Ford to Unveil New Concept Model for Kuga and Escape Successors at the 2011 Detroit Motor Show

Ford is gearing up for next year’s Detroit Motor Show with an almost production-ready concept version previewing a common replacement for the European market Kuga crossover and the North American Escape SUV. According to an inside source talking to Automotive News Europe, the new compact-sized crossover model will go into production in the second half of 2012 as a 2013 model.

It seems that Blue Oval hasn’t decided yet if the current names will be dropped in favor of a single moniker, in order to create another global car in the likes of the new Fiesta and Focus models.

Moving production to the U.S. is another point on Ford’s agenda. It’s likely that the new car will be manufactured in Louisville, Kentucky, while the German factory in Saarlouis will keep the European production of the new Focus.

Bernhard Mattes, the man in charge of Ford’s German factories, told Bloomberg this week that the Kuga/Escape successor could hit Deutschland’s showrooms as early as March next year and reach other European markets by the second quarter.

Also in March, Ford will debut a Fiesta-based small minivan concept at the Geneva Auto Show, meant to replace the current European-market Fusion crossover.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Automotive News [sub. required]

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LA Show 2010: Ford Displays Tuned 2012 Focus Hatchbacks

Three personalized Focus models will also be on display at Ford's 2010 Los Auto Show stand, giving visitors an idea of how they could improve their stock rides. The cars received a makeover consisting mostly of visual enhancements from Ford Vehicle Personalization, FSWerks and 3dCarbon.

Developed by Ford Vehicle Personalization, the first Focus showcases what can be done with Ford Custom Accessories. Boasting a tri-coat white paint, the hatch received an extensive body kit with modified front and rear bumpers, the latter with integrated diffuser, plus lowered side skirts and a roof spoiler. To achieve a striking contrast, designers applied Caribbean Blue accents to many body parts, such as the headlamps, mirrors, wheels and doors.

Inside, the color theme switches to a black and white contrast, used on the leather seats, steering wheel and center stack. Bespoke scuff plates and aqua accent lighting complete the composition.

Next up is the FSWerks 2012 Ford Focus. In this case, modifications also include performance parts, like the stainless steel exhaust, which is said to maximize engine output, though no figures have been released yet. Gone is the stock suspension, too, replaced with an H&R Springs coil-over kit, cutting ride-height by a whopping 3 inches (7.62 centimeters).

Other treats include an FSWerks cold air intake, engine cover and 19-inch DPE R16 wheels, wrapped around Continental ExtremeContact tires. There's also a 3dCarbon roof wing and, under the sheetmetal, a front stress bar.

Last but not least, we have 3dCarbon's take on the Focus. The California-based tuner envisioned a "sinister look" for the car, or so it says, achieved by applying 3M's Ventureshield Paint Protection film foil wrap on the black body panels, complemented with smoked-out windows.

The hood received a glossy black finish, while the car rides on 20-inch Series KM650-KMC wheels, accented with red pinstripes. The 3dCarbon Focus also gets H&R sport and a cat-back exhaust.

By Csaba Daradics

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LA Show 2010: Ford Focus Race Car Concept

Making its world premiere in LA today is the Focus Race Car Concept that will form the base for the Blue Oval's next global touring race car. Powered by a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the new racing model will get its first shot on the tarmac at the 2011 British Touring Car Championship.

For the creation of the Focus racer, Ford collaborated with various race teams from around the world in order to make sure that the new car meets 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."

Based on the new Focus, the Race Car Concept has been upgraded with AST performance dampers, sport sway bars provided by Ford Racing and enormous, 320 mm front brakes, for extreme stopping power. Hoosier race tires wrap around the 18-inch Anthracite alloy wheels.

Inside, there's a roll cage and a Recaro racing seat with a six-point safety harness, alongside a fire suppression system. The AIM MXL Pista dashboard has a digital layout and features, among other data, a tachometer, rev counter and gear position indicator.

Ford is keen to benefit as much as possible from the teams' racing experience, so it's going to provide them full support, including data, advanced engineering tools and parts. The idea is that, in a few years time, new race-inspired technologies should make the transition to street models, as was the case with the 2012 Mustang Boss 302.

By Csaba Daradics

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