A PERFORMANCE VALUE THAT'S TOUGH TO BEAT

Customers will find acceleration, braking and handling capabilities that are nothing short of spectacular. It is the most technologically advanced vehicle the Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT) has produced so far. And it costs only $17,995 (including destination and delivery).

The 2002 Ford SVT Focus is the latest performance value from Ford SVT, and the team’s first entry into the compact, front-wheel-drive performance market niche, often called the "hot hatch" segment. The SVT Focus enters this segment with a significant performance value advantage.

"We believe the 2002 SVT Focus is the best all-around performance car you can get for under $18,000," says Tom Scarpello, Ford SVT marketing and sales manager. "This is a new market for SVT. It’s youth, it’s the future, and this car puts us right out on the leading edge in terms of performance, technology and styling. It also is a showcase of our expertise with front-wheel-drive performance cars, which started with the SVT Contour in 1998."

The SVT Focus is based on the 3-door hatchback Focus ZX3, which is powered by the 16-valve DOHC Zetec inline four-cylinder engine.

The engine in the SVT Focus features extensive modifications that elevate its power output to 170 hp and 145 lb.-ft. of torque, compared with 130 hp and 135 lb.-ft. of torque for the Focus ZX3 powerplant.

These modifications include a dual-stage intake (DSI) manifold, variable cam timing on the intake camshaft, and an underbody-only catalyst system. Power is transferred to the wheels through a dual-mass flywheel and a six-speed manual transaxle.

"The SVT Focus has the power, driveability and economy it takes to make a big impact in this market," says John Coletti, chief engineer at Ford SVT Engineering. "The younger generation today is embracing small, four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive cars as ‘their’ performance cars in the same way the Baby Boomers embraced V8 muscle cars back in the ’60s. This is a market we have to be in."

"We’ve found that the entire Ford Focus lineup is striking a very positive chord, especially with young people," adds Andy Slankard, program manager for SVT Focus. "They like the way it looks and the way it drives, so a performance version of this car really makes sense."

Special suspension tuning enhances the car’s handling capabilities. Modifications include revised spring rates, larger front anti-roll bar, unique bushings and shock absorber rates, and 17-inch wheels and tires.

The car is equipped with four-wheel disc brakes and standard ABS. The front rotors measure 11.8 inches, 1.65 inches larger in diameter than those on the Focus ZX3.

In addition to its tall, 17-inch alloy wheels, the exterior of the SVT Focus is distinguished by unique front and rear fascias, black honeycomb front grilles and rear valance, special rocker panel moldings and a rear spoiler.

Inside, the seats are trimmed in black leather, with additional bolster padding for increased lateral support. Seating surfaces are covered in a choice of red or blue cloth. The shift knob and handbrake lever are leather-wrapped and have leather boots. The steering wheel also is leather-wrapped, and the instrument panel features an electro-luminescent gauge cluster with titanium-colored faces.

"Since Focus was launched in Europe in 1998, it has received critical acclaim for many of its attributes, including styling, driving dynamics, interior space and safety," says Scarpello. "In North America, Focus has made Ford a significant player in the compact front-wheel-drive segment, which had been dominated by Japanese and European cars. Focus is attracting customers who wouldn’t have considered a domestic product before. The SVT Focus will simply attract more customers, as it clearly will be the image leader for the entire Focus line."

The 2002 SVT Ford Focus will carry a base manufacturers’ suggested retail price of $17,995 (including destination and delivery), emphasizing value, an SVT hallmark. Ford SVT offers vehicles with a high level of performance-oriented content for the money.

The SVT Focus production run for model year 2002 will be approximately 7,500 units for the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The car is being built in Ford’s Hermosillo, Mexico, assembly plant where the Focus ZX3 is manufactured.

Story by Ford