BOXRPWR Posted April 2, 2006 Share Posted April 2, 2006 been watching some really nice video downloads from the 2006 WRC on this site WRC 2006 Movies (courtesy of DM) noticed that Ford does a pretty damned good job of fielding a worthy Rallycar. made me wonder why Ford Corp. has basically abandoned the U.S. market (if not the whole world) when it comes to selling a true representation of their rally car. clearly Subaru and Mitsu have proven that there's a sizable (and profitable) market here in the U.S. for a serious AWD, turbo-charged rally type sedan. any thoughts on why Ford doesn't make a serious Focus available for sale in the U.S. I mean even the "SVT" versions have been a joke. sure, I'm a big Subaru fan. but it would be refreshing to see a serious domestic product out there. (please don't tell me 'bout the Fastar SRT-4). P.S. sux that Subaru ain't doin so hot in the '06 WRC series. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperhawkLGT Posted April 2, 2006 Share Posted April 2, 2006 Glad to find that site, I am jonesing for some rally now that speed does not cover it anymore. As far as the rally car for the US market goes, I have no clue why Ford doesn't bring the RS Focus here, as well as the current european version of the focus. They have an all new, better platform and have no plans to sell it here. But don't be fooled by the SVT Focus, it was a very tight and capable car, 6 spd and handled better than a WRX (testimony from former WRX owner friends). I think maybe the reason for slow sales was the lack of power, there were great options such as HID's and leather, 17" wheels, etc.... but with all the goodies they got quite expensive for a serious lack of power. You would think with the success of the WRX, Ford would open it's eyes to the market segment. Who knows. Ah P.S. I need some "codec" to see these movies, any clu which one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted April 2, 2006 Share Posted April 2, 2006 The reason you don't see an AWD Ford Focus is because there are no homologation rules requiring the manufactures to build a road version. Mitsubishi and Subaru still do it because they still have a market. But you don't see any Peugoet 307, Citroen Xsara, or Skoda Fabia resemble the WRC versions. The last rally spec homologation car Ford built was the Escort RS Cosworth. The Focus RS that was sold in Europe were sold at a loss. They were sold for 28,000 pounds, but cost over 30K to build. So far they have canned the idea of an AWD Focus. The new Focus ST uses a Volvo S40 engine, but in fact they share the same platform too. The AWD Focus concept is basically a Volvo S40 T-5 AWD. Wouldn't surprised me if Mazda came out with a MS3 since that's also built on the same platform. The other issue is Ford is almost in as bad a situation as GM. It's only a matter of time before Ford starts selling companies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperhawkLGT Posted April 2, 2006 Share Posted April 2, 2006 Mazda is comming out with a MS3. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobY Posted April 3, 2006 Share Posted April 3, 2006 Its gonna be front wheel drive... Its gonna be like an srt4 but not as f4st4r! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wukindada Posted April 3, 2006 Share Posted April 3, 2006 Why? Basically because FORD sucks;) The SVT program is floundering badly.....the luxury division is dying off (Lincoln)**age of drivers** Toyota 6EATS .........SUCK!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garandman Posted April 3, 2006 Share Posted April 3, 2006 Like it or not Rally is tiny in the US. NASCAR is huge and Ford has a major league presence. This is the first year using the Fusion platform. Personally I find the pit stops more entertaining than the racing, but NASCAR is the 25,000 lb Gorilla of US motorsports. Try finding a drag race on TV in Europe..... Who Dares Wins スバル Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PGT Posted April 3, 2006 Share Posted April 3, 2006 this thread needs more RS200 Group B car: http://rallye.stars.free.fr/autos/rs200/album/86be_droogmans.jpg http://www.pistonheads.com/pics/news/11606/10FordRS-200_1986_Blomqvist.jpg And the street version: http://www.autocollections.com/image/cars/1986%20ford%20rs200%20l%20s.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ADirtyLegacy Posted April 3, 2006 Share Posted April 3, 2006 Personally I find the pit stops more entertaining than the racing That's what i like to hear!!! At least my work isn't in vane!! Kenda:dm: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wukindada Posted April 3, 2006 Share Posted April 3, 2006 Nascar....I really hope no-one actually thinks the Fusion has ANYTHING to do with the Neckcar version. Chevrolet is just as bad though....the Monte carlo... At least a Charger SRT8 can back it up! Production versions..... Fusion 0-60 7.6 Monte Carlo SS 0-60 6.5 Charger Srt8 0-60 5.1 Toyota 6EATS .........SUCK!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bdisco Posted April 3, 2006 Share Posted April 3, 2006 http://www.fpv.com.au/ http://www.fpv.com.au/upload/image/1342_10x03x200640139PM.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhilT Posted April 3, 2006 Share Posted April 3, 2006 Like it or not Rally is tiny in the US. NASCAR is huge and Ford has a major league presence. This is the first year using the Fusion platform. Personally I find the pit stops more entertaining than the racing, but NASCAR is the 25,000 lb Gorilla of US motorsports. Try finding a drag race on TV in Europe..... Actually drag racing is failrly well covered, albeit on satellite Eurosport Channel. Now try finding Nascar on TV ! Double Award Winning Legacy GT Wagon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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