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Front Page
Stiff Bodyshell the Platform for Acclaimed Dynamics
Staff, Monday August 19, 2002.
Page 1 of 1
The Focus chassis was designed to deliver on four key attributes ? agility, stability, precision and comfort.
Focus Brand Marketing Manager, Melissa Wenn, said the key to the car?s acclaimed driving dynamics was its exceptionally stiff bodyshell.
?Engineers used extensive computer modelling and the latest laser-welding techniques to create a chassis that is taut, responsive and reassuring,? Ms Wenn said.
Each panel has been optimised to enhance crash-worthiness, minimise noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and provide a rigid platform to control suspension and steering geometry more precisely.
Front suspension incorporates zero offset geometry to improve stability, while fully compensated MacPherson struts improve the steering feel.
Low friction steering and suspension components give a positive feeling of agility and enhance wheel control.
?Steering is one of the key components in delivering a car that is fun to drive. To that end, Ford?s engineers spent a great deal of time making sure that Focus was easy to manoeuvre at low speeds in the car park, but delivered a positive, predictable and precise feel at high cornering speeds,? Ms Wenn said.
Focus? fully independent, Control Blade multi-link rear suspension separates the vehicle?s ride and handling functions, allowing engineers to tune each function separately for more precise handling and superior ride quality. NVH is also greatly reduced.
The Control Blade system delivers higher lateral stiffness and better wheel control, greatly improving stability and active safety - particularly in extreme cornering or heavy braking situations.
The system is also compact, allowing more interior packaging for rear seat passengers and luggage.
Brake pedal feel has been enhanced by the inclusion of a 25cm brake booster. The booster works directly on the pedal to improve feel and feedback while reducing travel and effort.
The latest four-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) - capable of applying and releasing the brakes up to 12 times per second - is available as standard or as an option on all models. It includes an integrated electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) system for even better braking.
Focus Zetec will also offer as an option Ford's VDC AdvanceTrac, a system that detects if the vehicle is drifting offline and uses intelligent control of individual brakes and engine power to bring the vehicle back on course. The feature is available with manual transmission only and will be standard on ST170 (see separate release).
For further information, please contact:
Ford Australia Communications
Phone: 03-9359 8491
