Ford Focus Coupe-Cabrio: In Depth

 Ford Focus Coupe-Cabrio: In Depth
Ford Focus Coupe-Cabrio

Focus with striking dash of Italian elegance

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

Driving Dynamics

"Transferring Ford's driving agility to a Coup??????????????????-Cabriolet requires some expertise. For example, you have to consider the differences in weight distribution and the higher overall weight. That's why we were lucky to be able to use the strong basis from Ford Focus plus a very rigid body structure." Andreas Woehler, Manager Vehicle Dynamics

New Ford Focus Coup??????????????????-Cabriolet reflects Ford's acclaimed driving quality philosophy in the same way its core Focus range siblings do. The model's suspension has been engineered with proven Focus components as a basis, but with specific tuning that takes into account a completely new body structure with different weight factors.

"Simply adopting a 'plug and play" solution was not feasible for this project. Ford has an excellent reputation for driving quality, and we want to do justice to this with every new model", says Woehler.

The chassis includes reliable core Focus components like the front axle with MacPherson strut suspension, Ford's Control Blade independent rear suspension, and a low friction steering system. Wolfgang Helbert, team leader in Woehler's group, was also responsible for fine-tuning the sporty Ford Focus ST : "This experience was of great help because in some areas I could work with ST settings without letting go of the Coup??????????????????-Cabriolet's individual characteristics."

For additional stiffness, Ford Focus Coup??????????????????-Cabriolet uses an extra cross-member across the bulkhead between the MacPherson struts and bushings taken from the ST rack. To match the vehicle's perfectly balanced weight (front 53%: rear 47%), the rear suspension was also derived from the Focus ST design, but is tuned towards a more comfortable setting.

For the front gas-filled dampers, a new piston valve has been adopted while the rear axle uses compact mono tube dampers. Drivers will appreciate minimised noise levels and enhanced body control.

By comparison with the Focus sedan, both front and rear dampers have been stiffened by 30 percent. Front and rear stabilisers were aligned in accordance to the springs, and have been stiffened by 8 percent at the front and 33 percent at the rear. Additional ST-proven spring aids, strut mounts, and new 16- and 17-inch wheels with 205x55 and 205x50 tyres respectively add to the Focus Coup??????????????????-Cabriolet's agility signature.

Electro-hydraulic power-assisted steering is available with both the 2.0-litre Duratec and Duratorq TDCi engines. The proven EHPAS system offers speed-related steering effort and reduced fuel consumption. New software specially written for use in Focus Coup??????????????????-Cabriolet provides more direct steering feedback.

In addition to this essential suspension tuning, a new sport suspension has been developed. This comes as standard with the Sport Pack and is optionally available for Titanium models. It features more highly tuned springs, dampers and anti-roll bar to provide more sportiness. When specified, the Focus open air cruiser is 10mm lower at the front and 8mm at the rear axle, yet still comfortable enough for relaxed cruising.

Powertrain

"Before choosing engines for the new Ford Focus Coup??????????????????-Cabriolet, we listened to the wishes and needs of this subsegment's customers. With our acclaimed TDCi power units available, we believed it was crucial that we offered them access to this efficient technology for our stylish grand tourer." Norbert Steffens, Manager C-Segment Powertrain

Up to three proven Ford powertrains from the Focus range are offered in the new Coupe-Cabriolet model ??????????????????????????????????????? two Duratec petrol engines, and one Duratorq TDCi diesel.

Ford offered diesel open-top motoring once before, however. In 1995, the Escort TD Cabriolet was launched, and customers were surprised to find that diesel engine torque reserves were well suited for relaxed Cabrio cruising. The new Ford Focus Coup??????????????????-Cabriolet's TDCi engine takes this relationship to the next level.

136 PS, 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi

Developed as part of Ford Motor Company's diesel engine co-operation with PSA Peugeot Citro??????????????????n , this robust engine features a peak torque of 320 Nm at 2,000 rpm and a maximum power output of 100 kW (136 PS). In combination with Ford's Durashift 6-speed manual transmission, which will be delivered with refined shifting character, Focus Coup??????????????????-Cabriolet reaches a top speed of 205 kph (128 mph) and accelerates from zero to 100kph (62 mph) in just 10.3 seconds. Targeted fuel consumption in combined ECE mode is a remarkably low 5.9 litres for 100 kilometres.

The 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi engine employs latest generation common-rail injection technologies simultaneously to balance and refine the engine's combustion acoustics, emissions and fuel consumption. Up to 1,600 bar of injection pressure, Piezo injection valves, a Garrett turbocharger with variable turbine geometry and intercooling smooth out the process for a more progressive and complete combustion.

Thus equipped, the engine would meet and surpass the strict Euro 4 emissions regulations even without the standard DPF system (Diesel Particulate Filter).

A dual-mass flywheel helps to balance idle speed and reduces the rattles and vibration, while the noise-attenuating properties of the cast-iron engine block further improve NVH behaviour.

Being quiet and cultivated, powerful and relaxed, economical and clean, Ford's 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi engine is a perfect touring companion for the new Focus Coup??????????????????-Cabriolet.

145 PS, 2.0-litre Duratec HE

Ford's acclaimed 2.0-litre Duratec HE petrol engine is a lively alternative to the torquey Duratorq TDCi. It offers 145 PS (107 kW) at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 185 Nm at 4,500 rpm. Ninety percent of maximum torque is permanently available between 2,200 and 6,000 rpm.

Equipped with this engine, Focus Coup??????????????????-Cabriolet reaches a top speed of 208kph (130 mph) and accelerates from zero to 100kph (0-62mph) in 10.3 seconds. In combined ECE mode, target fuel consumption is a reasonable 7.5 litres.

This engine has already proved itself in the Ford Focus, Mondeo, and as a slightly modified version in the Fiesta ST . It is light - a fact that contributes to optimised weight balance and also serves to improve fuel economy.

Combined with the 2.0-litre Duratec HE engine, Durashift MTX-75, Ford's robust and responsive 5-speed manual transmission, provides new Focus Coup??????????????????-Cabriolet with effortless and refined shifting character. A Durashift Automatic transmission is also planned for introduction with this engine option in the near future.

100 PS 1.6-litre Duratec

Ford's best- selling Focus engine in Europe forms the entry point for the Focus Coup??????????????????-Cabriolet's engine range. It offers 74 kW (100 PS) at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm.

This extremely successful and efficient engine works together with Ford's Durashift IB5 5-speed manual transmission in a combination capable of a top speed of 182 kph (114mph), with acceleration from zero to 100 kph (62mph) in 13.6 seconds. Target combined fuel consumption is 7.1 litres per 100 kilometres.

Ford's 1.6-litre Duratec offers a perfect balance of rev and torque performance. Combined with its smooth operation and good fuel economy, this engine is an ideal and cost effective partner for relaxed wind-in-the-hair motoring.

Source: Text & Photos courtesy Ford Motor Corporation

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