Skip to main content

Ford Reveals Details on Its 2012 Ford Focus

fordfocus-2012-1Ford today unveiled its next generation Ford Focus global platform. With the new Focus, Ford is hoping to seize more of compact car market (known as the “C segment” outside the U.S.) from competing models like the Honda Civic, Chevy Cobalt, and Toyota Corolla.

The foundation of the new platform is technological innovation. The new global platform Ford Focus will receive the company’s EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged direct injection (DI) engines. European customers will have the option of getting either a 1.6-liter EcoBoost gas engine or an improved Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engine. U.S. customers won’t get the diesel, but they will get a 2.0-liter EcoBoost gas engine that features DI and Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT). The new engines should provide a bit more horsepower (the 2.0-liter North American engine adds an extra 20 hp compared to its predecessor). They also should provide 10 to 20 percent gains in fuel economy (a bit over 10 percent, in the North American engine’s case).

Recommended Videos

The North American Focus will also get Ford’s new dual-clutch six-speed Ford PowerShift automatic transmission. The new transmission offers additional fuel economy savings of about 9 percent. It replaces the manual parts — torque converters, planetary gears and oil pumps — found in standard automatics, with a more efficient system that electrically controls the clutch.

fordfocus-2012-3The new Focus also may be the first non-hybrid auto to get stop-start technology in the U.S., according to AutoBlog. This technology allows the vehicle to shut off the engine when stopped, saving fuel, particularly in urban settings. Ford is targeting a 40+ mpg fuel economy with the stock variant, similar to GM’s Chevy Cruze, a key competitor.

A new Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system has also been added, which Ford says will offer “pure and precise responses at high speed.” The new car also gets a new Dynamic Cornering Control system, which Ford says will yield reduced understeer, improved traction and better turn-in. Together, Ford says these technologies make a vehicle that is both more fun to drive and safer.

Better materials also make the new vehicle safer. The new vehicle uses steel for 55 percent of the body shell and ultra-high strength and Boron steels in 26 percent of the vehicle’s structure. Those improvements pay off in cold hard numbers; the new Focus sports a 25 percent greater rigidity than the current North American Focus.

The new Focus will also get Ford’s new MyFord Touch infotainment system. The new system, which we extensively covered at CES 2010, includes a WebKit browser, canned text messaging, voice-commanded climate controls, improved voice commands, smart phone application APIs (including for voice commands), and more.

Ford feels that its new Focus design is also very stylish. It calls the vehicle’s artistic direction “Kinetic Design”. Ford’s press release brags, “With its striking front end, sleek profile, dramatic rising beltline and athletic stance, the new Focus clearly telegraphs the rewarding driving experience that awaits customers when they take to the road.”

fordfocus-2012-2The base variety of the new Focus will be offered in hatchback and sedan forms. It will be accompanied by the European C-Max and Grand C-Max which will be landing in the U.S. sometime in 2011 and fall under the Focus global design platform.

The next generation Ford Focus won’t go on sale until the 2012 model year (2011). Hybrid and battery electric variants should be coming in the 2013 model year (2012) — Ford has not committed to hard time frames for their launch. The electric variant is expected to get 80-100 miles on a charge. At a recent press event, DailyTech spoke with Ford executives, including CEO Alan Mullaly on their upcoming EV and the company’s desire to avoid the temperature-related problems of competitor GM’s 2011 Chevy Volt EV.

Dena Cassella
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Haole built. O'ahu grown
Find Ford gifts for everyone on your holiday list, no really
Ford Accessories used while camping for holiday gifts

When you're shopping for holiday gifts, auto and Ford accessories probably don't cross your mind, at least not initially. Unless, of course, you're planning some gift ideas for the car enthusiast you know. But actually, Ford has a lot of different gift options even for those who aren't big into cars and vehicles. I know, it's an odd proposal but hear me out. From electronics and exterior accessories to truck bed augments, interior gear, and even outdoor-friendly gear -- like for camping -- Ford has a ton of options. Just to provide some examples, first aid safety kits, truck bed camping tents, portable fridges, pet-friendly seat mats, even dashcams, keyless entry systems, and beyond.

You never know, you could find the perfect gift in Ford's accessories lineup.
Shop Now

Read more
Audi levels up its EV game with the A6 e-tron but still makes unforced errors
2025 Audi A6 e-tron front quarter view.

Audi developed a good reputation among car enthusiasts and engineering nerds with its all-wheel drive systems and the motorsports success they wrought, but it was premium sedans like the A6 that took the brand mainstream. Now, the Audi A6 is getting an all-electric makeover.

Scheduled to reach the United States next year, the 2025 Audi A6 e-tron uses a familiar name to draw attention to Audi’s latest and greatest EV hardware. It shares the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) with the Audi Q6 e-tron SUV, with greater efficiency and charging capability than Audi’s first-generation EVs. But like the gasoline A6, the e-tron will still compete against sedans from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, in this case the i5 and EQE, respectively.

Read more
Ford boosts year-end discounts on 2024 Lightning, Mach-E Models
ford discounts lightning mach e 24 frd mch 51368 ao3a1676 edit 14a676

We’re officially into the traditional year-end sales period for automakers. That means big discounts are on the way, as both manufacturers and dealerships want to get rid of unsold inventory to make room for next year’s models.

This season, Ford has decided to boost incentives on its bestselling electric vehicles, the 2024 F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E models.

Read more