2011 Ford Focus preview

mercury maid · 07-05-2009, 09:40 AM

http://www.motorauthority.com/two-us...ord-focus.html

Can't wait to see this on sale. Hope the electric version comes here.

As the second model developed under Ford’s new global design strategy (the first being the new Fiesta), the next-generation Ford Focus will be manufactured at Blue Oval plants at all corners of the globe. In addition to its regular haunts in Europe, the Focus will be manufactured in Australia and China and today Ford has confirmed that it will be produced in the U.S. by next year.

Ford will spend around $550 million to transform its former Michigan SUV plant to produce the car, and in 2011 the site will start churning out an all-electric version. The particular plant formerly was responsible for the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs and will support more than 3,200 jobs once Focus production ramps up.

Ford has confirmed that both the sedan and five-door hatchback versions of the European-developed Focus will be sold in the U.S., and there’s a strong chance that it may be joined by other small-car variants such as the C-Max crossover. This computer generated rendering gives us a possible new look for the car, showing that its styling will likely be influenced by the Fiesta compact.

Engines expected for the car will rely on turbocharging for a combination of power and efficiency, with a 1.6L EcoBoost four-cylinder slated to crank out 180hp (134kW). Despite the potent output, engineers are targeting 20% better efficiency than a naturally aspirated engine of similar performance.

Joe5619 · 07-05-2009, 10:37 AM

I didn't think the Australian part of this was 100% confirmed as happening? Nice to see a US article reporting Focus will be built in Aussie!

JPFS1 · 07-05-2009, 10:52 AM

It's not officially 'green lit' internally... but it's a given. If Ford was in GM's situation, then I wouldn't be as optimistic about it.

**Fordman1** · 07-05-2009, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPFS1

It's not officially 'green lit' internally... but it's a given. If Ford was in GM's situation, then I wouldn't be as optimistic about it.

That's a mule using the existing sheetmetal of the just released facelift.

The 2011 is basically all new sheetmetal from what I understand...so those pics are not "it".

I think the styling will be a lot more adventurous.

Gobes32 · 07-05-2009, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barraxr8

I think the styling will be a lot more adventurous.

Similar to the cgi?, coz that car is nice.

alecrain · 07-05-2009, 11:41 AM

The styling (as much as I can tell from under the camouflage) isn't really that much different, or is it?
I like the new Fiesta and my wife is really into it, I tell her that what matters is how the car drives and feels inside as that's what you'll be doing most of time, looking pretty in front of the house is just an extra bonus.

imugli · 07-05-2009, 11:59 AM

From what most british press are saying, more along the lines of this

alecrain · 07-05-2009, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imugli

From what most british press are saying, more along the lines of this

Then it'll look more like a pumped up fiesta, but I like it!

Gobes32 · 07-05-2009, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imugli

From what most british press are saying, more along the lines of this

I like it.

Paxton · 07-05-2009, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gobes32

I like it.

Let's hope so, you're stamping the panels for whatever it looks like...

Blue_XR · 07-05-2009, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imugli

From what most british press are saying, more along the lines of this

That is nice

R-Design · 07-05-2009, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue_XR

That is nice

Especially when you compare it to this:

Gobes32 · 07-05-2009, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paxton

Let's hope so, you're stamping the panels for whatever it looks like...

With a bit of luck it might be the wife's new car as well, then the Territory will be mine, all mine!!!!!

Paxton · 07-05-2009, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gobes32

With a bit of luck it might be the wife's new car as well, then the Territory will be mine, all mine!!!!!

If they offer the current employee prices, I'd take two.

imugli · 07-05-2009, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boss315

Especially when you compare it to this:

I saw one of those on the road yesterday. Reminded me of a movie I saw once... Honey, I shrunk the Sebring.

Saying that though, the Epica is based on a 10 y.o Leganza and still sells more than Mondeo, so no doubt that will sell too...

LeadFoot81 · 07-05-2009, 03:51 PM

If the '11 Focus is as big a step forward as the new Fiesta, Ford will be onto a winner (globally)

Im hanging out to see what it will be like (not just the ext. styling but all the important specs) as it may just get me out of a sedan and into the mid-size hatch market (got to try it once in my life)

phillyc · 07-05-2009, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barraxr8

That's a mule using the existing sheetmetal of the just released facelift.

The 2011 is basically all new sheetmetal from what I understand...so those pics are not "it".

I think the styling will be a lot more adventurous.

Exactly Barra. Those photos are weeks old of the current sedan.

Gobes32 · 07-05-2009, 04:35 PM

Does anyone have an idea of what it may retail for, surely a locally manufactured Focus would be a lot cheaper than us sourcing them from south africa like we do now?

**Fordman1** · 07-05-2009, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gobes32

Does anyone have an idea of what it may retail for, surely a locally manufactured Focus would be a lot cheaper than us sourcing them from south africa like we do now?

Good question.

I think this car will have more content though....

I bet it'll start at over $20,000.

JPFS1 · 07-05-2009, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barraxr8

That's a mule using the existing sheetmetal of the just released facelift.

The 2011 is basically all new sheetmetal from what I understand...so those pics are not "it".

I think the styling will be a lot more adventurous.

aaaaaah, what has this got to do with what I said?

**Fordman1** · 07-05-2009, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPFS1

aaaaaah, what has this got to do with what I said?

Oooops meant to quote the OP :togo:

Must be the alzeimers kicking in !!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mercury maid

Can't wait to see this on sale. Hope the electric version comes here.

JPFS1 · 07-05-2009, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barraxr8

Oooops meant to quote the OP :togo:

Must be the alzeimers kicking in !!

ok, no problem.

I am hearing from guys starting on the program that the content of this thing is going to be quite amazing for the price.

Heard some features they're hoping to price in, would be surprised if they pull it off. Obviously can't say much publicly.

Gobes32 · 07-05-2009, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPFS1

ok, no problem.

I am hearing from guys starting on the program that the content of this thing is going to be quite amazing for the price.

Heard some features they're hoping to price in, would be surprised if they pull it off. Obviously can't say much publicly.

so it will be a premium hatchback?

imugli · 07-05-2009, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gobes32

so it will be a premium hatchback?

This wouldn't surprise me.

Falcon is a premium sedan. Most of those sold are XRs or G Series.
Mondeo is a premium mid size. Diesel and XR5
Fiesta is a premium sub compact. Most sales are high end high spec models.

I think if Ford could get their dealers and the service they provide under control (and I'm only going on feedback I've read here. I have have no experience with any Ford dealer) they could quite conceivably be seen as at least a sub-premium brand quite quickly if they wanted. I think they are seen this way in Europe and are aiming to be in the US.

As opposed to Holden, who went down the Korean Made road and are now suffering for it.

Ohio XB · 08-05-2009, 04:03 AM

I was waiting to buy a Fiesta when they are available in the US around next April, but with the redesign of the Focus, and it getting an EcoBoost engine, I may be looking into that as well.

I saw a rendering a few weeks ago and it was mean looking. Sure, just a rendering, but if the new model looked half as good I would be interested.

Steve

R-Design · 08-05-2009, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPFS1

ok, no problem.

I am hearing from guys starting on the program that the content of this thing is going to be quite amazing for the price.

Heard some features they're hoping to price in, would be surprised if they pull it off. Obviously can't say much publicly.

That'll be one of the biggest positives about local manufacturing. It's so frustrating looking at the OS brochures and comparing the options & features in them to what's available in OZ. Ford AU offers very little in comparision especially on Focus & Mondeo. I guess they're limited in what they can do, but it seems that other brands (VW especially) are better at this.