But the dilution of SVT didn't start with the loss of the Lightning or cancellation of the Sport Trac Adrenaline, but rather when Ford chose not to update its revised 2005 Focus with a top-line sport
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| The 500+hp Lightning concept would have been sweet to drive. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
version of its ZX3 hatchback. When the original 170-horsepower pocket rocket was introduced it built on the compact model's already athletic handling, with enhanced suspension components including a wheel and tire upgrade, plus the addition of a turbocharger for extra zip - among other things. The car sold fairly well, but more importantly acted like a halo over the rest of the Focus line, bringing it much needed attention. Oddly, when the 2005 Focus was introduced, which was and still is little more than a slightly updated interim version of the 2001 to 2004 model year Focus, a plan that was to see the totally revised European Focus, now based on Mazda3 architecture, introduced
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| Chrysler Group's SRT lineup includes eleven cars. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
a couple of years later, thus allowing its other global markets to iron out any bugs (remember the exhaustive recalls the Focus endured during its formative years) before coming to the all-important North American market - the previous Focus, yes the one still sold here, has become one of the most reliable vehicles in the compact segment.
Ironically, the same Mazda3 that shares its platform and many components with the Euro-Focus came to market in model year 2004 with what some would argue is a much more sporting car than even the outgoing Focus SVT. Now, Ford's sportiest Focus model, the ST, oddly only available in ZX4 sedan configuration, makes little more power than Mazda's entry-level 3, exactly
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| It's time for a super-quick Ford super-hatch. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
why a zippy SVT model should be in the mix. But no, there's nothing wearing the once glorified three-letter acronym for speed in the foreseeable plans. To make matters worse, with an additional half-dozen slaps in the face from an unlikely backhand, a number of rivals have built on Ford's inspiration with performance compact models of their own.
Seriously, even Toyota's nerdy Corolla can be outfitted with a 170-horsepower XRS package, and Chevy's Cavalier replacement, the many times more competitive Cobalt, can be had with a 205-horsepower supercharged four-cylinder.
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| Crude yes, boring no! (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Heck, Saturn even beat the Cobalt SS to market with its ION Red Line, also sporting 205-hp, and Dodge will soon launch the ultimate hot-hatch yet, its 300-horsepower Caliber SRT4 (and the OEM sport compact list goes on).
Interestingly, while Ford has been paring away its once dominant three-model SVT lineup, entry-level rival Chrysler Group has been pumping out SRT (Street & Racing Technology) versions of almost everything but its minivan. Now the SRT count is into double digits (remaining at eleven with the Caliber SRT4, which effectively replaces the Neon-based SRT-4), with all of the automaker's brands, even Jeep, benefiting. And Chrysler Group doesn't just go halfway
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| Here's a valve cover that might become collectible. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
like Chevy does with its often diluted SS moniker (Malibu SS) or Saturn with its VUE Red Line. All SRT vehicles are completely modified from the ground up, with visual cues aplenty, such as unique wheels, aerodynamic packages, interior enhancements, that always include heavily bolster sport seats, serious engine output upgrades, plus reworked suspension systems, culminating into some of the best performing vehicles in their various classes.
Ford's SVT division has always had similar objectives, and to the automaker's credit it hasn't tried to push warmed-over versions of existing models onto FoMoCo performance deprived enthusiasts. But with no SVT Focus, no SVT Lightning, no SVT Sport Trac Adrenaline, nor do its upcoming supercharged V8-powered Mustang coupe and convertible actually include SVT in their names, but rather the much more saleable Shelby Cobra nameplate - the new model is officially called the 2007 Shelby Cobra GT500 - will SVT simply vanish from the ether just like SHO did previously?
