[ZX3TUNR]

Hopefully its true and does happen. Would be neat having a 200HP stocj Focus and build off that.

Quote:Ford strives to give SVT models upscale image

By Rick Kranz
Automotive News / December 08, 2003

DETROIT - Ford Motor Co. will take its SVT high-performance brand upscale and drop the SVT Focus.

The demise of the SVT Focus is part of Ford Motor's revision of its performance strategy. The company will create a performance series for the Ford brand and likely will add a high-performance Lincoln SUV and a supercharged Mercury sedan.

"I want to see product and performance across the range," said Phil Martens, group vice president of product creation for North America, at a press event here last month.

SVT stands for Special Vehicle Team.

The Ford Performance Group, formed in September 2002, is directing the strategy. The group develops performance vehicles and handles performance parts and services for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury.

Martens said the group will concentrate on three vehicle types beginning in the 2005 model year.

1. High-end vehicles, including the two-passenger 2005 Ford GT and the Ford brand's limited-edition SVT models.

2. Turbocharged and supercharged vehicles.

3. Mainstream performance, including the new ST label for the Ford brand's high-volume performance vehicles below SVT.

With the SVT brand going to a more premium position, the low-end Focus no longer fits. Production of the 2004 SVT Focus will end in the spring. Ford sells about 5,500 SVT Focus models annually.

Moving upmarket

"We are moving SVT upmarket in terms of performance, content, craftsmanship," said Tom Scarpello, SVT marketing and sales manager. "And obviously, going along with that will be price."

The three-door 2004 SVT Focus has a $19,205 sticker price, including $545 destination. The five-door is $19,705 with destination.

The two other vehicles in the SVT line, the SVT Lightning and the Mustang SVT Cobra, also end production in the spring, leaving dealers with an 18-month gap until new models arrive.

The next-generation SVT Lightning, based on the F-150 pickup, will go into production in late 2005 or early 2006. That will be followed by the next SVT Cobra, which will be based on the redesigned Mustang.

Ford Division is creating high-performance models by using previous-generation SVT engines. For example, the Mustang Mach 1 is equipped with the previous-generation Cobra V-8. The Lightning V-8 also is used in the Harley-Davidson Edition F-150.

John Coletti, director of Ford Special Vehicle Team Programs, wants to do the same thing at Lincoln Mercury.

Coletti said 65 percent of the cost of developing an SVT vehicle is the powertrain - emissions, packaging, hardware and other considerations.

"We are being forced to go up to a much higher level, and what is left behind is a boost for the mainstream products," Coletti said. "It makes sense to trickle that stuff down."

Supercharged Navigator

The Ford Performance Group has developed a 2004 Lincoln Navigator equipped with the supercharged 380-hp SVT Lightning V-8, although no decision has been made on production.

Turbocharging and supercharging also are expected to have a wider role in the automaker's powertrains.

A turbocharged 200-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine soon will be approved for the 2005 or 2006 Focus. If produced, it would be a mass-market engine, available to all Ford dealers. The SVT Focus is available only to qualified SVT dealerships.

A supercharged Mercury Marauder also is under consideration.

With the decision to drop the SVT Focus, Focus owners are being targeted with performance parts and accessories authorized by the Ford Performance Group.

The Ford brand will use the ST designation for a range of high-volume performance vehicles with horsepower and suspension and enhancements. The first Ford to carry that badge will be the 2005 Focus ST, a sedan with a 150-hp, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine.

Martens said the ST designation will be used where appropriate. The mid-sized Futura sedan, due in 2005, is a likely candidate, possibly with all-wheel drive. He said the Taurus is not a candidate.

[2001 ZTS]

I didn't see any reference or even hint of a turbo Focus?

Though I did enjoy being told by Ford that as a non-SVT Focus owner that I am even lower than a "low end" SVT Focus. Nice to know where one stands in life.

[scoobasteve]

That article's pretty old.. I'm sure alot of things have changed

Svt Owners > All :P

:lol:

[NOS2Go4Me]

Hell... MOTOR SWAP!

[guilty]

Yeah that article is a year old already, that was before they even stopped production on all the SVT models. A lot has changed since then, let's just hope that Ford will actually be on the right track with their SVT lineup this time.

Basically they need to build a focus with forced induction that sits between the SRT4 and the WRX.

[Rob]

Quote:I didn't see any reference or even hint of a turbo Focus?

Quote:A turbocharged 200-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine soon will be approved for the 2005 or 2006 Focus. If produced, it would be a mass-market engine, available to all Ford dealers. The SVT Focus is available only to qualified SVT dealerships.

Thats sort of a hint.

[ZX3TUNR]

Ya the article is old. I beleive it was out before the release of the SRT4? Wonder if there is an updated version somewhere.

They should just throw Power Works on all the Focus's from factory and we would be good to go.

[2001 ZTS]

Rob,Dec 3 2004, 04:53 PM Wrote:

Quote:I didn't see any reference or even hint of a turbo Focus?

Quote:A turbocharged 200-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine soon will be approved for the 2005 or 2006 Focus. If produced, it would be a mass-market engine, available to all Ford dealers. The SVT Focus is available only to qualified SVT dealerships.

Thats sort of a hint.
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Text overload on my part. :lol:

I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for it and besides at the price it would end up being you'd by a Volvo R or Mazdaspeed or WRX or a whatever floats your boat.

People in Europe may accept Fords and Ford prices the same way they do VW's but few in North America are ready to make that leap of faith and quite frankly, they haven't been given much reason to do so from a quality standpoint.

[naz]

19k turbo focus with euro spec hardware and trim.. i'd seriously think about that. but knowing ford it will either never happen or be too 'americanized'

[2001 ZTS]

naz,Dec 3 2004, 11:59 PM Wrote:19k turbo focus with euro spec hardware and trim.. i'd seriously think about that.  but knowing ford it will either never happen or be too 'americanized'
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I hope you're talking $US? The ST4 MSRP is $24,045. I can barely see then doing what you want for low 30's.

If they are serious about it don't be surprised if it offered as a "hot rod Lincoln" ala Acura EL (Civic). That way they could justify the price. With Saab, BMW, Audi and Mercedes all offering entry level luxury (9-2X, 1 Series, A3, forget name of new Mercdes) it may happen?

[guilty]

2001 ZTS,Dec 3 2004, 06:18 PM Wrote:I hope you're talking $US? The ST4 MSRP is $24,045. I can barely see then doing what you want for low 30's.
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Considering how expensive the SVT Focus was when it came out, I can only imagine what they'd want to charge for a seriously powerful performance oriented turbo model. It's going to have to be fairly cheap, since nobody wants to pay top dollar for a North American Ford.. they'd end up clearing them out, with a special leatherbound book that you can store all your recall notices in :P

[naz]

ya sorry i always use USD without saying USD.