As for the turbocharged Focus R concept car, it remains just that - a concept. It won't be a turbo, but it will have substantial performance upgrades.
There will be an SVT Focus in showrooms by the end of this year. We also predicted that another souped-up Focus, possibly dubbed the Focus GT, would likely show up with a non-turbo 160-hp version of the stock car's 130-hp four-cylinder engine.
That hole was created by Ford when it handed the SVT Contour its walking papers. But it is a neat little sporty sedan that will compete well with the competition from BMW and stay with the more expensive German car through most of the ride.In late 1999, the year the compact Ford Focus was introduced, we tested a concept vehicle - the turbocharged 220-hp Focus R - and fearlessly predicted it would soon fill a hole in the lineup of hot cars turned out by Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT). It's not the conservative compact sedan that grew out of Ford's $10 billion Mondeo program. And there's a decent trunk behind, with a fold-down feature to the rear seats that allows you to expand its capacity. In the rear is a bench that is wide enough for two passengers. There are large bolsters in the kidney area that make you want to settle in. Since this is a car that begs to be thrown into corners and driven hard on winding roads, it's nice to know there's a seat that will hold you in as well as the belts. Seats in the Contour are improved as well with excellent side support. Ford claims 143 mph, which is close enough for me, thank you.īecause of the inherent stability of the Contour, you feel it will be safe if it ever does go that fast. The speedometer goes all the way up to 160 mph and I'll bet the Contour can get close to that. Then they become white on black with an eerie orange glow all around. They're black on white until it gets dark and you turn the lights on. Instruments appear to have ben taken from the Mustang Cobra. You can throw it around most curves and know that it isn't going to get away from you and get you in trouble (except with some locals who may think you're having too much fun). The front antiroll bar is smaller diameter and there are softer spring rates combined with Z-rated 205/55 16-inch radials that give the compact sedan a nice ride. Note, I didn't say a softer or stiffer ride, just a better one. The suspension has also been tuned for a better ride. It's quite possible to leave little strips of rubber on hard acceleration and it's quite possible to scare yourself if you're not careful.
FORD CONTOUR SVT HP MANUAL
This engine drives the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. The extra horses come from a lighter flywheel, aluminum pistons, high lift and long duration cams, ported and polished intake manifold and larger throttle body. Up front is a 2.5-liter V-6 engine that has been tweaked from its normal 170 hp to 195 hp. The "experts" will also say it's a more attractive car, and for once I'll agree with them. And they've made a more powerful car out of the Contour and one that handles well. It has been massaged by Ford's Special Vehicle Team, formerly known as Special Vehicle Operations or SVO. I have a friend who had one for a first car and then bought another for her second car, validating my opinion.įord has added something to the mix for 1998 that should spice things up a bit. There is a lot of junk out there that I wouldn't consider, but the contour is a car that could perform a function for someone who's looking for a first car. I think they're a nice size, conservatively styled and a good package for the first or second car buyer. For some reason, the "experts" in the auto reviewing fraternity don't think too much of these cars.Īpparently I'm not an expert, because I've always liked them. First the Ford Tempo and later the Ford Contour never received good press.
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