Want to see the 2009 Focus? *Pics added! - Page 7 - Focaljet

**eff** · 05-13-2008, 10:07 AM

Reading other auto blog/forum sites this comment I thought was well said regarding the N.A Focus.

"I wouldn't worry about the Chinese automakers copying this anytime soon!"

**CheckMyVitals** · 05-13-2008, 10:07 AM

You CAN polish a turd!

I personally love it (as much as I can love the MK1.75). Seeing the fogs and rims, I half expected to find this was a SVT revival with a 2.3T. It really does look SVT worthy which says a lot.
The Verve/SVT front bumper really works for me, and Ford had a homerun WAITING to be hit by darkening the headlights and grille.
I can really see these rims blowing up in hte [FJ] community.
That top spoiler actually makes me wish I was keeping my sedan. That likely fits.
All in all, I agree with everything done, and there was only one thing not fixed IMO: the taillights. They need to extend the taillights into the trunk area to eliminate the awkwardness of the rear.

Can't wait to see FS get their hands on THIS one

**Power Surge** · 05-13-2008, 10:12 AM

Okay... what am I missing here? All I see is a bumper cover, spoiler and Euro SVT wheels.

**Revo** · 05-13-2008, 10:13 AM

Better? Sure.

For me? I don't think so.

**polarisman14** · 05-13-2008, 10:13 AM

I like it, but was really hoping these changes would transfer over to the sedan as well as the coupe. If the sedan is still as much of an eyesore as it was before, then it's made even less attractive by how much better the coupe now looks.

**Phacade** · 05-13-2008, 10:16 AM

I'm probably going to get flamed bad for this, but it reminds me of the old-school Tempo. Still, I like it a lot better than (some of the) '08's I've seen.

**Honkeytonk Monkey** · 05-13-2008, 10:23 AM

I like the wheels, they would look swell on an 00-04. The rest of the car can occupy the same dumpster as the 08. The half hearted attempt to mimic the big mouth grille of Ford Europe doesn't cut it. Thank god the car is only here for a year or two. At the rate they sell here I've been fortunate to only have to look at a couple 08s on the street.

Obviously they can't change the headlights and have limited options for a refreshing after one year, but if they're going to redo the entire bumper cover why not make a drastic change to more closely tie it in to what Ford is up to overseas.

It's nice Ford is "listening" to the customer, but if they had listened a few years ago they wouldn't have to be fixing everything after one year and we'd all be praising them for bringing us over the MK2. I guess my opinion is worth jack **** though since I'm not going to be shopping in this market anymore.

**CheckMyVitals** · 05-13-2008, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honkeytonk Monkey

I like the wheels, they would look swell on an 00-04. The rest of the car can occupy the same dumpster as the 08. The half hearted attempt to mimic the big mouth grille of Ford Europe doesn't cut it. Thank god the car is only here for a year or two. At the rate they sell here I've been fortunate to only have to look at a couple 08s on the street.

Obviously they can't change the headlights and have limited options for a refreshing after one year, but if they're going to redo the entire bumper cover why not make a drastic change to more closely tie it in to what Ford is up to overseas.

It's nice Ford is "listening" to the customer, but if they had listened a few years ago they wouldn't have to be fixing everything after one year and we'd all be praising them for bringing us over the MK2. I guess my opinion is worth jack **** though since I'm not going to be shopping in this market anymore.

As far as I'm aware, this is the first time Ford has ever listened to the customers on a major scale. They basically abandoned their design style (chrome grilles everywhere) due to customer demand... which is HUGE. Now, it's a huge improvement over the '08, but am I going to be getting in line? No.

I think this a huge indication of what Mullally is going to do for Ford. The MK1.75 was already green lighted when he showed up, all he can do is wait for the results and react... which he's done. The Fiesta and EUFocus are coming.

**Power Surge** · 05-13-2008, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honkeytonk Monkey

I like the wheels, they would look swell on an 00-04. The rest of the car can occupy the same dumpster as the 08. The half hearted attempt to mimic the big mouth grille of Ford Europe doesn't cut it. Thank god the car is only here for a year or two. At the rate they sell here I've been fortunate to only have to look at a couple 08s on the street.

Obviously they can't change the headlights and have limited options for a refreshing after one year, but if they're going to redo the entire bumper cover why not make a drastic change to more closely tie it in to what Ford is up to overseas.

It's nice Ford is "listening" to the customer, but if they had listened a few years ago they wouldn't have to be fixing everything after one year and we'd all be praising them for bringing us over the MK2. I guess my opinion is worth jack **** though since I'm not going to be shopping in this market anymore.

Also keep in mind that not everyone shares your view. Obviously there are enough people that LIKE the car, to send sales way over what they previously were.

And let's not forget the "body shock" effect. That's when a new body comes out after people are used to years of a previous body and immediately reject it. Then over time, people wind up liking the new body as they get used it, realizing that they just didn't like it because it was "different". Remember when the 94 Mustang came out? It was a freakin uproar. People said it looked like a Toyota. People hated it. And that body style stayed around till 05, (with a minor facelift in 99), with no complaints after a year or two. Let's not forget that people thought the "new Focus" in 2000 was ugly as hell. And yet here we are 8 years later loving that bastard little car from 2000.

Just food for thought.

**BRZX3R** · 05-13-2008, 10:33 AM

they are not the SVT EAP wheels, they are finished differently.

**OmniFocus** · 05-13-2008, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRZX3R

they are not the SVT EAP wheels, they are finished differently.

Same casting though, it is just paint.

Good use for the wheel, if you ask me... quick to market and generally well liked.

Ford: Since I know you're reading this thread, I'm impressed with the response.... now get these changes to market ASAP... and surprise us with a 2.3L ST version just for good measure.

**hatched** · 05-13-2008, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revo

Better? Sure.

For me? I don't think so.

Exactly what I was thinking.

**Zx311** · 05-13-2008, 10:46 AM

i dig it...i think they made some decent upgrades...im glad they got rid of the side vents ...becuase behind those the car actualyl has nice body lines that are usually broken up by the vent ...so cheers to that ... over all a relativley nice looking coup...ill still be waiting for our next pseudo-euro focus though...yum

**Power Surge** · 05-13-2008, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OmniFocus

Same casting though, it is just paint.

Good use for the wheel, if you ask me... quick to market and generally well liked.

Yes, and this is also nothing new. Ford has used "specialty" wheels on later cars as the standard wheel many times.

**j20000** · 05-13-2008, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phacade

I'm probably going to get flamed bad for this, but it reminds me of the old-school Tempo. Still, I like it a lot better than (some of the) '08's I've seen.

It's funny that you say that...my Dad bought a Tempo for a DD/Beater car, and when my 08 was parked next to it the other day when I went to visit...I looked at the two of them and thought the same thing...they do look VERY similar.

**secondechomatt** · 05-13-2008, 11:23 AM

something new added to the chop. I am really digging the refresh.

**slidemaster** · 05-13-2008, 11:24 AM

I like it- car looks much more functional from a aero standpoint- form following function

**bustonit** · 05-13-2008, 11:33 AM

Although it takes me some time to get used to new designs in general, I'm comming around to this one fairly quickly. I started off thinking I liked the 08 better, then with each view, I began to like the front end treatment more.

Now the rear...that one is going to be a little harder to swallow. I'm not down with the Opel look. But, I'm sure I can get over it with a few more views.

**pseudonym** · 05-13-2008, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OmniFocus

Ford: Since I know you're reading this thread, I'm impressed with the response.... now get these changes to market ASAP... and surprise us with a 2.3L ST version just for good measure.

Make that the 2.5 Direct Injection engine that (apparently) is replacing the 2.3.

**ferrarimanf355** · 05-13-2008, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverSVT

From all accounts it looks like we'll have an all new Focus in MY 2011, which is CY 2010

2010 can't come soon enough...

**wilko** · 05-13-2008, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by secondechomatt

preq drop/tint/ and the afformentioned lip spoiler.

Matt, you are right on the money. 10's of thousands times better. You rock sir.

**belacyrf** · 05-13-2008, 12:08 PM

Definately better than the 08! Much better, but still lacking in a major way IMO.

Now if they gave it something like 300hp and AWD, and big nasty wing, then I'd be all over, as it would reek of Cossie Escort

**wilko** · 05-13-2008, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRZX3R

Autoblog's readers seem to hate everything! I don't read people comments anymore on there as they usually don't agree with mine, and always against anything Ford does. Detroit Free Press bloggers are the same way. Besides a complete redesign from the ground up, I don't see too many other ways they could have fixed the 08 Coupe', other than what they did.

I read them just to make me numb when the hater-aide infiltrates the Jet. Those guys over there are just as closed minded as they want to be.

There is still room for improvement IMO. I could describe it, but it is just fantasy. My wife, said "the car looks more plain now but, plain works for that car". She is about as IJAC as one could get.

Oh well...

**Chalz** · 05-13-2008, 12:19 PM

I don't know what many of you who are still slamming it were expecting. I've come to the conclusion that there are many people on this board that will never be happy with anything that Ford ever does...unless of course they bring an exact replica of the Euro Ford Focus ST for $25,000. Of course, then you'll probably bitch about it not being right hand drive.

It's absolutely awesome that Ford is listening to a lot of comments from the consumer and enthusiast world, but you also have to realize that if they were to give us all exactly what we wanted, we'd end up with this:

Quote:

http://girtby.net/images/homer-car.gif

Yes, it stinks that it's not a hatchback, but it's still a damned fine automobile whether you like it or not.

05-13-2008, 10:07 AM	#151
eff TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Tallinn, Estonia Posts: 441	*Re: Want to see the 2009 Focus? Pics added!** Reading other auto blog/forum sites this comment I thought was well said regarding the N.A Focus. "I wouldn't worry about the Chinese automakers copying this anytime soon!" __________________ 2007 Ford Focus Ghia 1.6 TI-VCT SW, Panther Black 5spd MT

05-13-2008, 10:07 AM	#152
CheckMyVitals Senior TEAM Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: London, Ontario Posts: 2,179	*Re: Want to see the 2009 Focus? Pics added!** You CAN polish a turd! I personally love it (as much as I can love the MK1.75). Seeing the fogs and rims, I half expected to find this was a SVT revival with a 2.3T. It really does look SVT worthy which says a lot. The Verve/SVT front bumper really works for me, and Ford had a homerun WAITING to be hit by darkening the headlights and grille. I can really see these rims blowing up in hte [FJ] community. That top spoiler actually makes me wish I was keeping my sedan. That likely fits. All in all, I agree with everything done, and there was only one thing not fixed IMO: the taillights. They need to extend the taillights into the trunk area to eliminate the awkwardness of the rear. Can't wait to see FS get their hands on THIS one

05-13-2008, 10:12 AM	#153
Power Surge TEAM Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Palm Coast, FL Posts: 403	*Re: Want to see the 2009 Focus? Pics added!** Okay... what am I missing here? All I see is a bumper cover, spoiler and Euro SVT wheels. __________________ Sal 2002 Sonic Blue SVT Focus 4098 of 4788 - supercharged 2008 Vista Blue 2 dr Focus SE - stock for now Shelby American 427 Cobra S/C - CSX 4241

05-13-2008, 10:13 AM	#154
Revo Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 1,233	*Re: Want to see the 2009 Focus? Pics added!** Better? Sure. For me? I don't think so. __________________ aint ridin stock no more

05-13-2008, 10:13 AM	#155
polarisman14 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Henniker, NH Posts: 3,178	*Re: Want to see the 2009 Focus? Pics added!** I like it, but was really hoping these changes would transfer over to the sedan as well as the coupe. If the sedan is still as much of an eyesore as it was before, then it's made even less attractive by how much better the coupe now looks. __________________ --UnFocused1-- --01 Focus "FCS-PWR" 350+whp Work-In-Progress-- <95 Ranger "SLOWNLO" Project #2: Dropped 4/7, side exit exhaust, audio, etc...> >86 Ninja 250R "GOPED" 50+mpg bullet: Slip-ons, Pod filters, Jet kit, LED signals, custom plate bracket<

05-13-2008, 10:16 AM	#156
Phacade Double Entendre Master! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 1,624	*Re: Want to see the 2009 Focus? Pics added! I'm probably going to get flamed bad for this, but it reminds me of the old-school Tempo. Still, I like it a lot better than (some of the) '08's I've seen. __________________ 2003 EAP SVT "Attila" - ST170 Headlights, Hofele grill, SAP defuser, Clear corners, Taylor 8mm wires, Saleen/Eibach suspension kit, (really) short shift, Ford Racing 5-spokes, Massive front strut bar, Euro-ish rear wiper, shorty antenna, powdercoated valve cover, billet aluminum fuel door, K&N drop-in filter, debadged, Euro HVAC; and then of course me (being a narcissist, I consider this to be the most important mod). ------------------------------------------------------------ I mock your cheese danish and all it stands for! ------------------------------------------------------------**

05-13-2008, 10:23 AM	#157
Honkeytonk Monkey Where is my @#$ antenna?! Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Canadia Posts: 4,160	*Re: Want to see the 2009 Focus? Pics added! I like the wheels, they would look swell on an 00-04. The rest of the car can occupy the same dumpster as the 08. The half hearted attempt to mimic the big mouth grille of Ford Europe doesn't cut it. Thank god the car is only here for a year or two. At the rate they sell here I've been fortunate to only have to look at a couple 08s on the street. Obviously they can't change the headlights and have limited options for a refreshing after one year, but if they're going to redo the entire bumper cover why not make a drastic change to more closely tie it in to what Ford is up to overseas. It's nice Ford is "listening" to the customer, but if they had listened a few years ago they wouldn't have to be fixing everything after one year and we'd all be praising them for bringing us over the MK2. I guess my opinion is worth jack ** though since I'm not going to be shopping in this market anymore. __________________ 2003 LG ZX3 - Pile of glitchy Ford crap. I'd sell it if I hated the person buying it.

05-13-2008, 10:33 AM	#160
BRZX3R Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Grand Haven, Michigan, USA Posts: 2,729	*Re: Want to see the 2009 Focus? Pics added!** they are not the SVT EAP wheels, they are finished differently. __________________ 2003 Pitch Black SVTF 3-door EAP #1339 of 3985 Tuned by FocusSport K & N filter, 17" Axis Touring Cup wheels, FS UDP, VF Transmission mount, and Steeda STS Torque: Helping little people get things done with a lot of D, much less F.

05-13-2008, 10:46 AM	#163
Zx311 TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: TRenton Posts: 830	*Re: Want to see the 2009 Focus? Pics added! i dig it...i think they made some decent upgrades...im glad they got rid of the side vents ...becuase behind those the car actualyl has nice body lines that are usually broken up by the vent ...so cheers to that ... over all a relativley nice looking coup...ill still be waiting for our next pseudo-euro focus though...yum __________________ There is a real Michael Schumacher Ferrari in my store! A real Ferrari! Punch me, Guido! Punch me in the face!** FLOAT LIKE A CADILLAC, STING LIKE A BEAMER!!!

05-13-2008, 11:23 AM	#166
secondechomatt Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: New Boston, MI. Posts: 4,228	*Re: Want to see the 2009 Focus? Pics added!** something new added to the chop. I am really digging the refresh. __________________ a jetter with a case of the "usta's" "The existence of flamethrowers is proof that someone, somewhere, said to himself, "I want to set those people over there on fire, but I don't feel like walking over there to do it." There's no right way to eat a Rhesus.

05-13-2008, 11:24 AM	#167
slidemaster Professor PowerSlide Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: steering backward through the mirror Posts: 7,903	*Re: Want to see the 2009 Focus? Pics added!** I like it- car looks much more functional from a aero standpoint- form following function __________________ Watch for "Road Trip" coming soon- check with your cable provider

05-13-2008, 11:33 AM	#168
bustonit Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: The valley Posts: 2,822	*Re: Want to see the 2009 Focus? Pics added! Although it takes me some time to get used to new designs in general, I'm comming around to this one fairly quickly. I started off thinking I liked the 08 better, then with each view, I began to like the front end treatment more. Now the rear...that one is going to be a little harder to swallow. I'm not down with the Opel look. But, I'm sure I can get over it with a few more views. __________________ Go to the Goup Buy forum to get a set of 17x7" Team Dynamics Pro Race 1 or Pro Race 2 wheels for $575 + $25 S+H !!! Strut tower cap plugs also available for all 00-04 Focus models for $5.75 a set shipped in the Group Buy** forum :) .

05-13-2008, 12:08 PM	#172
belacyrf [FJ] Addict Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Where my home is Posts: 17,313	*Re: Want to see the 2009 Focus? Pics added!** Definately better than the 08! Much better, but still lacking in a major way IMO. Now if they gave it something like 300hp and AWD, and big nasty wing, then I'd be all over, as it would reek of Cossie Escort __________________ 1995 Turbocharged Miata for sale Former owner of Turbo SVTF