn't comparing them directly it was just a comparison between Exige and Exige S and how they could give it more power without compromising on handling. You got what I was on about though with the XR4.