In addition to its looks, the 2012 Ford Focus looks to borrow some of the fun-to-drive factor from its little brother, the Ford Fiesta. To that end, Ford announced that it would offer an SE Sport package, as well as a Titanium Handling Package, for enthusiasts who want more capable suspensions on their new Focuses (Foci?). Click past the jump for the details and press release.
If you’re going to buy a new Focus but don’t want the lower fuel economy or looks of the Focus ST, you may still want to have some extra fun with your new ride. Here’s where Ford’s handling packages come in handy.
For the mid-level SE trim, the optional Sport Package gives you unique wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, sport seats, a few interior bits and a spoiler and blacked-out grille to differentiate your car from the masses. If you’ve opted for the PowerShift automatic transmission, you’ll also have the “SelectShift” functionality, which is Ford-speak for manual operation of an automatic transmission.
For the top-range Titanium trim level, which already features a sport-tuned suspension, the Titanium Handling Package gives you 18″ wheels shod in summer performance tires, and a full-size spare tire.
From the press release, Ford says it asked Focus owners what they were looking for on the new model, and the aforementioned handling packages are the result of that, so I can only expect that a lot of the new 2012 Focuses will end up with one or the other.
Show Press Release
ALL-NEW FORD FOCUS SHARPENS DYNAMIC DRIVING WITH AVAILABLE SE SPORT, TITANIUM HANDLING PACKAGES
- All-new 2012 Ford Focus range elevates driving dynamics with standard electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), Control Blade rear suspension and torque vectoring control, making the vehicle feel more responsive and agile in corners
- Top-of-the-line Ford Focus Titanium model features standard sport-tuned suspension in addition to offering an optional Titanium Handling Package with 18-inch alloy wheels and summer performance tires
- Mid-range Ford Focus SE offered with available SE Sport Package featuring alloy wheels, sport seats, rear disc brakes, piano black grille, unique interior appointments and five-speed manual transmission
DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 25, 2010 – The all-new Ford Focus will take dynamic driving to new levels with optionally available handling packages on SE and range-topping Titanium model.
Driving dynamics and responsive handling have been elevated across the entire all-new Focus range for 2012. All Focus models feature standard specifically tuned electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, independent Control Blade rear suspension and torque vectoring control. These features combine to make Focus more agile and confidence-inspiring for enthusiast and normal drivers alike.
“Our enthusiast customers told us exactly what they want in an all-new Focus,” said Mark Rushbrook, Ford vehicle dynamics manager for the 2012 Ford Focus. “They asked us to give Focus more responsive handling, and they asked that we develop and offer a factory-engineered handling package with beefier suspension hardware. We’ve done just that, fine-tuning a pair of available packages for mid-level SE and up-range Titanium models.”
The automotive enthusiast community should appreciate the sharpened handling offered in the volume-series Focus SE four-door sedan and five-door hatchback. The SE Sport Package features sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch aluminum wheels, sport seats, four-wheel disc brakes, piano black grille, metallic interior trim accents, leather-wrapped steering wheel and standard five-speed manual transmission.
Focus SE Sport Package four-door models add a rear spoiler, while all SE Sport Package models with the PowerShift™ dual-clutch transmission add SelectShift Automatic™ functionality for manual override gear selection. SE Sport Package is the only mid-level Focus model to offer premium Yellow Blaze Metallic Tri-coat paint, as well.
Two additional wheel packages are offered with the Focus SE Sport Package. A 16-inch machined alloy wheel with painted pockets is offered as an upgrade, while serious enthusiasts may wish to add the 17-inch machined and painted alloy wheel option.
The range-topping Focus Titanium model is fitted with the sport-tuned suspension as standard equipment. This includes stiffer springs and dampers.
Enthusiast buyers specifying a Focus Titanium sedan or hatchback can add the Titanium Handling Package with optimized suspension components, special 18-inch alloy wheels, low-profile summer performance tires and a trunk-mounted full-size spare.
“Focus enthusiasts spoke and we listened, providing them with additional packages,” said Rushbrook, an active amateur Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) racer. “Serious drivers looking for even more grip in the corners will really appreciate the SE Sport and Titanium Handling Packages.”
North American Ford Focus hatchback and sedan with optional handling packages will go on sale – in SE and Titanium trim series levels – at Ford dealerships in early 2011.
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by John Suit
Source: Ford
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In addition to its looks, the 2012 Ford Focus looks to borrow some of the fun-to-drive factor from its little brother, the Ford Fiesta. To that end, Ford announced that it would offer an SE Sport package, as well as a Titanium Handling Package, for enthusiasts who want more capable suspensions on their new Focuses (Foci?). Click past the jump for the details and press release.