These clearly-defined and smooth lines also give the Focus Coupe-Cabriolet a distinctive profile when the hardtop is stowed in the boot.

"The gently rising window lines give rear passengers a feeling of safety and enclosure. This feeling is justified as the rear headrests and the covers of the Rollover Protection Device are seamlessly integrated in the flowing body profile", says Guy Colborne.

New Focus Coupe-Cabriolet is very well-proportioned because the cabin sits centrally between the axles. The tapered body form lends the car a stretched and elegant look and ends with a distinctive tail shape which houses the retractable hardtop and provides best-in-class luggage space.

The large tail lamps are designed to reflect the shape of the front lamps, and both add substantially to the vehicle's stance and character. The tail lamps' wrap-round design shows as triangles on the vehicle's side, which accentuate dynamism. Compared with the core Focus range, this more radical treatment of the tail lamps and the chrome strip with the embossed "Focus" logo are unique identifiers for the new Coupe-Cabriolet.

Premium flair is achieved by various chrome elements, including the strip running from the fast A-pillar to C-pillar as well as fittings for the front grille and fog lamps.

Ford and Pininfarina designers paid special attention to the front. The target was to give it a more substantial look and to match this with the rear end design. While the smaller openings of the lower grille with their integrated fog lamps closely resemble the concept shown in Paris 2004, the large chrome-framed upper and lower grilles highlight the vehicle's dynamic qualities and distinguish it from its sporty brother, the Focus ST .

The design team have opted for a palette of exclusive body colours for the Focus Coupe-Cabriolet. Customers can choose from fresh "Acqua Blue", close to the colour of the Ford Vignale Concept shown in Paris 2004, or the elegant and rich "Luna", as seen on the Geneva 2006 show car. These and other, darker paint colours like" Pitch Black", "Blue di Cine" or "Iris" provide for an attractive contrast with the bright chrome applications. Also available are an intensive red metallic, "Grenadine", a new silver called "Argento", and "Red Hot", a solid red.

"We are proud of the results of our cooperation with Pininfarina," concludes Chris Bird. "We believe we achieved our Italian tailor-made suit objective, and that it fits the Focus perfectly. Above all, the team delivered a desirable car to be seen in - roof open or closed!" 


PACKAGE

"We wanted the Focus Coupe-Cabriolet to be a true four-seater with a retractable hardtop and the biggest luggage space in its class both in Coupe and Cabriolet modes. That's why we focussed on everyday practicality within compact measurements. Despite this rather rational approach we haven't neglected one absolutely important factor: The integrity of the vehicle's design."
Giovanni De Pasca, Manager Package

Defining the interior dimensions and creating new Ford Focus Coupe-Cabriolet's package was also a challenge because of various competing issues. Ralph Gesang, who supervised the development process, explains: "You have to consider carefully the vehicle's length in order to make it as compact as our customers expect, any specific requirements for everyday use and, of course, the attractiveness and balance of the overall body design."

Design and Body Engineering departments were responsible as a team for defining the vehicle's exterior dimensions. They mutually agreed to use the underbody structure and front section of the four-door Ford Focus sedan as the basis for this vehicle, and make it not much longer than 4.5 metres. Also, the measurements of the two-piece retractable hardtop design would be fundamental in defining the boot dimensions.

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