Official 2008 Ford Focus Pics and Information!

[zurno]

maybe ford would be nice eneough to import a few mk2 hatches as a bold move?

[aerostudent]

thumb down

[zurno]

Originally Posted by chewbacca

i don't like it!

i've had it, as soon as i get my degree, i'm moving straight to europe and learning to drive on the wrong side of the road!

just learn german so you can drive in a LHD country with the added bonus of the Autobahn


btw, current wallpaper is the blue straight on view

[CharlesWA]

On the one hand Ford is pissing me off by selling the Euro Focus ST in Mexico. On the other hand I kind of like the "new" (and I use the term loosely since it's still a C170 platform) coupe. I don't like the super-integrated center console stuff but getting the optional Microsoft stuff would take care of that. Another 6 or 7 grand and I could have a turbo from FS, Diff, a little suspension work... And then I'd be happy with it I guess.

[focaljet-1]

Just in case any of you haven't ventured into the Sync discussions, here is some info. This will be optional on the Focus. The Focus and the Five Hundred are the first two cars to have it available. It's actually really pretty advanced.

Sync connects your life to your drive
The 2008 Ford Focus will be one of the first Ford Motor Company vehicles to feature Ford Sync™, a cutting-edge way to use cell phones and portable music players inside a vehicle. Developed in association with Microsoft, Sync offers a new level of in-car communications and entertainment convenience. Sync lets users easily control and personalize their electronic devices in their vehicle. This technology will be available in other 2008 model year Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products later this year.

“Sync is state of the art connectivity and entertainment,” says Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, global product development, Ford Motor Company. “It’s aligned with our efforts to treat the interior of a car as a second home on wheels. We want to bring as much infotainment to our customers as possible in a way that is both convenient and seamless.”

Incorporating Bluetooth wireless connection technology as its foundation, Sync can wirelessly connect up to six different cellular phones to the vehicle, a process called pairing. Once the phone is paired with the system, the user’s personal features (such as phone book and ring tones) are automatically downloaded to the car. A microphone inside the cabin allows users to use their phone hands free while operating their vehicle.

Every time the user enters the vehicle with the phone, those personal features are updated and integrated into the Sync system. To protect privacy concerns, phone books and ring tones are active only for the phones to which they belong. Sync also allows users to maintain a cell phone conversation while entering or exiting the vehicle.

With many municipalities passing laws prohibiting cell phone usage in a vehicle that does not provide hands-free calling, Sync’s voice recognition software (which recognizes English, Spanish and French) allows users to place a call by simply tapping a "Push to Talk" button on the steering wheel and saying a command. For example, the command “Call Mike” will connect the user identified as “Mike” in the user’s phone directory. Users can also dial numbers by calling out digits.

When a call comes in, the user can answer or decline the call using verbal commands. If the user’s phone is configured for unique caller ring tones, that specific caller’s ring tone will be played through the vehicle’s audio system. Sync also offers call waiting, caller ID and three-way calling, along with three unique ring tones as part of the system.

Sync offers a unique industry-leading text-to-speech function that will translate text messages to speech and read them over the vehicle’s audio system. Sync will translate abbreviation like “LOL” into “Laughing Out Loud,” and it offers 20 pre-determined responses that can be customized via web downloads.

Sync is also the only automotive application that offers full hands-free, voice-activated command and control over portable music players and storage devices. Sync’s advanced voice command capability means consumers can access the song, artist, genre, album, playlist, etc., through voice commands. The selections will also be shown on the vehicle's audio display, as Sync allows complete command and control via dashboard or steering wheel controls. This means Sync acts as an extension of the music player, effectively melding the player’s functionality into the vehicle.

“If you plug in your Apple iPod® and say, ‘Play rock music,’ Sync will play rock music,” says Kuzak. “If you say, ‘play’ and name a band, Sync will display the album and title selections by that group. You then select a title and the music plays. Most music players connected to a car might let you shuffle. Sync lets you do everything you could do on the music player itself through the vehicle’s interface or through voice commands. Sync is a seamless extension of the music player to the vehicle, and that’s what makes it great.”

Sync hosts nearly all portable music players including Apple iPod®, all MP3 players with "Plays for Sure" technology, and Microsoft’s new music player, Zune™. Sync also accepts music saved on flash memory sticks inserted into USB port. Located on the dashboard near the power outlets, the USB 2.0 port simultaneously charges the player as the music is being played over the vehicle’s audio system. All music played through Sync is high-resolution digital quality.

[Thameth]

Currently no pricing on the SYNC system, but if you any kind of tech person its a definite must buy if its under $1k option....

Only thing i noticed it didn't have is navigation....

Another thing is that i have yet to see a picture of the Focus interior with the SYNC system

[05zx4st]

i would'nt called that a focus,they moved the antenna..game over ford.
i definately dont like exterior of it,interior looks nice though.

[focaljet-1]

Yeah, I don't think we will see pricing on the Sync option until closer to the actual launch.

Also, in the Focus... and I may be mistaken, that it will utilize the "top of dash" display rather than the Nav System display (like it will in the Five Hundred and Edge).

This will of course not be as "cool looking", but will allow the option to be priced much less in the Focus than those cars.

The only option/price comparison that is even anywhere close (in an "economy car") at the moment is the "Convenience Package" in the Nissan Versa.

That package (while actually not a very close comparison) includes:

Intelligent Key
Bluetooth hands-free phone system
Leather steering wheel with audio controls
SAT pre-wire.

...and it is $700

SYNC has WAY more features/functionality.

[Thameth]

Is intelligent key the keyless option?

Thats a pretty big feature for a small car like the Versa, shame Ford didn't jump on that and make it an option. Definitely one of those $300 options i would go for.

[Focused]

Honestly, I like the effort Ford's putting into this 'new' Focus, but it just isn't the Focus I once fell in love with, nor is it the Focus I'm interested now.

Ah, well. What ya gonna do?

[focaljet-1]

Originally Posted by Thameth

Is intelligent key the keyless option?

Nissan Intelligent Key Keyless Ignition and Entry System

With the Intelligent Key in your pocket or purse, just walk up to your Versa and press the button on the door or hatch and it instantly unlocks for easy access. Now slide into your oversized driver's seat, turn the ignition, and you're off—all without ever using a key.

[focaljet-1]

Actually I think the Coupe body style will bring a lot of new people to the Focus that don't care for Sedans or Hatches.

[zurno]

so far the few reactions here seem to be good

[XdrewsiferX]

HOLY HELL! NO! It looks like its made by Saturn

To be honest if I had the choise (looks only) between that and a Saturn Id buy the Saturn hell id be saving a few thousand and Id be getting a car with better looks. I cant beleve I said id buy a starun i feel a little ill.

[bustonit]

I'm biting my tongue mind you, but the hood and the wheels are cool.

[focaljet-1]

Originally Posted by XdrewsiferX

HOLY HELL! NO! It looks like its made by Saturn

To be honest if I had the choise (looks only) between that and a Saturn Id buy the Saturn hell id be saving a few thousand and Id be getting a car with better looks. I cant beleve I said id buy a starun i feel a little ill.

Yeah, and you'd be getting a POS.

[XdrewsiferX]

Im on my 6th motor im already driving a pos

[focaljet-1]

This "probably" is confirmation that the upper dash display will be used to show Sync (MP3) info. While this photo looks as if it's showing satellite radio info (note band name and song), I would guess that plugged-in MP3 player info will be showed in the same manner.

[ZedX31485]

I think the interior looks GREAT. It *looks* very classy and upscale. I won't make my final decision until I actually sit in one though.

As far as the exterior...I like the overall design of the front end, but the back end is going to have to grow on me.

It looks like a good effort by Ford to give the Focus some new life.

[focaljet-1]

Lower center stack detail shot that shows the dual power adapters as well as the USB port. You can also make out the three Sync buttons on the left.

[WhiteMechDuratec]

I like it. I think it will look better in person. But, I already have 1 red-headed step child in the focus family.

The interior looks MUCH better than my '05. +
60 lbs. lighter with more features. +
THe high belt line is pretty bold. +

I'd get it in white and rock it with the same style wheels I have on my focus now. It would look sharp and clean.

However, this is the design they should have brought to the table with the last reskin.-
I am a hatch man, and a bit upset that no bubble butt hatch is offered.-

[zurno]

so who is going to start chopping some pics in here? I wanna see more damn colors

and when the hell can I order one?

[Thameth]

Originally Posted by zurno

so far the few reactions here seem to be good

Uhhhh no they're not.....

[focaljet-1]

Center stack detail: