PXT Racing Ford Focus

General Data
Curb Weight, lbs. 2100
Weight Distribution (f/r, %) 45/55
Wheelbase, in. 103
Track (f/r, in.) 59.00/58.8
Length, in. 174.9
Width, in. 66.9
Height, in. 52
Ground Clearance (f/r, in.) 2.75/3.00
Fuel Capacity, gal. 15

Engine
Type DOHC 4 valves/cylinder Inline-4
Displacement, cc 1998
Bore X Stroke, in. 3.39 X 3.52
Compression 12.5:1
Horsepower, hp 250+
Torque, lb-ft 170+
Redline, RPM 9000
Fuel System (4) Mikuni 38mm Carb.
Engine Management TEC3 Engine Management Computer

Chassis & Body
Layout Mid-Engine, Rear Wheel Drive
Body/Frame Semi-Tubular
Brakes (f/r), in. 13.5/12.0
Wheels, in. 17 X 7.5
Tires Hoosier, P205/40ZR17
Steering Rack & Pinion, Power Steering
Suspension (f/r) PXT struts, Koni double adjustable shock insert, coil-over springs, adjustable anti-roll bar; PXT struts, Koni double adjustable shock insert, coil-over springs, adjustable anti-roll bar
Transmission 5 speed manual, Limited Slip Differential

POINTS OF INTEREST
- Adjustable front splitter and rear wing
- Completely flat bottom
- Custom rear diffuser
- Custom flared fenders/quarter-panels
- Custom designed gauge cluster (with Autometer gauges)
- Dry sump oil lubrication
- Sponsors:
o Ferrea Racing Components
o Formula 1 Sports Cars
o Mesa Balancing
o Murray’s Speed & Custom
o PRD
- Special Thanks to:
o Focaljet.com
o Pluto Racing
o MTS Tuning

Phase X creates a wild rear drive Focus prototype


For Phase X modifying a Focus in a "typical" way wasn't enough. You see, these guys are used to building full-blown GT and IMSA racecars. Their plan was to completely change the Focus’ dynamics while still maintaining the car’s fun-to-drive essence.

Phase X is a new company which will specialize in selling converted front engine/front wheel drive Ford Foci into mid engine/rear wheel drive track and street beasts.

You know you've dreamed about it at least once or twice before. Looking into your hatch, thinking hmmm… It’s easy to see that the Festiva Shogun was their inspiration, and with the Focus’ already great handling stock, better weight distribution and more power can only improve what is already good.

Click on images for larger view > Video >

The car is currently in prototype form and still undergoing testing, but one of the biggest challenges is already out of the way—moving the stock 2.0 Zetec to the hatch (along with building their patent pending rear suspension). Also, when you look at the development of the car, you might imagine that it included a considerable amount of trial and error. Not with Phase X. They make the whole thing seem quite simple. When speaking with the PhaseX team about the prototype, most of their answers are, "Nah, that was pretty simple," or "That wasn't trouble at all.” It is pretty reassuring to know this was all easy for them.

Now, let’s talk about the objectives of this car. The first goal is to reach a 48/52 (F/R) weight distribution. Well, that’s already done. Upon moving the Zetec to the rear in its stock form and getting it running, they realized (after running it over to the scales) the car was already at its desired balance. Of course, the Focus was still pretty much in stripped form at this time. However, they are convinced balance will not be a problem.

Now that the rear engine Focus actually drives well, Phase X wants to boost the RWD power with a Supercharger tuned to 220hp at the wheels. We know many Focus owners have had problems pushing the current Supercharger unit on the market past 200 FWHP. But, with Phase X's heritage as a racecar builder, they say it should be no problem to tune the engine to achieve that output.

Once the power issue is addressed, they'll work the suspension using SVT dampers and springs along with thicker front and rear anti-roll bars. Some critics have questioned the use of the SVT suspension, claiming that it might cause problems since it’s tuned to more of a 68/32 (F/R) weight distribution. Phase X is currently taking this into account during testing.

Once these essentials are out of the way, then come the goodies. Some of the following parts are still on the drawing board (some are on the prototype), but Phase X's plan is to build every car custom to the owner’s specs.

For instance, stopping power will come from 13" front brakes (4 pot calipers) with 11” rotors stopping the rear. The current prototype is using SVT Focus brakes in the front and rear. In addition, helping to control the power will be 17"x 7.5" wheels and tires along with a Torsen LSD. For street and track safety, the car will be equipped with a custom fabricated roll cage designed by Phase X. This feature will be powder coated to match the exterior of the car. Finally, air will be transported to the engine using a large roof scoop running all the way to the rear hatch area.

So far, Focaljet has had exclusive access to this prototype car that is undercover because of its multiple pending patents. It was originally scheduled to be a three to four month project. They now expect the first full car to be ready within the next month or so. That first car will be their main test mule, where different configurations will be tested towards a final production car.

Focaljet staff has already gotten a ride in the stripped down prototype car with the only modification being the stock Zetec going to the rear. Even so, there is no mistake that it’s already a completely different ride. Drop the clutch from 4K RPMs, and there's no wheel hop or useless front wheel spin. The car squats, lays down some rubber, and gets moving a lot quicker than a front wheel drive ZX3. Another surprising effect of moving the engine to the rear is the added turn in sensitivity; Phase X is currently evaluating if they need to modify this result.

We will have a full report in a few weeks once they have a full tester car ready. Focaljet awaits a first drive. For now, though, this teaser video will have to suffice.