Press Release
Page 1: Overview
Page 2: Driving Dynamics / Powertrain
Page 3: Exterior Design / Package
Page 4: Interior Design / Equipment / Body
Page 5: Safety
Page 6: Specifications
Overview
"Defining the development target was easy: To position Ford's first power-operated hardtop model as a best selling four-seat coupé-cabriolet. To do this, we needed to combine a unique body design, a retractable hardtop and everyday practicality with the acclaimed driving quality of the Ford Focus. It has also been a challenge to combine two different company cultures, but I think the multi-cultural team has delivered, and the solution we have found has resulted in a very exciting vehicle." Gunnar Herrmann, Vehicle Line Director, Ford Focus
- Ford of Europe 's first power-operated hardtop model
- Combines open-air emotion with Ford PrecisionDrive characteristics
- Offers year-round practicality with best-in-class luggage capacity
- Available with choice of one Duratorq TDCi engine and two Duratec HE engines
- Rollover protection device (RPD) for added safety
- Elegant Italian design combined with durability and outstanding rigidity
- Sits at the top of the Focus family together with Focus ST
- Designed and developed in partnership with Pininfarina S.p.A
- Manufactured in Italy by Pininfarina S.p.A.
- Based on Ford Focus Vignale concept first shown at Paris Motor Show 2004
The new Ford Focus Coupé-Cabriolet supplements the extensive Focus line-up with a striking dash of Italian elegance. This four-seater Coupé-Cabriolet, which has been developed in partnership with design and engineering teams from Pininfarina S.p.A., combines unique open-air emotion with acclaimed Ford PrecisionDrive characteristics already appreciated on other Ford Focus models.
The new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet is Ford of Europe's first power-operated hardtop model. Its two-piece, fully retractable hardtop not only guarantees comfort, stability, durability, and a high degree of year-round, everyday practicality but it also lends the vehicle two exciting and bespoke personalities. Together with sporty Ford Focus ST , the all-new Coupé-Cabriolet sits at the very top of the Focus family.
Creating a true four-seater that combines a high emotional appeal with "must have" means for everyday use was a top priority for Ford designers and engineers. With the roof closed, new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet offers a best-in-class luggage capacity of 534 litres. Even with the retractable hardtop stowed in the boot, the new Ford still provides 248 litres of luggage space under the folded roof. No direct competitor in this market segment offers more.
The new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet is based on the Ford Focus Vignale Concept, which first appeared at the 2004 Paris Motor Show. Prompted by the positive reaction that followed from both customers and media, Ford quickly gave the project the green-light for volume production in November 2004.
Since then, the vehicle has been taken from design concept to production model in a joint development programme between Ford of Europe and Italy 's Pininfarina S.p.A., which enjoys a reputation for design and production of some of the most desirable vehicles in the world. In just 20 months, this cooperation delivered its target - a striking Coupé-Cabriolet, which retains the definite and pronounced lines of the original concept car.
This stylish Coupé, which is also the first Ford of Europe production vehicle to carry the unique "Pininfarina" design badge, reveals its second personality in just 29 seconds. At the touch of a button, it transforms quietly and quickly into a dynamic Cabriolet thanks to easy-to-use and reliable technology.
Because of its construction, the two-piece retractable hardtop delivers excellent customer advantages in terms of durability, rigidity, and sealing capability. Yet it also provides the vehicle with seamless, flowing and elegant lines.
In this respect, the slender profile of the rear roof pillars is of particular significance for the vehicle's body design. They flow elegantly into the boot lid, which gently arches towards the rear of the car. This lends new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet an unusually elegant yet dynamic stance - with the roof open or closed.
The highly individual rear design is dominated by distinctive tail lights linked by a chrome strip with an embossed "FOCUS" logo, giving the car a premium, tailored feel reminiscent of Italian tourers from famous carrozzerias . This appeal is further enhanced by a unique front bumper shape, bold wheel arches and an elegant profile.
"New Ford Focus Coupé-Cabriolet is more of a classic Grand Tourer than a sports roadster" says Jon Wellsman, Ford of Europe's Brand Manager for Focus. "With this vehicle we're responding to what customers have asked for ever since we showed the original Focus Vignale Concept.
"Also, it marks an entry point for Ford of Europe into a growing segment of the market - between 2000 and 2004 the number of retractable hardtop cars has multiplied by five, and this number is still increasing. We want to participate in that growth", adds Wellsman.
Another Bodystyle for the Ford Focus
The addition of the new Coupé-Cabriolet model extends the Ford Focus range, offering customers a superb choice.
Focus now offers three-door and five-door hatchbacks, a four-door sedan and a five-door wagon, plus the new Coupé-Cabriolet and the Ford Focus C-MAX multi-activity vehicle. The range offers a vehicle for every driver need, including, with the recently launched Focus ST , those looking for high performance.
The Ford Focus is one of the most successful model ranges in Europe with more than 4 million units built, plus 370,000 Focus C-MAX models built since its launch in 2003. The Focus, which boasts European sales of 442, 000 units in 2005, is produced at European assembly plants in Saarlouis in Germany , Valencia in Spain and St Petersburg in Russia .
But the Focus story isn't confined to Ford of Europe. Production sites for the Ford Focus outside of Europe include the US , China , Taiwan , Philippines and South Africa . More than five million Focus cars have been sold worldwide, with major sales highlights in 2000 and 2001, when the Focus achieved the status of being the best-selling car in the world. The previous Focus model was also the first vehicle in automotive history to win the 'Car of the Year' title both Europe and America.
