FR200 Focus
The FR500 was Ford Racing Technology's take on what the ultimate Mustang would be if money and parts availability were no object. Now they have applied the same philosophy to the Focus with similar mouth-watering results.
Dubbed the FR200, this extensively modified ZX3 has more than enough guts to properly carry on the tradition of its big brother Mustang. The engine sports an IHI turbocharger, Cobra air flow meter, and a host of Ford Racing parts including a prototype charge air cooler, 70mm throttle body, high-performance aluminum intake manifold, high flow cylinder heads, and a stainless steel exhaust manifold. All this comes together to produce 304 horsepower and 285 ft-lbs. of torque -- more than twice the horsepower of a standard ZX3 Zetec engine!
To handle all those ponies, the Ford Racing team beefed up the suspension with three-way adjustable front and rear coil-over shocks, heavy-duty bolt-on A-arms up front, and Cobra disc brakes front and rear. Eighteen-inch wheels wrapped in 235/35ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sport tires provide sure-footed grip, while a 1-inch lower ride height and rack-and-pinion steering equate to improved overall handling.
Inside, the FR200 sports a two-tone leather steering wheel, 180-mph speedo, and numerous billet trim pieces. Of course, all those trick pieces take a backseat to the awesome JBL sound system. Using all currently available components, JBL created a system that delivers incredible sound (we listened, it rocks) without making the interior look like a speaker store display.
Ford showed the FR200 to gauge interest in the aftermarket potential of the Focus. Judging by the admiring crowds that surrounded the car, the FR200 should go a long way towards establishing the Focus as an import fighter with serious potential.
Made in Detroit Focus
Now here's a cool one. The Made in Detroit Focus concept features a panel van bodystyle, and the co-branded marketing effort with the Made in Detroit clothing company is patterned after Ford's association with other noted brand names, including Sony.
Detroit Motor Company, producers of Made in Detroit Brand clothing, is a Detroit-based and operated clothing company that targets those who are into techno music, urban/suburban hip hop, hybrid rock, automobilia and industrial culture. Their products are Detroit-themed, edgy and connected to the regional and national music scene.
Based on a three-door Focus ZX3, the Made in Detroit Focus concept has a more upright rear hatch and a flat top, which provide more usable interior space and innovative interior storage spaces. The design -- coupled with a lowered suspension and 18-inch wheels -- also gives the exterior profile an urban, performance-oriented look.
Uniquely designed front and rear lighting, anodized aluminum finishes and reflective, molded Focus and Made in Detroit badging add to the concept's industrial look. The no-skid, removable roof rack is one of several functional attributes.
The MiD Focus has integrated storage in the floor and tailgate, a removable first-aid kit and two messenger bags that attach to the inside panels and are fully detachable. The messenger bags feature 48-inch shoulder straps for pack-and-go ability when heading to school, the office, or the beach.
The concept's tactile functional elements are organized into distinct zones through the use of "zone specific" materials and colors. For example, high-wear areas, such as the load floor and storage bins, utilize a non-skid, flexible material. The color and trim scheme features low-contrast colors and low sheen finishes, and the seats and fold-flat rear seat offer passengers added room in an environment that is naturally lit through the vehicle's skylights. The Made in Detroit Focus has a base 2.0-liter SOHC inline four engine. Clearly this edgy concept expands the possibilities that are attainable with the versatile Focus platform.
2001 SVT F-150 Lightning
The baddest pickup in the land just got meaner. For 2001, the 5.4-liter supercharged F-150 Lightning gets a 20-horsepower jump in output for a grand total of 380 at 4,750 rpm. That's nearly as much as a Corvette Z06 or Mustang Cobra R! Torque output also goes up 10 foot-pounds to 450 at 3,250 rpm.
The added power was achieved primarily by improving the engine's breathing capabilities at several points in the intake system. Basically, the air intake opening in the left front inner fender is 50 percent bigger than last year and the tube that ducts air from the fender opening to the filter box is also enlarged. The mass-air sensor has also been increased from 80 to 90 mm. Adding further to the go-fast cause are 3.73 gears in the rear end replacing the taller 3.55s.
We love the added power but the jury's still out on the more blocky-looking 18-inch wheels. As for other styling changes, there are updates to the front grille, head and taillights, an LED high-mount third brake light and clear crystalline lenses for the headlights, taillights and side marker lights. The upper and lower front grille now have a horizontal billet-bar design that's unique in the F-Series lineup. Available colors continue to be white, red, black and silver. Some of the styling changes might be suspect and we can't really warm up to the wheels, but if you want the nastiest pick-'em-up of all, the Lightning is the only way to fly.
Crown Victoria Blackhawk Concept
OK, Ford. Enough is enough. Quit teasing us, dammit! A few years ago, there were slight rumblings of a Galaxie 500 version of the Crown Vic. Then we hear Mercury's gonna do a Marauder version of the Grand Marquis. What next? Ford brings this Crown Victoria Blackhawk to the 2000 SEMA show.
Sure the final Impala SS worthy of the name was built in 1996, but Ford still has yet to do its trick with America's last body-on-frame, rear-wheel-drive car. This little (or is it big?) gem sitting outside the show hall reignited our hopes for a Galaxie 500 or Marauder (or whatever). We say build it already.
Starting with a basic '01 Crown Vic LX - which has a 235-horsepower, 4.6-liter V8 and a handling and performance package with 3.27 gears, dual exhaust, an aluminum driveshaft, and gas shocks - the Blackhawk concept adds a bunch of goodies, even if they're mostly cosmetic. The important ones include a monochromatic black finish with a black-out grille, bumpers and taillight trim; blacked-out door handles; a floor shifter; 18x8.5-inch wheels with 255/45ZR18 tires; and springs that lower the car 1 inch. The final bits are a Roush decklid spoiler and a pair of brushed exhaust tips.
As long as we're dreaming, we'd also throw in either a supercharger for the 4.6-liter motor or the DOHC V8 used in the Mustang Cobra. If nothing else, we'd certainly be happy with the 260-horsepower SOHC V8 used in the Mustang GT. If Chevy put a Corvette LT1 in the '94-'96 Impala SS, you can use the Mustang engine, right guys? Yeah, we knew you could. Can't wait to see it.
Urban Explorer Concept
The freshly redesigned Explorer (and Mercury Mountaineer) is going to be hitting showrooms early next year and this concept is based on that new platform. The Urban Explorer takes the vehicle in a direction where most SUV owners spend most of their time in the first place. Certainly a street-smart look (as opposed to a rugged off-roader), the UE has lowered suspension, an emphasis on low side cladding, deep-dish five-spoke 20-inch wheels, and wide wheel flares -- all of which contribute to an athletic stance.
Also part of this slick-looking piece is a low-profile front fascia with integrated driving lights and functional brake-cooling ducts. There's also a low-profile rear fascia, center-exiting dual exhaust and polished exhaust tips. A roof spoiler on the trailing edge of the liftgate replaces the standard SUV roof rack and adds to the racy appearance.
Inside are bucket seats for four, a thick-rim steering wheel, a full front-to-rear center console, a unique sport gauge cluster and a high-contrast interior color theme that's black and uses lime green with iridescent piping.
Most of the features of the new Explorer are also part of this concept, including a 2.5-inch wider track, independent rear suspension and a 4.6-liter SOHC V8 that makes 240 horsepower, an increase of 25 horsepower over the previous pushrod 5.0-liter V8.
The FR500 was Ford Racing Technology's take on what the ultimate Mustang would be if money and parts availability were no object. Now they have applied the same philosophy to the Focus with similar mouth-watering results.
Dubbed the FR200, this extensively modified ZX3 has more than enough guts to properly carry on the tradition of its big brother Mustang. The engine sports an IHI turbocharger, Cobra air flow meter, and a host of Ford Racing parts including a prototype charge air cooler, 70mm throttle body, high-performance aluminum intake manifold, high flow cylinder heads, and a stainless steel exhaust manifold. All this comes together to produce 304 horsepower and 285 ft-lbs. of torque -- more than twice the horsepower of a standard ZX3 Zetec engine!
To handle all those ponies, the Ford Racing team beefed up the suspension with three-way adjustable front and rear coil-over shocks, heavy-duty bolt-on A-arms up front, and Cobra disc brakes front and rear. Eighteen-inch wheels wrapped in 235/35ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sport tires provide sure-footed grip, while a 1-inch lower ride height and rack-and-pinion steering equate to improved overall handling.
Inside, the FR200 sports a two-tone leather steering wheel, 180-mph speedo, and numerous billet trim pieces. Of course, all those trick pieces take a backseat to the awesome JBL sound system. Using all currently available components, JBL created a system that delivers incredible sound (we listened, it rocks) without making the interior look like a speaker store display.
Ford showed the FR200 to gauge interest in the aftermarket potential of the Focus. Judging by the admiring crowds that surrounded the car, the FR200 should go a long way towards establishing the Focus as an import fighter with serious potential.
Made in Detroit Focus
Now here's a cool one. The Made in Detroit Focus concept features a panel van bodystyle, and the co-branded marketing effort with the Made in Detroit clothing company is patterned after Ford's association with other noted brand names, including Sony.
Detroit Motor Company, producers of Made in Detroit Brand clothing, is a Detroit-based and operated clothing company that targets those who are into techno music, urban/suburban hip hop, hybrid rock, automobilia and industrial culture. Their products are Detroit-themed, edgy and connected to the regional and national music scene.
Based on a three-door Focus ZX3, the Made in Detroit Focus concept has a more upright rear hatch and a flat top, which provide more usable interior space and innovative interior storage spaces. The design -- coupled with a lowered suspension and 18-inch wheels -- also gives the exterior profile an urban, performance-oriented look.
Uniquely designed front and rear lighting, anodized aluminum finishes and reflective, molded Focus and Made in Detroit badging add to the concept's industrial look. The no-skid, removable roof rack is one of several functional attributes.
The MiD Focus has integrated storage in the floor and tailgate, a removable first-aid kit and two messenger bags that attach to the inside panels and are fully detachable. The messenger bags feature 48-inch shoulder straps for pack-and-go ability when heading to school, the office, or the beach.
The concept's tactile functional elements are organized into distinct zones through the use of "zone specific" materials and colors. For example, high-wear areas, such as the load floor and storage bins, utilize a non-skid, flexible material. The color and trim scheme features low-contrast colors and low sheen finishes, and the seats and fold-flat rear seat offer passengers added room in an environment that is naturally lit through the vehicle's skylights. The Made in Detroit Focus has a base 2.0-liter SOHC inline four engine. Clearly this edgy concept expands the possibilities that are attainable with the versatile Focus platform.
2001 SVT F-150 Lightning
The baddest pickup in the land just got meaner. For 2001, the 5.4-liter supercharged F-150 Lightning gets a 20-horsepower jump in output for a grand total of 380 at 4,750 rpm. That's nearly as much as a Corvette Z06 or Mustang Cobra R! Torque output also goes up 10 foot-pounds to 450 at 3,250 rpm.
The added power was achieved primarily by improving the engine's breathing capabilities at several points in the intake system. Basically, the air intake opening in the left front inner fender is 50 percent bigger than last year and the tube that ducts air from the fender opening to the filter box is also enlarged. The mass-air sensor has also been increased from 80 to 90 mm. Adding further to the go-fast cause are 3.73 gears in the rear end replacing the taller 3.55s.
We love the added power but the jury's still out on the more blocky-looking 18-inch wheels. As for other styling changes, there are updates to the front grille, head and taillights, an LED high-mount third brake light and clear crystalline lenses for the headlights, taillights and side marker lights. The upper and lower front grille now have a horizontal billet-bar design that's unique in the F-Series lineup. Available colors continue to be white, red, black and silver. Some of the styling changes might be suspect and we can't really warm up to the wheels, but if you want the nastiest pick-'em-up of all, the Lightning is the only way to fly.
Crown Victoria Blackhawk Concept
OK, Ford. Enough is enough. Quit teasing us, dammit! A few years ago, there were slight rumblings of a Galaxie 500 version of the Crown Vic. Then we hear Mercury's gonna do a Marauder version of the Grand Marquis. What next? Ford brings this Crown Victoria Blackhawk to the 2000 SEMA show.
Sure the final Impala SS worthy of the name was built in 1996, but Ford still has yet to do its trick with America's last body-on-frame, rear-wheel-drive car. This little (or is it big?) gem sitting outside the show hall reignited our hopes for a Galaxie 500 or Marauder (or whatever). We say build it already.
Starting with a basic '01 Crown Vic LX - which has a 235-horsepower, 4.6-liter V8 and a handling and performance package with 3.27 gears, dual exhaust, an aluminum driveshaft, and gas shocks - the Blackhawk concept adds a bunch of goodies, even if they're mostly cosmetic. The important ones include a monochromatic black finish with a black-out grille, bumpers and taillight trim; blacked-out door handles; a floor shifter; 18x8.5-inch wheels with 255/45ZR18 tires; and springs that lower the car 1 inch. The final bits are a Roush decklid spoiler and a pair of brushed exhaust tips.
As long as we're dreaming, we'd also throw in either a supercharger for the 4.6-liter motor or the DOHC V8 used in the Mustang Cobra. If nothing else, we'd certainly be happy with the 260-horsepower SOHC V8 used in the Mustang GT. If Chevy put a Corvette LT1 in the '94-'96 Impala SS, you can use the Mustang engine, right guys? Yeah, we knew you could. Can't wait to see it.
Urban Explorer Concept
The freshly redesigned Explorer (and Mercury Mountaineer) is going to be hitting showrooms early next year and this concept is based on that new platform. The Urban Explorer takes the vehicle in a direction where most SUV owners spend most of their time in the first place. Certainly a street-smart look (as opposed to a rugged off-roader), the UE has lowered suspension, an emphasis on low side cladding, deep-dish five-spoke 20-inch wheels, and wide wheel flares -- all of which contribute to an athletic stance.
Also part of this slick-looking piece is a low-profile front fascia with integrated driving lights and functional brake-cooling ducts. There's also a low-profile rear fascia, center-exiting dual exhaust and polished exhaust tips. A roof spoiler on the trailing edge of the liftgate replaces the standard SUV roof rack and adds to the racy appearance.
Inside are bucket seats for four, a thick-rim steering wheel, a full front-to-rear center console, a unique sport gauge cluster and a high-contrast interior color theme that's black and uses lime green with iridescent piping.
Most of the features of the new Explorer are also part of this concept, including a 2.5-inch wider track, independent rear suspension and a 4.6-liter SOHC V8 that makes 240 horsepower, an increase of 25 horsepower over the previous pushrod 5.0-liter V8.
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