As we reported in our Oct. '98 issue, the Ford Focus is coming to town in 2000. Said to have excellent handling manners, the Focus replaces the Escort in Ford's lineup. At the L.A. Auto Show, Ford displayed the Cosworth Focus. It has custom side rocker panels, front and rear fasciae, as well as completely original body panels from the glass beltline down. Eighteen-inch magnesium wheels shod with Goodyear 235/40ZR18 Eagle GS tires tuck into the wheelwells thanks to a 1 1/2-inch suspension lowering. This combination aggressively takes on the road with adjustable shocks and front and rear variable-rate antiroll bars. The car comes to a quick and steady stop with 14-inch rear/12-inch front disk brakes with four-piston front and rear calipers.
Complementing this dynamic chassis package is a Cosworth-developed 2.0L turbocharged and intercooled DOHC Zetec engine that produces an estimated 200 hp. In Europe, there is also the Focus WRC car. This is a dedicated rally race car with all-wheel-drive and an even more powerful engine. Zang!
Toyota
Toyota's XVR is rumored to be very similar to the redesigned Celica arriving in 2000. Power is from a 180hp 1.8L DOHC four-cylinder with variable valvetrain timing and lift. It was codeveloped with Yamaha. An even higher performance Celica, similar in fashion to the Integra Type R, with less weight and more horsepower, is rumored to be offered.
Toyota is also said to be bringing an affordable roadster to America in 2000. The mid-mounted engine will be similar to the Celica's and drive the rear wheels. The rear fenders are said to be easily removed, allowing quick access to the engine.
Design Your Own Wheel
Contest Winners
Remember the Aug. '98 issue? That was the one with the Ultimate Tire & Wheel Guide. Yes, we know, it was hardly ultimate. It didn't even have page numbers. But the March '99 Wheel & Tire Guide was much better, don't you think?
Anyway, in the August issue, Colorado Custom Wheels (CCW) sponsored a Design Your Own Wheel contest. Readers were allowed to submit their own wheel designs. CCW then picked a winning design and produced it.
Suffice it to say, response was overwhelming! In fact, CCW received so many responses, it decided to pick two winners. Pictured are the two winning designs. No word yet if CCW plans to produce these styles in quantity, but we're sure if enough people call, CCW would do just that. You can contact CCW at 970/224-5750. And for everybody else: thanks for playing, better luck next time.
More Winning Wheels
As you probably know, the West McLaren Mercedes Team won both the FIA Formula One Constructor's and Driver's Championships for 1998. But did you know that the wheels on these winning Formula One cars are manufactured by Enkei? These magnesium wheels measure 12x13 inches for the front of the car and 13.7x13 inches for the rear. Each wheel weighs between 7.5 and 8.6 pounds. Sounds good to us. We're trying to scam a set for Matt's '90 Civic.
230hp '99 Golf Named Butch
In this issue, we drove a new '99 Volkswagen Golf GTI. We liked the new GTI. We loved it, hugged it, and named it George. George had a 2.8L VR6 engine and 174 hp. George was fast. But we hear George has a new friend with even more horsepower. George's new friend is named Butch. Butch was built by CEC/Oettinger. Butch doesn't have a VR6. He has a transplanted 1.8L 20-valve turbo engine. With a bigger turbo, a revised ECU, and improved intake and exhaust systems, Butch pumps his gigantic pectorals to the tune of 230 hp. Butch also wears 18-inch wheels, stiffer suspension components, special floor mats and pedals, and a shift knob that was 34 years in development. We like Butch better than George. And who wouldn't? For more information about Butch, call Claus Ettensberger Corp. at 310/767-1111 or visit its Web site at www.cecwheels.com.
Civic Goes Left; Civic Goes Right
Civics have established themselves as the kings of front-drive import racing. But what about road racing? The Progress Group is going to attempt domination of a sport that requires a Civic to not only go fast, but to turn left, turn right, and brake. The Progress Group Civic is a '96 EX fitted with a 1.6L DOHC engine and a new Competition Series adjustable coilover suspension system. Other companies participating include AEM/CoolTech, AXIS wheels, DC Sports, Goodridge, Karnage Graphics, Integraf, Moroso, Schroth, Wings West, and Zenith Performance Fabrication. Driving the Civic will be the legendary Don Alexander who, among other things like writing a selection of racing books and last month's Super Street Civic handling test, is known for beating the stuffing out of David Lee Roth at the Whiskey A-Go-Go back in '84. Really. Watch future issues for more about Progress Honda Civic touring car.
New Bosal Exhaust Catalog
Some day in the future, trees and cars will be extinct. But in the mean time, feel free to peruse Bosal's new catalog. It's full of high-performance exhaust systems, headers, sport mufflers, exhaust tips, and hardware. Eleven vehicle makes and more than 37 models are included. Sadly, you won't find an exhaust for a Seat Arosa. Then again, why would you want one? For a catalog, call Bosal at 800/631-7271. Get a catalog now before all the trees are gone.