DIY Focus Cosworth


ord buyers in the US are to be offered the chance to build a do-it-yourself Focus Cosworth. The new Ford Racing Performance Parts catalogue sells a raft of Cosworth tuning parts for US-spec Focus models - and UK owners could benefit, too.

A Cosworth-modified version of the new US Focus range, to be launched later this year, will be based on the new Mazda-sourced 2.3-litre engine. Meanwhile, Europe's all-new Focus (due this summer) will also be offered with the same unit, opening the way for fast Ford fans on this side of The Pond to build their own Mk2 Focus Cosworth. (An official factory-built 4wd Focus Cossie is on the cards, although it won't arrive for some time.)

Buyers will have the choice of a three-stage tuning package which will turn it into a vicious turbocharged hatchback. Ford Special Vehicle Team spokesman Alan Hall told evo that the Cosworth tuning package would come in three stages. 'Stage 1 is a bolt-on intake kit which will improve airflow. Stage 2 uses this induction kit and also sees modifications to the engine's top-end. Stage 3 is a full re-build package and leaves the engine in decent shape for forced induction.'

Hall said full details of the Cosworth tuning package would be revealed in late May. However, evo can reveal that a turbocharger conversion for the 2.3-litre engine is under development at UK-based Cosworth Racing.

UK owners will also have the chance to build a Focus RS replica. All the parts necessary, including the unique front and rear wings and the turbocharged engine, will be available in the catalogue.

This package is aimed at owners of the current 2-litre Focus. It will be possible to buy the four wide-arch steel wings, disc brakes with Brembo callipers, correct springs and dampers, 18in wheels, rear spoiler and all the interior trim parts. There's no news on whether the RS's controversial Torsen differential will be offered with the turbo package, though the catalogue does offer clutch and differential upgrades.

evo also understands that a turbo kit for the 2-litre Zetec engine is currently under development for launch later this year.

FRPP also unveiled a WRC replica bodykit (image) at the recent SEMA tuning show. The bumpers, wheel arch extensions and huge rear spoiler are all retro-fittable and FRPP also offers the decal kit.

However, under the skin is Ford's extraordinary Focus rear-drive conversion kit. Hall said the kit could be bought for as little as $10,000 (£5600). 'The basic carb-fed V8 engine costs around $3000 and the rest of the kit (including gearbox, propshaft, live rear axle and rear diff) can be bought for $6000,' he said. Using the latest 420bhp 5-litre Cammer V8 adds another $5K to the bill. The kit fits current Focus models and - along with the parts in the catalogue - opens up the possibility for an enterprising spannerman to ship all the components needed to build a rear-drive V8 RS Focus super-hybrid.