The New Ford Focus And An EV Model Coming In 2011

Ford Motor Company seems to be the only auto manufacturer of the "Big Three" headed in the right direction. Their sales are up, they continue to produce quality cars and trucks and now they are showcasing the future, which looks even brighter.

The 2012 Ford Focus is a great looking car, packed with amenities and a reasonable price tag. The only thing that could trip up this car is its model name, Focus. In the past, the Focus has been a relatively bare bones, economical compact but the 2012 model aspires to greater heights. The new Focus tries to mimic a mid-size European sedan with all the accouterments. We predict this model will be a big seller for Ford.

Of course, the model we are most interested in is Ford's Focus EV, which has been seen on the Jay Leno show. If Ford packs the EV model with adequate batteries and range, it too will be a success.

From Gas2.0:

There were surprisingly few unveils at this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and even fewer thrills. The AWD turbocharged Buick GS concept and electric Fiat 500 not withstanding though, perhaps the best looking car to come out of Detroit is the 2012 Ford Focus.

Based on the Blue Oval’s “One Ford” global platform sharing idea, the 2012 Focus will share over 80% of its components with European models. Even better, an electric model of the Focus should hit showrooms sometime in 2011.

What separates the new Focus from previous iterations is just how bold and muscular the car looks. For a small car, it looks big in either sedan or hatchback versions. It has an aggressive stance and flared wheel wells too, further enhancing its already strong looks. It really helps the Focus stand out from the increasingly-crowded small car segment.

The interior has become even more refined though, and looks quite snazzy when compared to the old Focus interior. Plus Ford is pushing its Sync connectivity system pretty hard, working to integrate it further into cars while also eventually offering iPhone-like applications. Ford is bringing the premium “Titanium” level package to America, which many European customers choose. This puts the price of the Focus into the $20,000 range and offers things like upgraded seats and sound system.

For engines, the 2012 Focus will debut with a 2.0 liter, 155 horsepower direct-injection engine. No word on exact fuel efficiency expectations, but it should be awfully close to 40 mpg on the highway. Ford is looking to go backwards. There is also hope that Ford will bring its 300 horsepower RS edition to the states, adding a level of performance to the Focus not seen since the short-lived SVT version hit the streets. No word on when the Focus will get an EcoBoost engine… but it damn sure better.

As for the Electric Focus, which got some public exposure on Jay Leno’s short-lived primetime show, that too is on the way. It should hit showrooms sometime next year, with an expected range of 80-100 miles. But that is all we know for now. Suffice it to say, I am very excited about the Focus and the possibilities that lay ahead.