Ford Focus Coupe-Cabriolet Design

EXTERIOR DESIGN

"Our first thoughts were very clear: The starting point had to be a beautiful and dynamic Coupe. One with an elegantly arched roof that seamlessly integrates with the side profile. We were pretty sure about what we didn't want - a cabriolet that looks like it's wearing a cap when the roof is closed. I think the final design of the new Ford Focus Coupe-Cabriolet shows at first glance that we have achieved our objectives, and we have done this together with our design colleagues at Pininfarina. Together we have created a Ford Focus with an Italian tailored suit, and I am very proud of the fact that we were able to transfer the Concept's expressive design language into a volume production model."
Chris Bird, Director Design, European Product Development

When Ford of Europe and Pininfarina designers set out to dress the new Focus Coupe-Cabriolet, they began with a bundle of ideas that described the new vehicle's characteristics quite precisely: It had to be a true and recognisable Ford Focus, yet with an Italian-style and tailor-made body "suit". It also had to exude elegance, harmony, and dynamism from every angle, regardless of whether the hardtop is closed or stowed in the boot.

Guy Colborne, Ford of Europe's Design Manager, describes the development process: "It was very organic, driven by a team consisting of Ford and Pininfarina designers and with both groups contributing ideas and strengths from their respective companies." Working alongside the Ford design team on the programme were Pininfarina Design Director Ken Okuyama, and Design Coordinator Filippo Capadona. They brought in the Italian company's wealth of experience on Coupe design to the fore on the new Focus model.

The most exciting phase of design development came when both parts of the team delivered their first drafts. A 1:1-scale solid epo-wood model was built which was divided lengthwise - one side was the Ford design and the other represented the Pininfarina proposal. This unusual approach turned out to be very inspiring, bringing both groups together into a single team which then developed the vehicle passionately into one consistent and exciting piece. In a very natural way therefore, an elegant and harmonic design language evolved that in its final execution incorporates design ideas from both companies.

The combined design team quickly agreed that a two-piece roof had undeniable advantages. Colborne says: "Of course this decision was made in consultation with our engineering departments, but from a design point of view a two-piece retractable hardtop gave us the chance to draw the roof line without unwanted visual breaks. Every gap is an unnecessary distraction for the eye."

But the two-piece design also involved creating longer roof panels that would require storage in the boot area. To execute this design was particularly challenging, but together the team incorporated the space required for the folding roof into a shape that is both elegant and dynamic, yet still very functional.

Results from a series of so-called "product clinics" revealed that the designers had accomplished their task successfully. When presented to customers anonymously, many thought the prototype Focus Coupe-Cabriolet was simply a stylish Coupe. The transformation into four-seat cabriolet came as a surprise and a bonus.

The pivotal point of the Focus Coupe-Cabriolet design is the body shape around C-pillar. Here the gently rising lines of the bootlid and the rear window meet to form a solid, tapered shoulder. Its no-frills design forms the base for the gently arched roof line. This design feature helps to create a more integrated and flowing feel to the exterior. A chrome strip runs from A-pillar to bootlid and underlines the tapered shoulder line, lending an additional, three-dimensional aspect to the vehicle's profile.

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