IAA 2011: Ford’s New Focus ST gets ST-R Racing Version

Even though the brand-new Focus ST was just launched at the 64th International Auto Show in Frankfurt, the hot hatch which will also be available as a Wagon in Europe, already has a racing sibling: the Focus ST-R that also made its world premiere in Germany.

Developed by Ford Racing Team in collaboration with the firm's Global Performance Vehicles group, the Focus ST-R is aimed at professional and amateur racers alike, as well as track-day enthusiasts, and is designed to compete in a wide variety of races.

Ford even hopes that some of its customers will take part in more professional events such as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

Like the (five-door) road version upon which it is based, the ST-R is powered by Ford’s new 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine. It features a new track-tuned suspension and uprated brakes and, since it is a race car, a FIA-spec roll cage.

Jost Capito, Ford’s director of motorsports, commented: “From the beginning the Focus and the new Focus ST were designed to be driver’s cars. The road-going Focus features best-in-class brakes, handling and powertrains. Ford Racing in North America has taken this effort and developed the Focus ST-R and is a perfect example of how a production car inspires a competitive race car for enthusiasts.”

 

PHOTO GALLERY

Read More

Hyundai Lifts the Covers Off its Focus-Rivaling i30 Hatch

The upcoming 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show will host the world premiere of Hyundai's new generation i30 C-segment hatchbackthat will go against the likes of the Volkswagen Golf and Renault Megane in Europe.

The compact-sized i30 brings a fresh design with a more unique feel than the outgoing model of the same name, which in the States, is offered only in station wagon form as the Elantra Touring.

The exterior styling follows the Fluidic Sculpture design language of the recently launched i40 series (available in both sedan and station wagon formats) with a large hexagonal front grille, wraparound headlamps, a bulging belt line and pronounced front wheel arches.

The interior design is also modeled after Hyundai's latest creations such as the Veloster featuring a pair of deep-set gauges and a prominent center console.

The new i30 will launch as a five-door hatchback with a choice of fuel-efficient four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines.

More details are to be released shortly, so stay tuned on Carscoop for more.

 

PHOTO GALLERY

Read More

Guess What Ford is Bringing to the Frankfurt Motor Show this Year?

The above rendering is the work of independent designer David Cardoso

While we wish Carscoop reader and independent designer David Cardoso the best of luck in his work, the 2013 Ford Focus Coupé Design Study that he drew up and which is pictured above, isn't the surprise that Ford is planning for this year's edition of the Frankfurt Motor Show.

However, it does represent the type of vehicle we will be seeing in less than a month's time in Germany.

According to Carscoop's sources, Ford will show a compact-sized sports coupe concept, possibly (but not certainly) based on the platform architecture of the Focus.

As Carscoop understands, the study will not only hint at a future coupe model for the brand, but it will also provide a glimpse into the new design language that we will see in the next generation of Ford models.

In addition to the coupe concept, Ford has already said it will unveil "details of the next Focus performance car" which points at the new Focus ST, and two more production premieres, details of which have not yet been announced.

Designer: David Cardoso

PHOTO GALLERY

Read More