Cardoc, I would be interested to know where you got the info about crash requirements being the reason for not putting the 2.5L in the Focus. I was under the impression that there wsa a multitude of reasons, though one of them would be it was not expected to pass crash (though an actual crash test was never even remotely considered)
Crash testing would actually be a minor reason for not using it, because that can be fixed fairly easily.
BTW, good looking Focus, very tastefully done. Can't wait to see it when all is finished. Since our previous discussions about my concerns on handling etc. I have had occasion to drive a Duratech powered focus, and some of my fears were correct, excessive understeer will be something you will have to deal w/, along w/ possible snap oversteer (didn't want to test this one, it wasn't my car, and I was on public roads) Also, pay VERY close attention to torque steer, especially on hard shifting, if you aren't ready for it, it can toss you into another lane far quicker than you would suspect.
