At the 2010 SEMA show Ford, whilst showing a large number of custom cars, also revealed their future motorsport plans regarding the new Focus. They announced development of a next-generation touring car for global competition which becomes the company’s official Touring racer for BTCC, WTCC and other series. They are thinking of 2011 British Touring Car Championship as the first race for the new car.

This plan also xtends Ford’s reputation for offering race-capable, affordable platforms that can be converted into a race car, including Mustang and most recently, Fiesta. Ford is partnering with international private race teams to develop common technical specifications for the race car, which will conform to FIA Super 2000 regulations with potential to adopt to other regulations.

“There has been tremendous interest from the racing world about the new Focus, and it’s the perfect fit for a global touring car,” said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsports Business Development. “Even more, by working with professional private race teams, we’re ensuring Focus has the support it needs to compete and win.”

The benefits of the Focus touring car will stretch beyond the track.

“Ford’s commitment to using motorsports to influence high-performance vehicles will be highly evident, as the development of the Focus touring car will benefit the upcoming Focus ST production car,” said Capito. “It’s very similar to how the Mustang team was able to apply learnings from the Ford Racing Boss 302R to the 2012 Mustang Boss 302.”