Ford Focus as race car concept at the LA Auto Show

Ford is presenting at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show a race car concept based on its all-new 2012 Ford Focus. With this study vehicle Ford is showing the new model potential to compete in road and touring car championships.

The Focus race car concept is powered by a 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost I-4 engine, and is the first vehicle to benefit from a collaborative effort between Ford and race teams around the world that have already built and raced successful Focus race cars. The concept car is based on the rules that govern 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 all-new Focus, the race car concept has received some sportive enhancements, which include AST performance coil-over adjustable dampers, Ford Racing upgraded sway bars with adjustable end links and front brakes with 320-millimeter two-piece rotors and race pads. The exterior enhancement is completed by the Anthracite 18-inch wheels and Hoosier race tires.

Inside Ford has been race adapted with the FIA Super 2000 regulations roll cage, a Recaro® racing seat, AIM MXL Pista data system and AIM SmartyCam. Ford Racing fire suppression system and Ford Racing six-point safety harness.

“There has been tremendous interest from the racing world in the new Focus, and it’s the perfect fit for a global touring car,” said Capito. “Even more, by working with professional private race teams, we’re ensuring Focus has the support it needs to compete and win around the world.”

“Ford’s commitment to using motorsports to influence high-performance vehicles will be highly evident, as the development of the Focus touring car will also provide valuable input as we develop the upcoming Focus ST production car,” said Capito. “It’s very similar to how the Mustang team was able to apply learnings from the Ford Racing Boss 302R to the 2012 Mustang Boss 302.”

The first appearance for the new Ford Focus is expected to happen on the 2011 British Touring Car Championship. Ford considers that the race car “has the potential to run in many national and regional championships, such as the China Touring Car Championship and 24-hour endurance races like the classic Nürburgring in Germany.”