Further evidence of platform and parts sharing will be on display at the upcoming Geneva Autosalon. Ford's Focus ST it seems will make use of the S40/V50 T-5 engine.

A front-wheel drive Focus with great-looking body work and Volvo's potent T-5 engine appears to be a smart package that should surely be successful in Europe - the only market the car is confirmed for sale in at this time. More significant for Volvo owners, the Ford's use of the engine means a higher attraction for the engine-tuning aftermarket with more potential targets for their upgrades. Even better, the top-of-the-line Focus RS might have a factory-developed Volvo motor of even higher output levels - hinting at potential R models on the S40 and V50 from Gothenburg or at least in the hands of someone with the stomache to perform an engine swap.

Begin Press Release

A striking all-new Ford Focus ST performance model and elegant new Focus 4-door dominates the news from Ford at the 75th Salon International de L’Automobile in Geneva.

PREVIEWING THE NEW FOCUS ST

- Exciting all-new ST (Sport Technologies) Focus on sale towards the end of 2005
- Turbocharged Duratec ST 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine will deliver around 220PS
- Head-turning design signals sporting intent, but Focus ST remains practical for everyday use
- Sporty interior communicates purpose and emotion
- New Focus provides a strong base for performance road cars, competition models

Quicker to market than previous generation ST thanks to Ford Team RS

Previewing an exciting new performance model – the new Focus ST – Ford is demonstrating to performance enthusiasts they don’t have long to wait for another special model from Ford Team RS. The new Focus ST – sporting around 220PS and finished in brilliant orange for its Geneva preview – will be on sale towards the end of 2005.

Powered by a turbocharged Duratec ST 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder engine and equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, the Focus ST promises to raise the new Focus’s reputation as a driver’s car to new heights.

"When performance enthusiasts see this car, they are going to have high expectations. The Focus ST is going to live up to them," said Jost Capito, who heads Ford’s racing and performance arm, Ford Team RS. "This car looks fast from its design, and every functional attribute is being engineered to deliver on that expectation."

Focus ST’s stance – low-profile 225/40 performance tyres on sculpted 18x8-inch five-spoke cast aluminium wheels – speaks driving confidence and grip. Inside and out, Focus ST’s design makes its performance attributes clear, but in a manner that also supports refinement, craftsmanship and practicality. Focus ST remains a comfortable car for everyday family driving.

Together with the recently introduced Fiesta ST model and the acclaimed Mondeo ST220, the new Focus ST epitomises the sporty attributes Ford ST models stand for: extending the strengths of their core models and enjoying clear differentiation from rally car inspired RS derivatives.

Full technical details of the new Ford Focus ST will be revealed closer to its launch towards the end of 2005.

http://www.swedespeed.com/news/publi...ticle_474.html

Ya know it's funny, the other day I saw an S40 and then a bit later a Mazda 3s hatch, and thought to myself about the possibility of swapping one of Volvo's turbo engines into the Mazda given that they're on the same platform. I'd have to say that this pretty much answers my question.

I also find it funny that first Ford started calling Mazda MZR engines "Duratec" when used in Ford-branded products, and now Volvo engines apparently are also "Duratec." :chuckles:

 

front looks like a bit of Lexus w/ a Mazda3 body.... make your own cars Ford!

 

I would prefer that further remarks be directed to this specific model of Focus and its Volvo powertrain rather than general comments on its overall styling. The Euro-spec Focus has been out for a while now so its overall styling is a known quantity. Thanks.

 

so just like the volvo guys, the ford guys can start doing ecu swaps/reprograms and reach R power levels

 

i've been wondering when ford would start the massive parts sharing with the v40 and the mazda3 as from what i've read all built on the same platform

 

...We'll never see that car in the USA because Ford decided not to build the second-generation Ford Focus here in the USA.

But we can get something very similar to the Euro Ford Focus ST if Ford is willing to use Mazdaspeed engine parts in the Duratec engine used on the US-market Focus. 185 bhp (SAE) is probably within reach, so a US-market Ford Focus SVT could make its debut as early as the next NAIAS in Detroit next January.

 

You mean, they decided not to built it here until 2010. :chuckles:
When Ford Europe is on the third-gen.

 

Actually, from what I read in the motoring press the third-generation Ford Focus will again be a world-wide model, with a single design for both European and US markets. It's supposed to be about the same weight as the current European Focus but will have all-new engines.

Anyway, here in the USA if I want to get the "feel" of the current European Ford Focus I can get the Mazda3.

 

Most people who would want a Euro Focus already consider a small Mazda or Volvo anyhow.

I hadn't heard what you heard in regards to the "third-gen" Focus platform.
News is scarce enough here on the second-gen. Then again, I'm not a HUGE Mazda or Volvo fan so I haven't done a lot of research on it. It's called "C-MAX" or something?

 

Damn, this is the first and only nice looking ford out there. Props to ford.