Focus Tuning 2000 Ford Focus ZX3 - Tuner Car

Of all the compacts currently offered in the U.S. market, few have proven their merit more than the Ford Focus. Be it a rental car or a seriously tweaked tuner car, the little Ford never fails to remind us that an automobile is much more than a mundane mode of transportation.

And that's just for starters. Fortunately for us speed junkies, there are tuning houses upping the performance ante of the Focus considerably, taking both driver fulfillment and raw number generation to the next level. Focus Tuning Inc. is such a company. Originally spawned from HPA Motorsports Inc.,

Focus Tuning's mission, according to Glen Messinger, director of operations, is to preserve and further the European side of the Focus's performance heritage and create a diverse product line tailored to the "European-minded" Focus owner.

Just what is a "European-minded Focus owner?" According to Messinger, it's someone who prefers substance above flash, performance above gimmicks, speed above cachet and so on. From these fires, the Focus Tuning Focus ZX3 was forged.

If the car looks familiar, it's because we've featured it before, in the March 2001 issue. Since then, however, this Focus received many changes, including a radical new look and newly found power.

As before, Focus Tuning has avoided bumpstop-thumping coil-overs, neon flashing lights and over-engineered audio/video entertainment systems. Instead, the company put considerable effort into creating a car with real-world performance.

This time around, Focus Tuning addressed the 2.0-liter DOHC Zetec engine's output shortage with its own proprietary "Street" camshafts, which are designed to improve power over a wide range of engine speeds, a JBA header and a Focus Tuning 2.5-inch cat-back system. To address the intake restrictions typical with OEM induction systems, Focus Tuning also installed its very own high-flow intake system. As with the exhaust system, its intake was engineered to provide power gains with little or no increase in noise.

Just downstream of the heavier breathing four banger resides a Quaife limited-slip differential. It makes sure all the underhood gumption is transferred to the pavement in conjunction with a KW Automotive Variant 2 coil-over suspension system.

With a slightly lowered stance, sufficient suspension travel, and moderately heavier rate spring and damping rates, both body pitch and roll have been nearly eliminated during hard cornering. Transient response is way up, while the car still retains a compliant ride quality. And when it's time to yank on the reins, the upgraded binders, sourced directly from the SVT parts bin, shed speed with impeccable grace.

Backing up the Focus' enhanced performance is a striking, yet tasteful body kit. Designed and manufactured by the German firm, No Limit Tuning, this eight-piece body kit transformed the once standard-looking Focus into a wide-bodied intimidator. Smoothly blended into the new exterior components are European issue fenders, front grill and bumpers. Adding to the overall package are projector-style headlights and a luscious, deep burgundy metallic paint job.

Of course, one would have to be legally blind to overlook the striking 19-inch wheels. Manufactured by HRE and custom-built to take full advantage of the Focus' fender flares, the Style 547 alloys are wrapped in 235/35ZR-19 Toyo T1-S ultra-high-performance tires.

Inside, things are unchanged from the last time we checked out this car. A three-spoke steering wheel with airbag, carbon-fiber trim, chrome accents on the shift knob, pedals and e-brake handle and a sharp set of black and gray suede Sparco Milano seats add flash and function.

The end result is a visually stunning little hot rod with plenty of real-world performance. Maybe there is something to this "Euro tuning" after all.