AW Editors' Choice: 2012 Ford Focus, Detroit most significant

The Ford Focus that rose from beneath the stage in Cobo Arena at the Detroit show's first press conference might be the most significant car to wear the Blue Oval in a long time.

For years, enthusiasts have been crying out for Ford to sell the European Focus here. Now we get our wish.

The introduction of the new Focus also signals that Ford survived the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression with some solid products, fully developed and ready for production.

Both four- and five-door Focuses will launch simultaneously in the United States and Europe early next year, followed closely by China and then the rest of the world.

Initially, a new, fuel-efficient, 2.0-liter direct-injection engine with variable valve timing will power the Focus. The engine will be mated to a dry-clutch six-speed Ford PowerShift automatic transmission. Worldwide, 10 different powerplants will propel the Focus, and Ford announced that an all-electric version will be built in Michigan. Just wait to see what the SVT folks have planned for the car.

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