2011 Ford Focus

The next-gen Ford Focus, a 2011 model will be offered to Americans as a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback just like the new Fiesta. The sedan also will get a swept roof-line and tall rear deck profile like the Fiesta sedan. The new sedan is dimensionally about one inch lower than the outgoing Focus sedan but a little less than an inch wider than the current European model.

Like other new Fords, the next-gen Focus also is getting an electric power assist system (EPAS) for its steering, which helps to reduce fuel consumption by cutting parasitic losses. One more interesting feature that will be available on the next-gen Focus is Dynamic Cornering Control. American Focus buyers will get one brand new engine and two transmission options at launch early next year. Like other new Fords, six-speed gearboxes are now the norm for Focus with a choice of manual or dual-clutch PowerShift units available.

The 2011 Ford Focus engine is a new 2.0-liter direct-injected four-cylinder, which will also form the basis of the upcoming 2.0-liter EcoBoost. The normally aspirated unit will be rated at an estimated 155 hp and 145 pound-feet. Both cams are equipped with variable phasing using the same cam-torque actuation system as the Fusion’s 2.5-liter and the new 5.0-liter V8 in the Mustang. The new engine will also be E85 flex-fuel capable, a first for a DI engine.