24 Sep 04
Ford has launched the all-new Focus range - as road-tested here on 4Car earlier this week - and is publicizing it with a "concept" coupe derivative called Vignale. "We believe the dynamic design of the new Ford Focus offers tremendous promise from which we can develop additional models that truly inspire design in our customers", said European Product Development chief Derrick Kuzak. "The Ford Focus Vignale Concept clearly demonstrates the intriguing possibilities to expand the all-new Focus family into specific niches." In other words, they may call it a "one-off design study" for now, but expect to see it go into production and on sale shortly.
Named after designer Alfredo Vignale (1913-69), whose coachbuilding firm constructed one-off sports cars in the 1950s and 1960s, the Vignale was inspired, says designer Ehad Kaoud, by Italian sports cars. Just don't mention the Ford Capri... that popular coupe, however, couldn't transform into a cabriolet at the touch of a button. The Vignale has a retractable hard top which stows away in the boot. Although it bears a clear resemblance to the mainstream Focus hatchback, unique features include lozenge-shaped door handles with electronic release, aluminium strips along the side sills to emphasise horizontal length, blue-green tinted glass panels - including the roof's - and a new-look chrome grille with horizontal bars which "clearly differentiate the concept vehicle from the new Focus range, hinting at a possible future design direction." Further aluminium detailing brightens up the front air ducts and rear exhaust outlets, with a strip along the boot lid, and the Vignale sits on 20-inch polished multi-spoke wheels.
The cabin is finished in leather and suede, with two-tone facia panel and contrasting seat stitching and ribbing. Ford claims that it offers impressively generous rear seat room. Design director Chris Bird says that "we are looking forward to hearing the reaction to the car - we believe the Ford Focus Vignale Concept builds on all the strengths of the mainstream Focus, but has extra appeal in an emotive and visceral way. This, we believe, will be an especially appealing trait of future Fords." The new Focus has already proved a great drive, but is disappointingly conservative in its exterior design; the Vignale on first sight appears to be meeting its brief and promises more inspirational work from the company's design department.
