To kick off a with amazing start for the first season of the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), the racing team Arena unveiled a limited edition road car version of their Team Aon WTCC racing Ford Focus. The car is endorsed by FIA WTCC and also enjoys the benefit of a Ford warranty that includes the specially upgraded engine.
The look of the car has been finished in Ford’s artic white, and the decals that appear on the WTCC racers including the now traditional navy blue racing stripes, were first made by the late Carroll Shelby in the early 1960’s. while under the hood of the car, it houses an 1.6 turbocharged EcoBoost engine, which has been upgraded by Arena’s race engine partner Mountune Performance to deliver 202 ps and 320Nm torque and the car will sit on Team Dynamic’s alloys, which happen to be identical to those on the racing car with Yokohama low profile 235/40/ZR18 Yokohama Advan Sport, tyres fitted as standard. The engine will be mated to an 6-speed manual transmission with a Mountune Performance developed short-shift gear change and a Powerflow exhaust. Inside there’s a lot of attention that has been paid, specially with carbon fibre featured on the centre console, main control panel and sill kick plates. The limited edition model will be offered for a global sale with a limited run worldwide planned.
Marcello Lotti, General Manager of the FIA WTCC said, “I like this project, because it is a new marketing tool that may be used to promote the brand, the product on sale to the general public and also the championship.”
“We are very pleased with the fact that Arena has committed to build a limited edition of the Ford Focus WTCC road cars. Especially because previous similar initiatives undertaken have been successful with the fans, although they were limited to the European market, while this one will benefit from a global distribution.”
Mike Earle, Team Principal Arena added, “I am thrilled that the FIA WTCC has endorsed the new Focus WTCC Limited Edition road car. Hot hatch car enthusiasts I think are in for a huge treat with the Focus WTCC Limited Edition. It is a project that has more than delivered on every target we set for it when we sat down and drew up our aims for a road car based on the WTCC contender.”
Tom Chilton, WTCC racing driver who added, “I was one of the first people to drive the Focus WTCC Limited Edition and even had the opportunity to take it round the famous Brands Hatch race circuit in the UK. It was fantastic, the handling was sharp and precise and the level of performance from the engine thanks to Mountune’s upgraded engine is amazing.
“I think it’s a stunning car to look at – a real head turner. Everyone who has seen it and spoken to me has said they love it and want one too!”
Rupert Swallow, Managing Director of Capsicum is happy with the reaction the car has provoked so far, “Since we took the decision to build the Focus WTCC Limited Edition I have been delighted by the reaction the car has received from all those who either seen it or heard about it. Even Tom (Chilton) was only supposed to have it for one day, but somehow he managed to hang onto it for a second to take it round Brands Hatch!
“We are already in negotiation with a number of parties for cars for various countries and of course, we welcome approaches from others who may be interested in securing an allocation too.
“There are many parties and individuals involved in the Focus WTCC Limited Edition road car project and all have worked hard over recent months to bring it to fruition. However, on behalf of Capsicum Motorsport I would like to mention one or two and express my particular gratitude to the FIA WTCC, Eurosport Events, and to David Mountain of Arena’s race engine partner, Mountune Performance. Without their invaluable advice and encouragement the road car project would still be a dream.”
Stay tuned, for more details be posted, near the launch, until then take a look at the pictures.
