2011 Ford Focus Race Car Concept news, pictures, and information

New Focus Race Car Concept: L.A. Auto Show debut for Ford's next global touring race car

Professional private race teams are partnering wîth Ford to develop common technical specifications for the race car, which will conform to FIA Super 2000 regulations wîth 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 wîth 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.

New global Focus has it all

The new Focus is the result of a global product development program bringing together Ford's best engineers and technology from around the world. The new Focus will be sold in 122 markets worldwide and manufactured in Ford plants in Asia, Europe and North America.

All Focus models sold in North America will be powered by Ford's most advanced naturally aspirated engine ever: a new, 2.0-liter gasoline engine equipped wîth direct injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing – two important fuel-saving technologies. A six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission will be offered.

A Focus ST version also will be available, boasting exhilarating performance and an addictive sound. Ford's first global high-performance model, scheduled for 2012 launch and developed by Ford's global performance vehicles team, will deliver a 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine, lowered chassis, high-performance brakes and unique suspension tuning. The standard transmission for Focus ST is a six-speed manual, optimized wîth sporting ratios matched to the performance characteristics of the engine.

Ford's North American engineering team is targeting fuel economy of 40 mpg highway for the most efficient Focus model, equipped wîth an automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The new Focus will also offer North American consumers a full suite of Ford technology – including Ford SYNC®, MyFord Touch™, in-car Wi-Fi capability, active park assist and rear view camera.