Yahoo Autos This Bonkers 2001 Ford Focus Has A Supercharged 611 Horsepower V8 And Rear Wheel Drive
The SEMA Show is known to produce lots of crazy custom cars and trucks that don’t actually work, like giant lifted trucks with bluetooth driveshafts and hot rods that have to be pushed into the convention center, but this bonkers build puts its money where its mouth is. As it sits now, this bright orange Ford Focus hatchback somehow hides a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 with a 3.0-liter Whipple supercharger under its custom hood, and that preposterous powerplant sends its egregious power through a 5-speed manual to the rear wheels. This ain’t some half-hearted attempt at a custom, either, it’s beautifully finished and looks to be done right, and it’s for sale now on Bring A Trailer.
The original 2001 Ford Focus ZX3 hatchback had a 2.0-liter I-4 that produced 130 horsepower, which means this custom Focus’ supercharger has a larger capacity than the car’s original engine. The Focus chassis was widely lauded for its playful nature, but at the end of the day it was still a front-wheel-drive subcompact hatchback that can only offer so much fun. A rear-wheel-drive Focus would already be a blast, but shoehorning a supercharged V8 that produces 611 horsepower and 514 pound-feet of torque under the hood takes this build from fun to unhinged.
Total mileage is unknown, but gauging by the car’s pristine condition and the mere 429-mile odometer, it hasn’t been driven like a RWD supercharged V8-powered Ford Focus should be driven. This much power must make this Focus a bit unruly to drive, but isn’t the fear of death part of the fun? Thankfully the builders added a custom roll cage and Recaro buckets to keep everyone safe should the 611 horsepower get out of hand.
It was built by Seyfer Specialties and also features a limited-slip differential, a custom exhaust system, upgraded suspension and brakes, and bewitching Focus RS-Style bodywork. It’s offered on Bring A Trailer right now with seven days left, though don’t expect this lot to go for any kind of a low price. A custom as well-done as this might end up being one of the most expensive Ford Focuses to sell at auction. Check out the listing for driving videos and more details.
