Ford is set to unleash an all-new Focus coupé to reinvent the firm's reputation as a builder of innovative drivers' cars. This stylish concept car was shown at the 2001 Frankfurt Motorshow and is called Start. It is a four-seater coupe styled by Pininfarina, and its dimensions are bigger than the current Puma, but smaller than the Cougar. The Focus coupe represents the start of a fruitful relationship between Ford and the Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina, which is committed to build the Streetka for Ford.
Powered by a 220bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, the four-seater is based on a four-wheel-drive chassis that will provide the underpinnings for the next-generation Ford Focus, set for launch in 2003. Described as a coupé, the Start is also equipped with a roof that slides into a hidden bay at the back, like Porsche's 911 Targa. The body and roof of the show car are finished in blue-green panels, but it's possible the roof of the production model could be glass.
May have been a diversion to keep people off the scent of "Petunia" (GT40), or it could be meant as a mass-market compiment (notice the nose's similarity to the GT40).
P.M. Summer -- simul justus et peccator
2000 SVTour Silver Frost 374/2150 -- #9669 of 11445 total run
Blaupunkt Heidelberg with A08 Changer and RC-09 remote, Boston Acoustics, K&N, Mobil 1 and Cobra R Mobil 1 "Factory Fill" plate, 35% metallicized tint, high beams in the lows, Bill Jenkins' "off color" floor mats, and custom "koozie" cupholder (pics soon!)
96 Sable ZZZ (wife's)
Historic Ownership:
42 Dodge Powerwagon Munitions Carrier, 59 Morris Minor, 64 TBird, 69 BMW 2002 Blue Dot, 72 German Ford Mk I Capri V6, 76 Honda Accord, 82 VW Scirocco, 88 VW Jetta, 91 Ford Escort GT, 98 Countour SE Sport V6 ATX
Cars I want:
Lotus Elan S2, Austin Healy Sprite Mk I, my old BMW 2002 back.
If you think this sig is long, you oughta see my undergraduate transcripts!
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