Hardcore race fans may feel that doomsday is approaching whenever they hear that diesel engines are increasingly becoming popular in motorsports. It is understandably hard to equate traditionally shrieking race engines with the lower-key rumble of diesel powerplants. That petrol-fed snobbery was overturned when a diesel-powered race car took victory at the Le Mans 24-hour race in 2006. This was thanks in no small part to diesel engine's reliability and relative fuel efficiency. The same sort of logical thinking is making its way to other forms of motorsports.

Ford Group Philippines unveiled a different sort of racing machine at the 2008 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City from April 3 to 6. The Focus TDCi racecar is the first diesel-fed vehicle to hit Philippine racetracks, according to Ford. The compact hatchback is powered by a stock TDCi engine with second-generation common-rail injection technology. Stock here means a smooth 16-valve inline-4 engine capable of delivering 134 hp and 340 Nm in "overboost" mode. A six-speed manual transmission hooks up the power to the front wheels.

The Ford Focus is one of the leading contenders in the compact class, particularly where driving dynamics is concerned. One of its key features is its sophisticated independent suspension. This allows the car to deliver excellent ride comfort as well as razor-sharp handling. A version of the Ford Focus is currently leading the World Rally Championship.

Ford Philippines officers were understandably elated at the launch. Ford Group Philippines president Richard Baker said, "We will demonstrate the Focus TDCi’s superior technical capability and dynamic nature.”

next page >