Skiing and snowboarding help give more stability to the new Focus

Have you ever experienced the sensation of the turns in skiing or snowboarding? Well, the new Ford Focus will be the first model to be fitted with a technology that employs downhill skiing and snowboarding moves in order to increase the vehicle stability in turns.

This technology has been developed to increase novice driver confidence, giving a greater sense of control in curves. The new technology will be joined by the vehicle stability control system that was previously reserved for premium sports cars.

“The new Focus is the first North American Ford vehicle to offer torque vectoring control,” said Rick Bolt, program manager for the Ford Focus. “This is a technology that has been offered on high-end sports cars, yet Ford is making it standard on their new small car.”

This technology mimics the weight shifting from the outside edge in transition from schuss to edge made by a downhill skier or board rider. In the car the torque vectoring control provides slight braking force to the wheel and the tire that is subject to potential slippage. The result: the driver and vehicle have a more stable drive through the curve.

By using the Focus braking, the torque vectoring control imitates the effect of limited-slip differential, constantly balancing the distribution of engine output between the driven front wheels. An imperceptible degree of braking to the inside front wheel is made when a driver is accelerating through a tight corner. This results on more engine torque on the outside wheel that provides additional traction, better grip and improved vehicle handling.

The system has been developed thinking of experienced and enthusiastic drivers but also of less-experienced drivers that will feel more confidence while controlling the car.

“Torque vectoring control elevates the dynamic capability of the entire Focus model range, from an S series sedan through a Titanium Sport Package hatchback,” said Bolt, an automotive enthusiast, frequent road course track-day participant, instructor, former Sports Car Club of America racer and downhill skier.

The all-new 2012 Ford Focus will reach the markets in early 2011.