FORD SVT FOCUS COMPETITION CONCEPT DEMONSTRATES MOTORSPORTS POTENTIAL
 The SVT Focus Competition concept. |
The SVT Focus Competition concept.
LONG BEACH, Calif., April 19, 2002 – The Ford SVT Focus Competition concept was introduced today at the Specialty Equipment Market Association's (SEMA) International Auto Salon, by Tom Scarpello, sales and marketing manager for the Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT). The SVT Focus Competition is a demonstration of the SVT Focus' potential to evolve into a highly competitive car for grassroots motorsports, such as autocross, drag racing, club racing and rallying.
The SVT Focus Competition concept takes the base car a few steps further, and is a demonstration of what a customer can achieve, depending on how far they want to go in order to transform the SVT Focus into a competitive track car.
"The SVT Focus will be very competitive right out of the box in many forms of racing, and in particular at autocross events," said Scarpello. "But there are always steps that can be taken to be even more competitive. The Competition concept was put together by several SVT employees that have racing experience. This is their vision of a competitive SVT Focus."
The transformation begins with lowering the weight of the car to improve the power-to-weight ratio. The removal of sound absorption materials, the radio, air conditioning system, and backseat save close to 150 pounds. Other weight saving measures include the replacement of the hood with a carbon fiber piece and the use of lightweight racing seats and wheels. The project weight for the Competition is 2,500 lbs., about 250 lbs. less than the stock curb weight. The weight savings deliver a 10 percent improvement in the power-to-weight ratio.
"The SVT Focus platform is an excellent starting point for those interested in grassroots racing," Scarpello said. "The SVT Focus is an extremely capable performance car with an outstanding power curve, great brakes, and a terrific chassis. And the best part is that all this performance content is available for under $18,000. With a handful of modifications, this car will simply amaze motorsports enthusiasts."
The production 2002 SVT Focus, which began arriving at Ford SVT-certified dealerships earlier this month, has taken the compact performance segment by storm. It features a 2.0L SVT Zetec DOHC 4-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower and 145 ft.-lbs. of torque mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Other features include unique front and rear fascias, a spoiler, 17-inch wheels with high performance tires, larger brakes, and an SVT-tuned suspension. Priced at $17,995 (MSRP including destination & delivery), the SVT Focus promises to offer the most performance available for under $18,000.
Ford SVT began its 'Partners in Performance' relationship with key aftermarket companies during the development of the 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R. Those partnerships have grown and other relationships have been forged through the recently initiated Ford-SEMA Technology Initiative. Also on display this weekend is the yellow SVT Focus 'SEMA' project car that was introduced at the November 2001 SEMA show in Las Vegas. It marked the first SVT vehicle developed in conjunction with the Ford-SEMA Technology Initiative. The SVT Focus Competition is the second.
"Our 'Partners in Performance' were an integral part in the creation of the SVT Focus Competition," added Scarpello. "Aftermarket parts add a dimension that is key to this customer -- individualization and enhanced performance."
Aftermarket performance equipment included on the SVT Focus Competition:
Equipment Supplier Performance enhancement
Limited-Slip Differential Tochigi Fuji Sangyo Increased traction and driving stability
Aluminum Flywheel Fidanza Increased throttle response
Cold Air Intake System AEM Better engine breathing
Cat Back Hi-Flow Exhaust Borla Enhanced engine output
Stainless Steel Brake Lines Goodridge Better driver feedback and brake pedal feel
Polyurethane Bushings Energy Suspension Provide more consistent handling feel
Dampers Bilstein Better feel and handling response
Springs Eibach Springs Increased body control
Wheels OZ Racing Reduced unsprung mass for better handling
Tires Continental Tire Reduced profile for improved acceleration
Lightweight Battery Dyna-Batt Reduced weight and distribution to rear
Short Throw Shifter B&M Quicker, more precise, shift action
Seats Sparco Reduced weight and better lateral support
Ford SVT is a small group of engineers, marketing and communications professionals dedicated to the development and production of specialty high-performance versions of Ford vehicles. Four hallmarks drive the SVT vehicle development process: Performance, Substance, Exclusivity and Value. Ford SVT recently celebrated production of its 100,000th vehicle, almost 10 years after it began producing the original SVT Mustang Cobra and SVT F-150 Lightning.
Ford SVT vehicles are sold exclusively through a network of SVT-certified Ford dealerships throughout North America. Customers can receive information on SVT and any of its product lines by calling (800) FORD-SVT or visiting online at: www.svt.ford.com.
