Ford's Bojix Fusion Concept for SEMA.
Ford is focused on SEMA. Quite literally, the Detroit maker planning to reveal at least five specially tuned versions of its popular Focus five-door during the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association’s annual show in Las Vegas later this month.
The SEMA show has become a big deal for the auto industry, not just the typical tuners and performance parts makers but big manufacturers like Ford who have been using the event to test out new ideas, drum up some headlines – and perhaps form some new alliances with aftermarket suppliers who might add to the options available for a car like the Ford Focus.
Ford has released renderings and images that suggest it’s trying to build up the performance bona fides of the compact hatchback, starting with one SEMA special that pairs Ford with its once-familiar ally Cosworth LLC. Together, they’ve bumped the pony count up to 330, a 30% bump in horsepower, as well as a 20% increase in torque. The Ford Racing-modified 2.0-liter EcoBoost was finished off by M&J Enterprises and features a Tangerine Scream finish and detailing designed to fit on the track.
X-Game legend Tanner Fousts' Focus.
Ford is also teaming up with X-Games gold medalist and world record holder Tanner Foust to produce the sort of Focus 5-door that would be “a competent weekend track/canyon warrior (yet) comfortable enough to endure a Southern California commute,” according to the maker. The package gets a Magna Flow exhaust to improve performance, a distinctive body kit and adjustable front and rear suspension.
Bojix Design’s take on the Focus “brings European design cues to American soil,” suggests Ford’s release. Details include big brakes and coil-overs, and an expressive body kit done up with an over-the-top orange paint scheme.
Cosworth and Ford get back together on this Focus concept for SEMA.
Galpin Auto Sports aims to inject some rally sport DNA into the 2013 Ford Focus – ironic, however, with the maker pulling out of the World Rally Car program. Performance is enhanced by ethanol injection, with a rally-ready body kit, coil-over springs, big brakes and other vehicle dynamic improvements intended to put maximum power to the pavement.
The SEMA quintet is completed with the Steeda Autosports Focus, a European-inspired ST edition for “performance junkies.” Explains Ford, “The Steeda ST offers increased performance, improved handling, aggressive looks and performance feel to make an automotive enthusiast latch on and not let go. Steeda G-Trac suspension modifications, Brembo brakes and a 19-inch custom wheel and tire package takes power to the tarmac. This hot hatchback means business.”
Galpin gives the Focus some rally flare.
Ford also plans to feature an assortment of Fusion sedans, Mustangs and other tricked-out products at its sprawling SEMA exhibit.
As regular readers of TheDetroitBureau.com know, the SEMA Show will feature a Who’s Who of major automakers competing for attention. You can check out the assortment of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Fiat concepts by Clicking Here. And make sure to get a good look at the Hyundai Velocity, the Korean carmaker’s latest take on the Veloster, by Clicking Here.