Filed under: Motorsports, Economy, Hatchbacks, Ford
Ford Focus gains NASA Spec class
Sure, the Ford Focus is getting a bit long in the tooth and we're all impatiently awaiting the arrival of the next generation car, but that shouldn't overshadow the successes of the current model. From day one, the current Focus has been lauded as a fun to drive small car. From the base model all the way up to the hot hatch SVT, the Focus has proven itself willing to hike up its side skirts and get a move on at the slightest provocation.So it's only natural that the National Auto Sports Association has finally awarded the Focus with a racing class all its own, the Ford Focus SPEC class, for the 2006 season. The class is open to all model years and trim levels, which of course includes the SVT, but also the much more ubiquitous model with the 2.3-liter engine. Typical entrants throw about $6,000 to $10,000 into their car to prep it for competition, all for the chance to win $500 for being the best in their region or a cool grand for being the fastest Focus in all the land. Hmm... wonder if there's an Unlimited class. If so, we're showing up in this.
[Source: Blue Oval News]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tru Delta 8:37PM (8/30/2006)
Cue comments about Euro spec Focus. Any one have any thing new the bring to the table and I'd be glad to hear it though. My review of the Focus (from what I read on Edmunds.com and my prices too) http://ignoremee.ytmnd.com/
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Michael Karesh 1:06AM (8/31/2006)
Problem is, I've misplaced my time machine. Without it I guess I'll have to drive the cars to continue posting reviews before Edmunds and the others. The press events give them a head start, but I get one out ahead of them whenever possible.
On a more serious note, since you're charging me with plagiarism, care to point to specific instances? Good luck. Other people have made similar accusations over the years. None of them has ever presented any evidence. So either present the evidence, or lay off the slander.
Now on the Focus. The current ST has an awful interior but is quite fun to drive. At the rate these things depreciate, they can be an excellent value as a nearly new car.
So with the spec racing class, you can race a decent car for relatively little money.
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focaljet-1 2:00AM (8/31/2006)
Also, please visit the official NASA Spec Focus forum on Focaljet.com (the Ford Focus Enthusiast web site):
http://forums.focaljet.com/nasa-spec-focus-series/
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Howard Kerr 7:19AM (8/31/2006)
"....the much more ubiquitous 2.3 liter model..."
Yeah, Ford offered the 2.3 in "secret" in 2003 and 2004, and it is commendable that it could be found in any bodystyle/trimlevel. But UBIQUITOUS....NOT. Try finding one on E-bay or GetAuto.com, hen's teeth are easier to find. In 2005 and 2006, Ford put the 2.3 ONLY in the 4 door sedan and only at the HIGHEST/MOST EXPENSIVE price point for a Focus, the ST model. This year Ford is touting that the Focus is going green and to do this the PZEV engine (offered in 2003 and 2004) is being offered again. The BAD NEWS? The UBIQUITOUS 2.3. is again only offered in the most expensive 4 door Focus. If Ford had any sense or brains, they would at least offer this engine in the heavy wagon or the semi-sporty 3 door.
I see more SVT powered Focuses for sale than I do Focuses powered by this UBIQUITOUS powerplant...which in my experience is usually coupled to an automatic transmission.
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focaljet-1 8:42AM (8/31/2006)
All information points to the fact that the 2.3 will be discontinued as an optional engine after MY07. The 2.0L will be the sole powerplant.
The wagon and 3/5 hatch go away as well. But, a reskinned Sedan will be joined by a new Coupe.
More information and discussion at:
http://www.focaljet.com
The Ford Focus Enthusiast Web Site.
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Alex K 3:27PM (8/31/2006)
NASA Rally Sport also added a Spec Focus class, we are just waiting to see if it takes off.
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