(continued from above)
The Focus race car concept is a dramatic example of Ford's global approach to
product development and builds on the company's comprehensive approach to
leveraging its global product platforms.
This race car concept, powered
by the sophisticated 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost I-4 engine, is the first to benefit
from a collaborative effort between Ford and race teams around the world that
have already built and raced successful Focus race cars. The Focus race car
concept has been based around rules governing circuit racing in the United
States and beyond.
"This teamwork has resulted in a global racing
platform using a common Focus body and a safety cage built to FIA regulations -
a competitive platform that can be tailored for regional competition, based on
different rules," said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles and
Motorsport Business Development. "By leveraging our collective experience and
Ford technology worldwide, this approach parallels our global dedication to the
Focus production car and specifically its exciting performance derivative, the
new Focus ST, to deliver a competitive race car that can be campaigned around
the world."
Using the all-new Focus as its base, the Focus race car
concept features AST performance coil-over adjustable dampers, Ford Racing
upgraded sway bars with adjustable end links and front brakes with
320-millimeter two-piece rotors and race pads. The Anthracite 18-inch wheels and
Hoosier race tires put the finishing touches on the exterior.
In addition
to the FIA Super 2000 regulations roll cage, interior components include a
Recaro racing seat, AIM MXL Pista data system and AIM SmartyCam. Ford Racing
fire suppression system and Ford Racing six-point safety harness round out the
modifications that bring the car from street-spec to race-ready.
"There
has been tremendous interest from the racing world in the new Focus, and it's
the perfect fit for a global touring car," said Capito. "Even more, by working
with professional private race teams, we're ensuring Focus has the support it
needs to compete and win around the world."
Benefits Will Stretch
Beyond the Track
Professional private race teams are partnering with
Ford to develop common technical specifications for the race car, which will
conform to FIA Super 2000 regulations with potential to adopt to other
regulations.
The teams are being brought together by Ford to harness
their strengths and define roles for the development of the race car. Ford will
also support the race teams by providing data, advanced engineering tools,
state-of-the-art testing facilities and production parts, resulting in teams
racing more competitive cars that are developed with greater efficiency.
"Ford's commitment to using motorsports to influence high-performance vehicles
will be highly evident, as the development of the Focus touring car will also
provide valuable input as we develop the upcoming Focus ST production car," said
Capito. "It's very similar to how the Mustang team was able to apply learnings
from the Ford Racing Boss 302R to the 2012 Mustang Boss 302."
The first
race appearance for the Focus is targeted for the 2011 British Touring Car
Championship. Globally, the race car has the potential to run in many national
and regional championships, such as the China Touring Car Championship and
24-hour endurance races like the classic Nürburgring in Germany.
