1999 Ford Focus
Cosworth Concept
The Prototype That Predicted Greatness
Before the Focus became a household name in the world of compact cars, Ford gave us a tantalizing preview of its potential with the Cosworth Focus concept, unveiled at the 1999 Los Angeles Auto Show. This wasn’t just another small car—it was a bold performance prototype crafted through the combined genius of Ford’s Special Vehicle Engineering team and Cosworth Racing. Known for their expertise in Formula One, CART, and World Rally, Cosworth brought its racing pedigree to the table, transforming the all-new Focus into a machine that was equal parts style and substance.
At the heart of the Cosworth Focus was a turbocharged, intercooled 2.0L Zetec engine, delivering over 200 horsepower—a staggering figure for a compact car at the time. Paired with a five-speed MTX-75 manual transmission and a viscous-drive limited-slip differential, the powertrain promised precision and control on any road. Ford didn’t stop at the engine; they lowered the suspension by 1.5 inches, added adjustable shocks, and outfitted the car with variable-rate stabilizer bars for superior handling. Massive Brembo brakes, with 14-inch rear and 12-inch front discs, ensured that the Cosworth Focus could stop as impressively as it could go, while 18-inch magnesium wheels wrapped in Goodyear Eagle GS tires gave it a commanding stance.
The visual transformation was just as striking. From the unique front and rear fascias to the custom side rocker panels and functional hood air intakes, the Cosworth Focus was designed to turn heads. A roof-mounted rear spoiler completed the aggressive aesthetic, signaling its performance intent. Inside, the upgrades continued with Recaro racing seats, alloy pedals, and bespoke instrument graphics. Even the smallest details, like the feel of the shift knob or the design of the custom exhaust headers, reflected a meticulous attention to driver engagement.
This concept car wasn’t just a showpiece; it was a statement. Ford was signaling to the world that the Focus wasn’t just a practical compact—it was a platform with untapped potential. The Cosworth Focus laid the groundwork for the performance variants that followed, including the Focus SVT, ST, and RS, proving that even in its earliest days, the Focus had ambitions far beyond the daily commute.
Though it never reached production, the Cosworth Focus remains an icon of what could have been. It’s a testament to Ford’s ability to dream big and push boundaries, and it serves as a reminder that sometimes the most exciting cars are the ones that leave us asking, “What if?”
Ford Official Press Release
March 9th, 1999
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FORD COSWORTH FOCUS: Refined Racing-Inspired Concept
The mission for Ford Motor Company's performance design team and Cosworth Racing's engine group was simple -- take the new, dynamic Ford Focus and give it racing-inspired hustle. Los Angeles Auto Show onlookers got the first look at the result -- the Ford Cosworth Focus, a well-bred performance concept car based on Ford's all-new small car.
The concept, a clever combination of Cosworth's unmatched Formula One, CART and World Rally heritage and success with Ford Special Vehicle Engineering's penchant for sophisticated driver's cars', blends each group's complementary trademark cues to deliver new standards of refined performance.
Cosworth Focus builds on the impressive production chassis and outstanding driving dynamics of Ford Focus, recently named "European Car of the Year 1999." The production Focus features a multi-link independent rear suspension that gives refined stability while reducing the car's overall weight and noise, vibration and harshness. The North American production version made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit the first week of January.
"Ford Focus is much more sophisticated than other cars in its class, so it proved to be the perfect vehicle to base a performance concept worthy of the Cosworth name," said O.J. Coletti, chief engineer, Ford Special Vehicle Engineering. "Engineers from Cosworth Racing worked closely with SVE and Ford Advanced Design to build this concept that will appeal to the enthusiastic driver."
Coletti's team turned the already impressive Focus into a thrill ride by lowering the suspension 1.5 inches and adding unique, aerodynamic side rocker panels, front and rear fascias as well as completely original body panels from the glass beltline down.
These unique body parts shape around weight-saving, performance-enhancing 18-inch magnesium wheels shod with Goodyear 235/40ZR18 Eagle GS tires. This combination aggressively takes on the road with adjustable shocks and front and rear variable rate stabilizer bars. The car comes to a quick and steady stop with 14-inch rear, 12-inch front disc brakes with four-piston front and rear calipers.
Perfectly complementing this dynamic chassis package is a Cosworth-developed 2.0L turbocharged DOHC Zetec engine with intercooled induction system that produces an estimated 200 horsepower. The engine is mated to a five-speed MTX- 75 manual transmission with viscous-drive limited slip differential so drivers can push the car with total control.
The powertrain is neatly completed with custom fabricated stainless steel exhaust headers connected to dual 2.S-inch exhaust pipes with low-restriction mufflers. So, while the driver is screaming through the gears, the car dances along to a nice tune.
Inside, drivers are treated to an upgraded interior environment that includes Ford Special Vehicle Team-inspired custom cluster graphics. While driving, each touch will be delightful thanks to upgraded seats, shift knob and steering wheel as well as unique alloy clutch, brake and accelerator pedals.
Much like Ford and Cosworth's Formula One or CART race cars, the Ford Cosworth Focus concept could inspire the best drivers in the world to enjoy Sunday afternoon drives... often.
COSWORTH FOCUS CONCEPT UNIQUE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 2.0L DOHC Cosworth Zetec
- Turbocharged and intercooled induction
- Custom fabricated stainless steel exhaust headers
- 2.5-inch exhaust pipe with low-restriction muffler . 200+ hp
Transmission: 5-speed MTX- 75 with viscous-drive limited slip differential Suspension Lowered 1.5 inches with adjustable rate shock absorbers
- Variable rate front and rear stabilizer bars
Brakes: Brembo 14.0-inch front/12.0-inch rear disk brakes . 4-piston front/4-piston rear calipers Wheels 18-inch magnesium racing wheels
Tires: Goodyear 235/40ZR18 Eagle GS tires
Interior: Driver and passenger Recaro racing seats with unique materials . Alloy Clutch, brake and accelerator pedals . Custom instrument cluster graphics
Exterior: Unique front and rear fascias, rocker panels and wheel lips . Functional hood air intake
Roof header-mounted rear spoiler