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March 3rd 2005
Ford Focus Vignale - 2005 Melbourne International Motor Show

2005 Melbourne International Motor Show - Ford Lifts the Lid on Concept Cars

Sitting alongside the all-new Ford Focus production range making its Australian debut in Melbourne, the Ford Focus Vignale Concept explores the potential for future Focus derivatives.  The Vignale Concept has already received an overwhelming positive response at the Paris Motor Show which will lead to an early confirmation of a production model, in late 2006.  “The Concept is an elegant, stylish design model with a dual personality, design flair and contemporary details that hint at classic European sports cars,” says Ford Australia President Tom Gorman.

The Focus Vignale Concept takes its inspiration and name from the renowned Italian designer, Alfredo Vignale (1913 – 1969), who has an historical connection with Ford’s European design heritage. His Carrozzeria Vignale company produced many stylish, coach-built sports cars during the 1950's and 1960's and joined Ford Motor Company’s De Tomaso Automobili in 1969.

The Focus Vignale Concept is actually two cars in one – ideal for changing moods and environments. Regardless of the weather, the Focus Vignale Concept conveys a strong emotional appeal that Ford designers believe will inspire longing and a touch of envy. As a stylish and sporty coupe that is just as appealing in autumn and winter months, the car brings elegance combined with rational attributes of luxury, comfort and safety. Its profile is dynamic and distinctive, and promises the rewarding driving experience that comes as standard in all Ford cars. Yet at the push of a button, the coupe transforms effortlessly into an open-top convertible. Its boot lid silently tilts open and its retractable hardtop folds backward to stow cleanly in the boot, morphing the vehicle to inspire carefree emotions of open-top, wind-in-the-hair motoring.

The Vignale Concept is finished in a new colour called Amalfi, the glass panels are uniquely coloured in Acqua, a blue-green tint that adds an air of exclusivity to its personality. Inside the emphasis is on luxury Leather and suede surfaces in Amalfi Light complement the spacious interior, which itself offers more generous rear-seat room than many C-segment cabrios on the market today, The upper instrument panel is finished in Black Abalone-coloured leather, while the lower is Amalfi Light suede.

Ford of Europe’s Design Group created a special team to create the Ford Focus Vignale Concept. The team took advantage of powerful computer resources to design the concept vehicle entirely within the digital environment, and in record time. The four-season character was created in record time and really demonstrates Ford's potential to design future niche derivatives.