range Posted May 13, 2008 Share Posted May 13, 2008 (edited) 2009 Ford Focus Coupe: The hot-selling Ford Focus debuts a new coupe version for the 2009 model year Wednesday on American's hottest television show "American Idol." This marks the first time Ford has ever revealed a new product on prime time television. (05/13/08) Edited May 13, 2008 by range Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SVT_MAN Posted May 13, 2008 Share Posted May 13, 2008 Really hasn't changed much. Not a surprise though - it's just a year-over-year change. Hmm. Doesn't look bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ford-150 Posted May 13, 2008 Share Posted May 13, 2008 is that what the new one looks like? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moosetang Posted May 13, 2008 Share Posted May 13, 2008 Shitty vents gone: good. Shitty lights still there: bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
range Posted May 13, 2008 Author Share Posted May 13, 2008 (edited) LINK SPORTY NEW LOOK FOR 2009 FORD FOCUS COUPE TO DEBUT ON WEDNESDAY ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ EPISODE -The 2009 Focus coupe is set to debut on "American Idol" on Fox on Wednesday. -Sporty updates inspired by customer feedback, including new front and rear fascias, a new roof-line spoiler and standard 17-inch aluminum wheels on the SES series, enhance the car's profile and further differentiate the Focus coupe from the sedan. -Performance improvements include increased horsepower on 5-speed manual versions and quicker acceleration, thanks to a new final drive ratio on models with four-speed automatic transmissions – without any compromise to Focus' 35-miles-per-gallon fuel economy rating. -Focus posted an 88 percent increase in retail sales in April versus a year ago. DEARBORN, Mich., May 13, 2008 – The hot-selling Ford Focus debuts a new coupe version for the 2009 model year Wednesday on American's hottest television show – "American Idol." This marks the first time Ford has ever revealed a new product on prime time television. "Focus is the little car that delivers in a big way for customers, with 35 mpg fuel economy, cool features including SYNC, a fun drive, strong quality and the right price," said John Felice, Ford Division group marketing manager. "We've built on those strengths to deliver an even sportier coupe version for 2009 and thought the 'American Idol' debut would be a new way for customers to see the upgrades for themselves." The new Focus coupe can be seen for the first time during the Wednesday broadcast of "American Idol" on FOX, which airs at 9 p.m. EST. The Focus coupe will be part of the "American Idol" Ford Video featuring this season's remaining contestants. Episodes of American Idol typically draws an audience of more than 20 million viewers. The 45-second music video also will be featured on the "American Idol" Web site at www.americanidol.com under the Ford Music Video page. Sportier Design Focus retail sales were up 88 percent in April versus the prior year, and a growing number of younger customers have been buying the new Focus model that was launched in late 2007. "We've spent a lot of time talking with small-car customers and Focus enthusiasts," said Sam De La Garza, Focus marketing manager. "Their overwhelming feedback was that a sportier exterior design could attract even more Millennials, or those people born between 1980 and 1995 – 11,000 of whom reach driving age every day in the U.S." With that in mind, the Focus team sculpted the coupe's new front and rear fascias to provide a sportier appearance. The lower front fascia incorporates a larger open area that bares a strong resemblance to the acclaimed design of the new global Ford Fiesta subcompact. The fog lamps – now standard – are better integrated into the overall design of the front fascia, and its signature two-bar chrome front grille and chrome accents around the headlamps have been darkened for added differentiation. "The new coupe looks really sporty," said Thomas, co-founder of www.focusfanatics.com and Ford Focus owner. "It is great to see that Ford values our feedback and is willing to make quick changes." "The new front fascia, 17-inch sport wheels and fog lamps remind me of the old Focus SVT models," Thomas added. For differentiation, the high-end Focus SES will feature a standard high-mounted spoiler that is incorporated into the design of the roof. The high-mounted design contributes to Focus' overall muscular stance. A decklid spoiler will remain part of the Focus SE exterior design. New premium-painted Dark Chrome 17-inch aluminum wheels, also standard on SES, complete the coupe's redesigned exterior. Sounds 'Bad' and Goes Faster -- With More Control The 2009 Focus SES coupe features more horsepower and a throatier sound, thanks to a new sport-tuned exhaust. The SES coupe with a four-speed automatic transmission will have a new 4.2 final drive ratio to deliver quicker off-the-line acceleration for a faster 0-60 mph time. A new option for 2009 is electronic stability control (ESC), which uses sophisticated sensors and the anti-lock braking system to help correct skids that can lead to accidents. Fuel-efficient Powertrains The 2009 Focus Coupe is equipped with a 2.0-liter, Duratec 20 dual-overhead-cam (DOHC), inline 4-cylinder engine that delivers 143 horsepower when mated to a five-speed manual transmission and 140 horsepower when paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Also available is a super-clean, 130-horsepower Duratec 20E engine that qualifies Focus as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV). The 20E's tailpipe emissions are cleaner than some hybrid gas-electric vehicles'. The Duratec 20 and 20E in Focus Coupe are mated to a five-speed manual transmission and achieve EPA-estimated fuel economy of 35 mpg. SYNC Standard on Focus SES Also setting the Focus coupe apart from other small cars is Ford's industry-exclusive SYNC technology, which will be standard equipment on the SES series and optional on the SE. SYNC is a fully integrated in-vehicle, voice-activated communications and entertainment system for customers to use their Bluetooth cell phones and digital media players. SYNC was first introduced on the 2008 Focus and was an immediate hit with customers, helping to increase Focus' share in an extremely competitive small-car market. Nearly 50 percent of the 2008 model year Focus units sold during April included SYNC. SYNC-equipped vehicles sell nearly twice as fast as those without. SYNC also was a feature that helped motivate editors of Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com to name the 2008 Ford Focus one of the "Top Ten Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" in April. The 2009 Focus Coupe, available later this summer, will have an MSRP that starts at $15,920. All Focus models are built at the Wayne (Mich.) Assembly Plant. Edited May 13, 2008 by range Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2005Explorer Posted May 13, 2008 Share Posted May 13, 2008 (edited) It's amazing how some small cosmetic changes can really improve the style of the car. Some larger pictures and discussion are at this link: http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=159752 I wonder if they will make some changes to the sedan as well??? Edited May 13, 2008 by 2005Explorer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
range Posted May 13, 2008 Author Share Posted May 13, 2008 (edited) I'm glad to see the SVT's EAP wheels make a return. Edited May 13, 2008 by range Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
range Posted May 13, 2008 Author Share Posted May 13, 2008 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
range Posted May 13, 2008 Author Share Posted May 13, 2008 (edited) the 2008 Coupe Edited May 13, 2008 by range Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted May 13, 2008 Share Posted May 13, 2008 It does look better than the 08. I was also surprised to see that some models will see slightly increased horsepower ratings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh Posted May 13, 2008 Share Posted May 13, 2008 It does look better than the 08. I was also surprised to see that some models will see slightly increased horsepower ratings. This is something the Japanese have been doing for years. Every year or so the powerplant gets a few extra horses or torque for selling points. 140 to 143 may not make a big difference but this is something to sell cars. Overall, I feel it is a decent execution with minimal changes and cost. I want to see it in Black. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted May 13, 2008 Share Posted May 13, 2008 This is something the Japanese have been doing for years. Every year or so the powerplant gets a few extra horses or torque for selling points. 140 to 143 may not make a big difference but this is something to sell cars. Overall, I feel it is a decent execution with minimal changes and cost. I want to see it in Black. Well, coming from Ford, it's a surprise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh Posted May 13, 2008 Share Posted May 13, 2008 Well, coming from Ford, it's a surprise. And a welcome one at that. Someone else wrote here if we'll see these improvements in the sedan? I say why not because on the Canadian site there is the SES Sport Coupe and Sedan. For my needs a sedan would be preferable over a coupe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted May 13, 2008 Share Posted May 13, 2008 And a welcome one at that. Someone else wrote here if we'll see these improvements in the sedan? I say why not because on the Canadian site there is the SES Sport Coupe and Sedan. For my needs a sedan would be preferable over a coupe. Personally, I think it'd be stupid not to have the improvements be on both the Coupe and Sedan. However, it appears Ford wants the Coupe to be more sporty, and it seems that giving it more horsepower (however little) and some visual enhancements is Ford's way of doing that. Like I said above, my guess is the visual stuff could be easily tacked onto a Sedan, but the powertrain couldn't be so easily modified, and for a measly 3 hp increase, it's not worth it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh Posted May 13, 2008 Share Posted May 13, 2008 Personally, I think it'd be stupid not to have the improvements be on both the Coupe and Sedan. However, it appears Ford wants the Coupe to be more sporty, and it seems that giving it more horsepower (however little) and some visual enhancements is Ford's way of doing that. Like I said above, my guess is the visual stuff could be easily tacked onto a Sedan, but the powertrain couldn't be so easily modified, and for a measly 3 hp increase, it's not worth it. I don't know about the powertrain mod. The MZR/Duratec 20 is rated at 148hp on the Euro Fiesta ST and closer to home, the Mazda 3 as standard. I need to see the details but it doesn't seem too much of a issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ford-150 Posted May 13, 2008 Share Posted May 13, 2008 although i can not complain about what they did why couldn't they bump it up by 15 hp with a CAI and tune like with the Bullit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh Posted May 13, 2008 Share Posted May 13, 2008 although i can not complain about what they did why couldn't they bump it up by 15 hp with a CAI and tune like with the Bullit? I theorize that the performance parts catalogs will be the place to go for those pieces. In Canada, on the Hyundai Excel, a CAI is a option as well as a front suspention brace. I feel Ford should offer the parts and have them not effect the warrenty. I think the customer Ford is looking for here is someone who likes to personalize their rides. Question, will there be rear head restraints for 2009? I thought there would be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted May 13, 2008 Share Posted May 13, 2008 I theorize that the performance parts catalogs will be the place to go for those pieces. In Canada, on the Hyundai Excel, a CAI is a option as well as a front suspention brace. I feel Ford should offer the parts and have them not effect the warrenty. I think the customer Ford is looking for here is someone who likes to personalize their rides. Question, will there be rear head restraints for 2009? I thought there would be. Yes, from what I've read, there will be rear head restraints as well as side curtain airbags(?) for 09. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh Posted May 13, 2008 Share Posted May 13, 2008 Yes, from what I've read, there will be rear head restraints as well as side curtain airbags(?) for 09. I believe I read it on Autosavant from an article Igor wrote a while ago. Is there any official literature from Ford? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted May 13, 2008 Share Posted May 13, 2008 From what i understand, the changes are specifically for the coupe model, though I'm not sure if the fake vent delete or the smoked grill will or will not make it to the sedan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ds91776 Posted May 13, 2008 Share Posted May 13, 2008 Side airbags are standard on the 08 model already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
range Posted May 13, 2008 Author Share Posted May 13, 2008 The 09 also gets available Electronic Stability Control. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevenCaylor Posted May 13, 2008 Share Posted May 13, 2008 It does look better than the 08. I was also surprised to see that some models will see slightly increased horsepower ratings. It's too bad that the cars with California emissions have a drop in horsepower (132 to 130). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Reynolds Posted May 13, 2008 Share Posted May 13, 2008 I really didn't have a problem with the front end of the current coupe. What I do have an issue with is the window trim that stops at the front door. Glad they dumped the chrome fender, and it goes to show you that it wasn't necessary to begin with. Nice to see AdvanceTrac (especially in this class). The extra bump in performance is also welcomek Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BORG Posted May 13, 2008 Share Posted May 13, 2008 I really didn't have a problem with the front end of the current coupe. What I do have an issue with is the window trim that stops at the front door. Glad they dumped the chrome fender, and it goes to show you that it wasn't necessary to begin with. Nice to see AdvanceTrac (especially in this class). The extra bump in performance is also welcomek I wouldn't be so sure, that fender vent may have been a selling point for many customers believe or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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