Production Spec 2008 Ford Focus Coupe!

[Noah Harbinger]

Are we sure we are getting C2? this is alot of money spent for 2.5 year life span. If people do accept this why would ford bring over anything better?

 

I suspect they're paying to improve the public impression of the Focus -- get people interested again, so they don't have to overcome quite as big a perception gap when the new focus comes out. This especially makes sense (to me) if they're trying to bring it upmarket when the B-cars come out. How much is 3 years of "hey it's not so bad after all" worth when you've got a long range plan -- and a lot of ground to cover?

[630land]

Well, they said they were combining engineering so the C2 could be 'global'.

 

Also, can't judge from spy pics.

 

Remember all the claims the Stang would 'flop'? lol

[silvrsvt]

Will they actually work? or will it be non fuctional padding. ala Fusion.

Are we sure we are getting C2? this is alot of money spent for 2.5 year life span. If people do accept this why would ford bring over anything better?

 

Well up untill a couple months ago, Ford wasn't planning to bring the C2 to the States, now all indications are showing that will happen in the next couple years. Not to mention that all the development work for the 2008 model was done 3-4 years ago and was already beyond the stopping point, why kill it and let sales suffer even more till the C2 gets here? It doesnt make a lick of sense for Ford to bring over a 2-3 year old platform in the form of the C1 that wasn't even designed for the North American market (to make profit) "Just because". They are doing the best thing they can now...bringing out a Seriously updated C170 platform, which I bet will offer some of what the C1 offers to hold over and maybe even raise sales till the C2 platform is ready for North America and Europe.

 

Even though the C170 is "old" it is still a very good contenter in the Small carline up thats "good" enough for the time being.

[30 OTT 6]

The distance between the door and the rear wheel appears to be almost the same between the Honda Civic Coupe and the Focus Coupe mule. The Honda Civic has a thicker 'C' piller than the Focus Coupe mule, which makes it look like a shorter distance. The Focus Coupe should have better rear visibility than the Civic Coupe.

 

The Focus has an excellent suspension, probably the best (for a small car) when tuned a la SVT. Its engines are pretty good too but could use an SVT engine. Handling and 'fun factor' are continually praised on this car by critics.

 

In my opinion, the '05 style over just killed the Focus. The older body style could probably have been tweaked to improve the structure. Ford did it for 25 years on the Fox Mustang platform. Like mentioned earlier, another Ford half-ass job. Penny wise, pound foolish.

[silvrsvt]

I just don't see how anyone can praise a vehicle that should of been completely redesigned a couple years ago, but wasn't and still is going to have carryover sheetmetal and window lines, along with everything underneath the skin. Technology changes and the focus will virtually have been the same old focus going on 13-14 years when ford finally has a c2 focus ready, when the competition which is slaughtering it in sales have new products every 5 years(don't even talk about the couple month delay on the corolla that pushed it back 1 model year.)

 

 

the C170 will be about 10 years old when it "should" be replaced by the C2 in North America. The car was refreshed in 2005 (well it went backwards then) and is already getting redone 3 years after that.

 

The thing that kills me is that the new Camry is made up alot of the past 2 generations of Camry, yet never gets attacked around here or other places for being "old", yet if Ford does the same thing, they are crucified by everyone and anyone...:rolleyes:

 

 

 

In my opinion, the '05 style over just killed the Focus. The older body style could probably have been tweaked to improve the structure. Ford did it for 25 years on the Fox Mustang platform. Like mentioned earlier, another Ford half-ass job. Penny wise, pound foolish.

 

I agree, Ford went the wrong way with the car, part of the reasoning behind the change is that people didnt care for the tripolizal headlights on the car and Ford wanted to increase sales by making the car appeal to more people, but by doing this they turned off people who wanted something "different", who bought the car in the first place. The guy running Ford's North American design wants polarizing designs again, much like the original Focus was.

[DCK]

the C170 will be about 10 years old when it "should" be replaced by the C2 in North America. The car was refreshed in 2005 (well it went backwards then) and is already getting redone 3 years after that.

Don't even make that comment when you have the competition that tend to do refreshes after 3 years and totally new products after 5. We're going on years with the focus and no new product. The focus was launched back in 1998, 1999 for the US and we son't see a replacement till about 2012 - 2013. Sohow is that 10 years?

 

The thing that kills me is that the new Camry is made up alot of the past 2 generations of Camry, yet never gets attacked around here or other places for being "old", yet if Ford does the same thing, they are crucified by everyone and anyone...:rolleyes:

Go ahead and roll your eyes, your comment is a joke. Big giant difference between how toyota treats their vehicles and how ford abandoned theres. Logic at this forum many times fails to exist, Like the "Toyota goes the Lexus way" thread, Saying Lexus is worst then Lincoln at badges, what a giant joke that was.

 

I agree, Ford went the wrong way with the car, part of the reasoning behind the change is that people didnt care for the tripolizal headlights on the car and Ford wanted to increase sales by making the car appeal to more people, but by doing this they turned off people who wanted something "different", who bought the car in the first place. The guy running Ford's North American design wants polarizing designs again, much like the original Focus was.

BS, Ford was being nothing more than being a cheap penny pinching bastard. When the competition is usually new after 5 years ford spends 2 cents on a change so slight for the vehicle and you say to try to capture more customers. Funny.

 

What is the focus now? A vehicle that can't sell anywhere close to the same price as its competition and even with thousands and thousands in incentives and rebates it sells mediocre.

[silvrsvt]

Don't even make that comment when you have the competition that tend to do refreshes after 3 years and totally new products after 5. We're going on years with the focus and no new product. The focus was launched back in 1998, 1999 for the US and we son't see a replacement till about 2012 - 2013. Sohow is that 10 years?

 

The Focus launched in 99 as a 2000MY car. The 05 launched in 04. Current Rumor has the C2 coming out in 2010, based on a 5 year refresh cycle of the Eurpean Focus. The C1 is just an improved upon C170 platform, not a wholey new clean sheet design. The C2 will be an updated C1, not a wholey new car. Plus that gives Ford pently of time to build a new plant or move the car to Mexico if they want...

 

 

Show me where the Civic or Corolla has been refreshed after 3 years and a totally new product is launched after 5 years? Try more like 5 year total sheet metal change with maybe an all new platform every 10 years, even the Japanese aren't that stupid...

[Michael Reynolds]

Don't even make that comment when you have the competition that tend to do refreshes after 3 years and totally new products after 5. We're going on years with the focus and no new product. The focus was launched back in 1998, 1999 for the US and we son't see a replacement till about 2012 - 2013. Sohow is that 10 years?

 

WTF are you talking about !?!

 

A totally new product means something new from the ground up, hence the meaning behind total. I fail to see what's so new about a Sentra/Cobalt/Corolla with beam suspensions. That 10 year old Focus platform is STILL more advanced than a better part of the competition. So tacking a number to something to justify how old and antiquated it is, without comparing it to the rest of the competition seems a bit one-sided (well it is).

 

The Corolla (2003), Sentra (2000), and Elantra (2001) seem to fall out of that 3 year refresh and 5 year redesign. In fact the only company consistent with a car in this class is Honda.

 

I without a doubt agree that Ford f'd over the Focus big time during the last update, but holding it to your imaginary standards of what a car should be (without taking into account financial impacts) is just plain pointless. Besides if people went around buying a car based on how old a platform is, alot of them wouldn't give a lot of cars on the market the time of day.

 

Back to the sky is falling............

 

OMG I can see 30% of the Focus and it is an ugly turd that won't sell anywhere near sticker!!!!!!!!!!

[RichardJensen]

I suspect they're paying to improve the public impression of the Focus -- get people interested again, so they don't have to overcome quite as big a perception gap when the new focus comes out.

I believe this was intended to be the new Focus. We were never supposed to get the global Focus, and this thing was probably intended to have a 4-5 year lifespan before being replaced with something else.

[igor]

I believe this was intended to be the new Focus. We were never supposed to get the global Focus, and this thing was probably intended to have a 4-5 year lifespan before being replaced with something else.

 

 

yes and no - I would say, "I believe that is correct", but I have heard as early as September last year that the 2010/2011 will be an all new Focus - which is before Fields took over.

 

Igor

Edited September 28, 2006 by igor

[RichardJensen]

yes and no - I would say, "I believe that is correct", but I have heard as early as September last year that the 2010/2011 will be an all new Focus - which is before the

 

Igor

Back in 2004/5 when this program was discussed and approved, the intention was to stick it out with an improved C170, is what I meant.

[igor]

Back in 2004/5 when this program was discussed and approved, the intention was to stick it out with an improved C170, is what I meant.

 

 

that might be - that is before my time .... I only became involved in late summer 05, after I bought my Focus.

 

Igor

[rkisler]

I believe this was intended to be the new Focus. We were never supposed to get the global Focus, and this thing was probably intended to have a 4-5 year lifespan before being replaced with something else.

 

Your comment makes sense.

 

This is a major refresh. OK, Ford held the underbody and cowl; held the door uppers and inners and glass. And, when creating the coupe, it looks like they used common decklid, backlite, lamps, and maybe fascia from the 4-door. But even with these savings, this is still an expensive program, and not one that would ordinarily have been short cycled.

 

In hindsight, Ford likely is regretting not staying on cycle with Europe/Mazda/Volvo on the C platform. It's tough for Ford to make any decison on Focus as the financial results are so dismal -- how can you justify the investment in a new platform if you're losing money? But handwringing and lack of decisive direction has led to Focus financial results that are probably worse than if Ford had invested in C1.

 

The coupe is not aggressive or groundbreaking, but don't forget that most of the people commenting on this site are males (and often times, aggressive ones at that). An attractive Focus coupe will draw female buyers, like the ZX2 did for Escort. I'm not so sure that female buyers were as hot on the Focus hatches, (but I don't have data).

 

Hopefully 1) this refresh and addition of the coupe will be enough to improve sales and 2) the platform lesson learned will not be easily forgotten.

[ZanatWork]

And oh my gosh, after all that praise it's just selling so well isn't it Zana?

 

The Focus is :titanic: and its because the thing is plain old ugly. Some barely noticeable restyle isn't going to change that. It still looks like the same old focus. Heap all the praise you want to on it. It's still sitting on the lots.

 

 

Heaping praise? I'm quoting every scribe that's erer published a Focus road test...but, hey...you do have to spin things don't you?

 

As for "heaping praise" on the pics of the test mules..."potential" is "heaping praise"? Your English teachers should be hunted down and flogged. You have no idea what you're saying.

Edited September 28, 2006 by ZanatWork

[630land]

I usually see 50/50 men/women driving old ZX2's.

 

Since Cobalt and Civic offer 'trunkback' coupes, it is fitting to have Focus version.

 

Also, isn't the C2 'sharing' part of the "Way Forward plan"? Didn't press releases state that for C2, engineering will include US to bring costs down? To be able to make here?

 

But, the proff is in the product, have to see when the '3rd gen' is released. 2010 or ?

[igor]

I usually see 50/50 men/women driving old ZX2's.

 

Since Cobalt and Civic offer 'trunkback' coupes, it is fitting to have Focus version.

 

Also, isn't the C2 'sharing' part of the "Way Forward plan"? Didn't press releases state that for C2, engineering will include US to bring costs down? To be able to make here?

 

But, the proff is in the product, have to see when the '3rd gen' is released. 2010 or ?

 

 

yes - the C2 is designed with Ford NA in mind - so they can trin the features off of that platform, to get to their needed price point.

 

Igor

[Ovaltine]

The Corolla (2003), Sentra (2000), and Elantra (2001) seem to fall out of that 3 year refresh and 5 year redesign. In fact the only company consistent with a car in this class is Honda.

 

Okay, okay. So the Elantra missed the 5-year redesign mark by a year. Here's some pics and info about the 2007 Elantra that you should be seeing on the roads soon:

 

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Autos...rticleId=110009

 

What's Edmunds' take?

The 2007 Elantra marks Hyundai's seventh new vehicle in just two years. And like the prior six vehicles, which include the Tucson, Accent, Sonata and all-new flagship Azera, the Elantra should be a hit. — Kelly Toepke

 

 

 

 

Hi-res interior: http://files.conceptcarz.com/img/Hyundai/H...YC_a0INT-01.jpg

 

 

-Ovaltine

Edited September 28, 2006 by Ovaltine

[Michael Reynolds]

Okay, okay. So the Elantra missed the 5-year redesign mark by a year. Here's some pics and info about the 2007 Elantra that you should be seeing on the roads soon:

 

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Autos...rticleId=110009

 

What's Edmunds' take?

The 2007 Elantra marks Hyundai's seventh new vehicle in just two years. And like the prior six vehicles, which include the Tucson, Accent, Sonata and all-new flagship Azera, the Elantra should be a hit. — Kelly Toepke

 

 

 

 

Hi-res interior: http://files.conceptcarz.com/img/Hyundai/H...YC_a0INT-01.jpg

-Ovaltine

 

Thanks, it wasn't a knock against Hyundai. The vehicle was used as an example. I'm fully aware that a new one is rolling out soon, as is a new Sentra (you plan on posting pics of that).

[Noah Harbinger]

Okay, okay. So the Elantra missed the 5-year redesign mark by a year. Here's some pics and info about the 2007 Elantra that you should be seeing on the roads soon:

 

Wow there are so many cues taken from the Camry in that car. I think I much prefer my current Elantra...

[Michael Reynolds]

Wow there are so many cues taken from the Camry in that car. I think I much prefer my current Elantra...

 

I was thinking A4 rear, Corolla-esque rear.

[Blueblood]

Dropping the hatches is the dumbest thing ever, sales will fall as a result, I will not be buying another Focus if all I have to choose from a are 4 and 2 door sedans.

 

Hello competition, never thought I'd ever consider something other than a Ford, it's just one dumb move after another with them.

 

Why on Earth would thy just give up a substantial number of buyers to the comp by dropping the best looking and best functioning model?

 

Hopefully Mullaly fires some people over this and brings them back right away..

 

This would be like if Ford decided to only sell the F-150 in standard cab with a longbed, people would go ape shit..

[silvrsvt]

Dropping the hatches is the dumbest thing ever, sales will fall as a result, I will not be buying another Focus if all I have to choose from a are 4 and 2 door sedans.

 

Hello competition, never thought I'd ever consider something other than a Ford, it's just one dumb move after another with them.

 

Why on Earth would thy just give up a substantial number of buyers to the comp by dropping the best looking and best functioning model?

 

Hopefully Mullaly fires some people over this and brings them back right away..

 

This would be like if Ford decided to only sell the F-150 in standard cab with a longbed, people would go ape shit..

 

 

because the Hatchback accounts for less then 20% of sales....and think the biggest reason that the Hatchback was dropped was that there was no way (read cheap way) to make it look good with the new body style. I'm pretty sure that a hatchback will return when the C2 comes along. Not to mention Hatchbacks have never ever really been poplar as a whole in the States.

 

Another thing to consider also is that many small hatchbacks are also "Premium" priced vs their Sedan stablemates. take a look at the Matrix and Corrolla for example. Automakers want to charge more for that funtantily by making them similar to SUV's/Crossovers.

[RichardJensen]

Wow there are so many cues taken from the Camry in that car. I think I much prefer my current Elantra...

I like the shape of the current Elantra hatch. It's a remarkably well finished design. The sedan is rather blah, but I have a couple friends with Elantra hatchbacks, and I've always thought they looked nice.

 

That interior---whoof. It looks like the dashboard has an inflammation where the center stack is supposed to be.

Edited September 28, 2006 by RichardJensen

[Watchdevil]

Are we sure this is Focus coupe, and not Fusion Coupe ?

 

With the Focus four door pictured along with this looking identical except for number of doors, there is no way it could be a Fusion coupe.

 

I think the roofline is conservatively styled and not very personal looking for this coupe. But style it too well and it could take too much attention away from the Mustang. I think it will do well and compete with the Cobalt coupe, but the Cobalt coupe still looks racier...

 

As far as 2 door hatches go, Ford should have competed better with the VW GTI which every generation it gets better and does not loose the core appeal. VW is also selling new Rabbits like crazy. VW does not sem to have problems sellings any 2 door hatch cars. It's all in paying attention to details that make it an appealing car. VW pioneered this segment and and unless Ford can do it as well or better then I think most people would rather have the original version that pioneered this class of vehicle in the first place.

 

It's funny how VW doesn't offer a Jetta Coupe because their 2 door hatches sell better. It seems to be the other way around for Ford and GM. Thing is small two door cars are very personal to people. There are still people who want something affordable but very personal as opposed to a four door sedan.

[MGallun]

Dropping the hatches is the dumbest thing ever, sales will fall as a result, I will not be buying another Focus if all I have to choose from a are 4 and 2 door sedans.

 

Hello competition, never thought I'd ever consider something other than a Ford, it's just one dumb move after another with them.

 

Why on Earth would thy just give up a substantial number of buyers to the comp by dropping the best looking and best functioning model?

 

Hopefully Mullaly fires some people over this and brings them back right away..

 

This would be like if Ford decided to only sell the F-150 in standard cab with a longbed, people would go ape shit..

 

i predict sales will go up with the coupe.. the hatch in the foci was fugly imho, hatches are gay anyways lol.