The US has a “special” relationship with V8 engines. There it is usual to change the engines of several cars (not even the Tesla Model S escape) for this type of engine and this Ford Focus V8 is proof of that.
The result of the work of two different owners (one started the transformation and the other finished it), this Ford Focus is proof that there are “cut and sew” jobs that work.
On the outside, the highlights are the “Ford Fury Orange only” paintwork, the SVT bumpers with integrated fog lights, the tinted windows and the 17” wheels also by SVT. Interestingly, the tires are from the unknown Velozza brand.
Inland, changes were scarce. Although we have sport seats, the fact that most of the trims are in black gives a grim and discreet look to the cabin.
The innovations are limited to the SVT instrument panel whose speedometer is graduated up to 160 miles per hour (257 km/h), the aluminum pedals and the shift lever handle designated “Pro 5.0 Short-Throw-Shifter” and that we can buy… on Amazon.
Half Focus, Half Mustang
In place of the traditional four-cylinder in-line comes a 5.0 l V8 from a third-generation Mustang (produced between 1978 and 1993).
As if that wasn't enough, this engine has undergone improvements, having received a Ford Performance camshaft, a new cylinder head and a new Cobra intake manifold. Furthermore, the exhaust manifolds are directed towards the front, which is why the exhaust outlets are located… in front of the front wheels, integrated in the bumper.
The colossal V8 that came to "live" under the hood of the Focus.
Equipped with a manual transmission of five ratios from Tremec, the other big difference of this Ford Focus V8 in relation to all others is that it sends power to the rear wheels, thanks to an axle “inherited” by Mustang (but designed for the Ford Rangers and F-150) and equipped with a Ford Motorsport limited-slip differential.
What else has changed?
The conversion to rear-wheel drive forced the adoption of a completely new (and adjustable) suspension and the installation of a fuel tank with 37.9 liters in the trunk (the original no longer fits).
With a reinforced chassis, new stabilizer bars and disc brakes, this Ford Focus also features Mustang's power steering system.
The interior is guided by discretion
Auctioned on the Bring a Trailer website for 27 500 dollars (about 23 137 euros) , this peculiar Focus has 70 thousand miles (112 654 kilometers) only seems to have one “defect”: the air conditioning is out of order.
Interestingly, this is not the first Ford Focus with a V8 engine. A few years ago at SEMA a prototype appeared, also with a V8 and rear-wheel drive, and there was even another converted model on sale.