2000 Ford Focus

Already a hit replacing the Escort in Europe, Ford's impatiently planning high-performance versions of its new Focus for North America. At January's Los Angeles Auto Show, it showed the Cosworth Focus concept vehicle, which takes inspiration from Focus World Rally Car and components from a host of familiar aftermarket manufacturers.

Ford's recently acquired Cosworth Engineering developed the turbocharged and intercooled version of the 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve Zetec E four-cylinder engine featured in the Focus that wears their name. The turbo itself is a liquid-cooled Garrett GT17 single-bypass unit that feeds a water-to-air Garrett intercooler through custom stainless-steel plumbing. With the exhaust routed through a Borla XR-1 muffler, the engine sends "200-plus" horsepower to the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential.

Along with the boosted powerplant, the Focus' suspension has been lowered 1.5 inches and wears 14-inch front and 12-inch rear Brembo disc brakes. The 18-inch magnesium wheels are shod with P235/40ZR18 Goodyear Eagle GS tires, and the exterior has been modified with unique lower body work around the car, a roof-mounted spoiler, and functional hood scoop. Inside are Recaro seats, alloy pedals, and modified instrumentation graphics.

Production of the Cosworth Focus is far off, if it happens at all. But wearing the latest styling, the Focus could wind up Ford's most popular car with tuners since the Mustang.