Ford Focus XR5 Turbo Revealed (Au)

Press Release

Page 1: Focus XR5 Turbo
Page 2: Interior/ExteriorDesign
Page 3: Power for performance
Page 4: Dynamics
Page 5: Safety

• 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder Duratec 20-valve engine

• 166 kW of power and 320 Nm of torque

• Exceptional driving dynamics

• Performance and practicality

Ford Australia has revealed the latest weapon in its high performance arsenal - the Focus XR5 Turbo; engineered in Europe and equipped with a close ratio six-speed manual gearbox and boasting performance levels that will be the envy of many larger car drivers.

"This is a very exciting day for Ford Australia, with the red hot Focus XR5 Turbo adding more firepower to an already potent performance vehicle line-up," said Ford Australia President Tom Gorman.

"We all know Focus is a quality product, and much of that quality is borne out of an extensive sports programme via the gruelling World Rally Championship.

"Our engineers have drawn on that experience and focussed it into a vehicle destined to redefine the term 'hot hatch'.

"The new Ford Focus XR5 Turbo combines performance with practicality; offering usability and versatility just as its siblings do, with additional power and performance in tribute to its rally-bred origins," Mr Gorman said.

The Focus chassis has been modified and stiffened for the XR5 Turbo, with an additional cross-member between the struts, as well as being lowered by 15mm. Handling has been refined through stiffening of the front and rear springs and larger diameter anti-roll bars.

Brakes have been upgraded with 320 mm x 25 mm front ventilated discs, fitted with large calipers and pads to provide better initial bite.

Safety features include a rigid passenger cell, footwell protection, collapsible steering column and brake pedal, side impact protection door beams and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).

Passive safety highlights include pyrotechnic belt pre-tensioners, driver and front passenger airbags, full side curtain airbags and front seat side airbags.

Inside, the new Focus XR5 Turbo boasts Recaro sports seats for driver and passenger and a unique additional instrument pod, displaying turbocharger boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure.

Outside, the front bumper has been emphasised to give the Focus XR5 Turbo a lowered look incorporating an aggressive inverted-trapezoid lower grille. Flanking the top of the lower grille, fog lamp openings are trimmed in brushed aluminium.

Fast and practical, the new Ford Focus XR5 offers a no-compromise package for the performance car driver.

Ford TeamRS, the company's racing and performance arm based at Ford's Dunton Technical Centre in the UK, has developed a car ideal for the performance motorist, while offering a welcome dash of refinement.

"We have spared no effort in making this the most exciting Ford Focus road car yet," said Jost Capito, Director of Ford TeamRS.

"It is a perfect car for drivers who love the performance motoring experience, but do not want to sacrifice high standards of refinement, comfort and practicality."