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NAIAS: 2011 Ford Focus, EV Version on Route

The long anticipated transition from the current generation Focus to what Ford promises to be a revival of the Ford Focus success can be now previewed at the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in the form of the 2011 Focus or, as Ford calls it, the next generation Focus.

With some design cues inspired from those used on the Fiesta (Ford's kinetic design philosophy) and with two versions (four-door sedan and five-door hatchback), the Focus will be launched at the same time in Europe and North America in late 2010.

The car promises to be a hit, as it is one of the ten models Ford will build on the new C-car platform, the same platform used for the C-MAX and Grand C-MAX unveiled last year in Frankfurt.

The range will comprise several engine configurations, with largely the same engines to be found on all of the markets of the Focus. The lineup will be opened by Ford's new line of EcoBoost engines, starting with the 1.6l unit for Europe, as well as a choice of Duratorq TDCi
common-rail diesel engines.

For NAIAS display purposes, Ford is using a brand new 2.0l gasoline engine, intended for the US. The DI Ti-VCT engine is up to 20 horsepower more powerful than the current 2.0 Duratec I-4 unit, while providing 10 percent better fuel economy (which outputs 145 hp).

What's really exciting is that Ford confirmed it is working on a full, battery electric vehicle based on the Focus, to be launched in 2011 as the manufacturer's first first battery electric passenger vehicle.

Until then, Ford will place all of its know-how into the new Focus, as it will feature all of the latest advancements in infotainment (MyFord), comfort (reduced cabin noise, quality interior trim materials) and safety (high-strength steels for the body shell, 25 percent greater torsional rigidity).

The new Ford Focus is a clear demonstration that our ONE Ford strategy is providing global consumers with great products that harness the best of Ford Motor Company,” Alan Mulally, Ford’s president and CEO said when unveiling the new Focus. .
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About the author: Daniel Patrascu
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Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
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