Focus XR5 Turbo Boosts Ford Performance Arsenal

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOCUS XR5 TURBO BOOSTS FORD PERFORMANCE ARSENAL

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 31 August 2007

- 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder Duratec 20-valve engine

- 166 kW of power and 320 Nm of torque

- Exceptional driving dynamics

- Performance and practicality

Ford New Zealand has confirmed that the exciting Focus XR5 Turbo will hit New Zealand's shores in the second quarter of 2008.

The Focus XR5 Turbo is engineered in Europe and equipped with a close ratio six-speed manual gearbox and boasting performance levels that will be the envy of many larger car drivers.

"We all know Focus is a quality product, and much of that quality is borne out of an extensive sports programme via the grueling World Rally Championship," said Richard Matheson, Managing Director of Ford New Zealand.

"It is because of this rally-bred heritage that we have chosen the eve of this weekend's Rally of New Zealand to make this announcement.

"The new Ford Focus XR5 Turbo combines performance with practicality; offering usability and versatility just as its siblings do, with additional power and performance in tribute to its rally-bred origins.

"The BP-Ford Rally team enjoyed great success at last year's Rally of NZ finishing in first and second place and winning the Manufacturer's Championship," Mr Matheson said.

The Focus chassis has been modified and stiffened for the XR5 Turbo, with an additional cross-member between the struts, as well as being lowered by 15mm. Handling has been refined through stiffening of the front and rear springs and larger diameter anti-roll bars.

Brakes have been upgraded with 320 mm x 25 mm front ventilated discs, fitted with large calipers and pads to provide better initial bite.

Safety features include a rigid passenger cell, footwell protection, collapsible steering column and brake pedal, side impact protection door beams and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).

Passive safety highlights include pyrotechnic belt pre-tensioners, driver and front passenger airbags, full side curtain airbags and front seat side airbags.

Inside, the Focus XR5 Turbo boasts Recaro sports seats for driver and passenger and a unique additional instrument pod, displaying turbocharger boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure.

Fast and practical, the new Ford Focus XR5 offers a no-compromise package for the performance car driver.

Ford TeamRS, the company's racing and performance arm based at Ford's Dunton Technical Centre in the UK, has developed a car ideal for the performance motorist, while offering a welcome dash of refinement.

"We have spared no effort in making this the most exciting Ford Focus road car yet," said Jost Capito, Director of Ford TeamRS.

"It is a perfect car for drivers who love the performance motoring experience, but do not want to sacrifice high standards of refinement, comfort and practicality," he concluded.

New Zealand pricing and specifications will be released closer to its launch in the second quarter of 2008 and customers can sneak a peak at the Focus XR5 on display at the Mystery Creek Service Park during the Rally of New Zealand on August 30 – September 2.

ENDS

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