Ford to drop SVT Focus, suspend performance lineup

[NFS4]

http://www.detnews.com/2003/autosinsider/0311/23/b02-332341.htm

 

[BDawg]

Why suspend the cobra???

 

[NFS4]

Found more info at VWV:

The level of unique engineering and content in SVT vehicles has been increasing virtually every year since SVT was created. Indeed, the change to new platforms and assembly facilities for the new F-150 and Mustang will make these programs the largest and most complex in SVT's history. However, these outstanding new platforms will provide the opportunity to enhance not only the performance, but also the quality, craftsmanship, and overall refinement of the SVT product lineup. This, along with the unique expertise SVT has developed in over ten years of operation, will ensure the next generation of SVT products will be the most exciting ever, and will continue to dominate the performance landscape for many years to come.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1120537

 

[RagingBITCH]

I could understand the Focus - there's other cars out there that just blow it away. I guess they just haven't decided on the engine for the new L, and won't have a SVT version of a Mustang available at launch. (Especially with them bringing back the Shelby name)

 

[johnjbruin]

Originally posted by: BDawg
Why suspend the cobra???

wasnt there something on here about calling it a shelby mustang again?

 

[bozack]

Ouch....damn wish they did that before I bought my POS SVT Tour....oh well

 

[RedRooster]

NFS4, from all the forums and whatnot that you read, do you think there's any chance of us getting the Focus RS over here?
I actually really liked the SVT Focus, and know you kinda did to, so that's sad to read. But maybe there'll be a real performance version made available rather than that pathetic ST version they're proposing.

 

[EvilYoda]

They also said they'd be releasing a model of the Focus called the ST, with less HP than the SVT, but more torque, in 2005. (Read the article this morning)

 

[RagingBITCH]

Originally posted by: RedRooster
NFS4, from all the forums and whatnot that you read, do you think there's any chance of us getting the Focus RS over here?
I actually really liked the SVT Focus, and know you kinda did to, so that's sad to read. But maybe there'll be a real performance version made available rather than that pathetic ST version they're proposing.

The RS is a pipe dream for the US market. Europe is getting an all new Focus next year anyway.

 

[RedRooster]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH

Originally posted by: RedRooster
NFS4, from all the forums and whatnot that you read, do you think there's any chance of us getting the Focus RS over here?
I actually really liked the SVT Focus, and know you kinda did to, so that's sad to read. But maybe there'll be a real performance version made available rather than that pathetic ST version they're proposing.

The RS is a pipe dream for the US market. Europe is getting an all new Focus next year anyway.

It's conceivable that they'll continue the performance line with an RS variant over there, no?
I don't understand why we didn't get a turbo charged car over here, to close to the Mustang's performance?

 

[notfred]

That's not surprising since the the mustang and F-150 are all new.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Originally posted by: RedRooster

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH

Originally posted by: RedRooster
NFS4, from all the forums and whatnot that you read, do you think there's any chance of us getting the Focus RS over here?
I actually really liked the SVT Focus, and know you kinda did to, so that's sad to read. But maybe there'll be a real performance version made available rather than that pathetic ST version they're proposing.

The RS is a pipe dream for the US market. Europe is getting an all new Focus next year anyway.

It's conceivable that they'll continue the performance line with an RS variant over there, no?
I don't understand why we didn't get a turbo charged car over here, to close to the Mustang's performance?

I have no idea about that. I take it cost is an issue as well as the Mustang performance thing.

 

[PowerMacG5]

I want a factory supercharged Marauder . I have the 2003 right now, and am looking for upgrades, but a factory stock supercharger would be sweet. Right now the mods I want are (in order):

Reinhart Stage I (chip, 180 degree stat, Denso plugs, 4.10 gears)
Stallion Torque Converter (3000 RPM Stall)
Reinhart MMX (Metal Matrix) Driveshaft
Reinhart Supercharger or Trilogy Eaton Blower
Exhaust Headers (either Reinhart or Kooks)
Exhaust pipes (X Pipes either by Reinhart or Kooks)

 

[RGN]

Good riddance. THe SVT focus was more marketing than a real car. A friend has been railing on me about how cool (fast) another friends Fukus SVT is.When I looked at this thread, I nearly yawned. 170 HP at 7K? 0-60 is 6.5? Fast? Maybe quick, but I'd be suprised if one could break those 17" rims loose.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Originally posted by: KraziKid
I want a factory supercharged Marauder . I have the 2003 right now, and am looking for upgrades, but a factory stock supercharger would be sweet. Right now the mods I want are (in order):

Reinhart Stage I (chip, 180 degree stat, Denso plugs, 4.10 gears)
Stallion Torque Converter (3000 RPM Stall)
Reinhart MMX (Metal Matrix) Driveshaft
Reinhart Supercharger or Trilogy Eaton Blower
Exhaust Headers (either Reinhart or Kooks)
Exhaust pipes (X Pipes either by Reinhart or Kooks)

Didn't Reinhart make that crazy fast Mark VIII? Or was it a T-Bird?

 

[PowerMacG5]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH

Originally posted by: KraziKid
I want a factory supercharged Marauder . I have the 2003 right now, and am looking for upgrades, but a factory stock supercharger would be sweet. Right now the mods I want are (in order):

Reinhart Stage I (chip, 180 degree stat, Denso plugs, 4.10 gears)
Stallion Torque Converter (3000 RPM Stall)
Reinhart MMX (Metal Matrix) Driveshaft
Reinhart Supercharger or Trilogy Eaton Blower
Exhaust Headers (either Reinhart or Kooks)
Exhaust pipes (X Pipes either by Reinhart or Kooks)

Didn't Reinhart make that crazy fast Mark VIII? Or was it a T-Bird?

He makes crazy fast anything . His Marauder has 467.3 RWHP and 400.9 RMTQ. He ran a 12.39 Quarter Mile. For a 4 Door Family car, this is crazy fast. I think his latest one (those number are from his 2003), a 2004, runs quicker.

 

[mAdD INDIAN]

What's odd is that Ford will let NA market have the current Focus for another 5 years while Europe will be getting the new version of the Focus soon.

Ford NA expects to use the current Focus to have a 10 year lifespan. When was it released? 2000?

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH

Originally posted by: RedRooster
NFS4, from all the forums and whatnot that you read, do you think there's any chance of us getting the Focus RS over here?
I actually really liked the SVT Focus, and know you kinda did to, so that's sad to read. But maybe there'll be a real performance version made available rather than that pathetic ST version they're proposing.

The RS is a pipe dream for the US market. Europe is getting an all new Focus next year anyway.

It seems the RS has already been discontinued. edit: This is the only source I can find. I'm currently looking for others.

November 18, 2003

Industry News
End of Ford Focus RS

Ridiculously, Ford Focus RS arrived the market after 2 years of delay, but now the car died after just 394 days of production and only 4501 units have been built. Ford might win some admiration from British press, but it certainly lost a lot of money in the project.

 

[thedarkwolf]

Originally posted by: RGN
Good riddance. THe SVT focus was more marketing than a real car. A friend has been railing on me about how cool (fast) another friends Fukus SVT is.When I looked at this thread, I nearly yawned. 170 HP at 7K? 0-60 is 6.5? Fast? Maybe quick, but I'd be suprised if one could break those 17" rims loose.

The focus SVT competes pretty well in its class except against the srt-4 but then nothing in that class does.