Ford Focus V8: Half Focus, Half Mustang build

The United States has a “special” relationship with V8 engines. Over there, swapping the powertrain in all sorts of cars for a V8 is fairly normal (even Tesla Model S cars haven’t escaped), and this Ford Focus V8 is a perfect example.

This particular Focus is the result of two different owners’ efforts: one began the conversion and another finished it. It shows that some “cut-and-shut” projects really can work.

Exterior: “Ford Fury Orange only” and SVT details

On the outside, the standout features include the “Ford Fury Orange only” paintwork, SVT bumpers with integrated fog lights, tinted windows, and 17-inch (43 cm) SVT alloy wheels. Interestingly, it’s running tyres from the little-known Velozza brand.

Cabin: subtle changes only

Inside, the alterations are limited. Although it has sports seats, the largely black trim gives the cabin a muted, understated feel.

The main updates are the SVT instrument cluster-whose speedometer is marked up to 160 miles per hour (257 km/h)-along with aluminium pedals and a gear knob for the “Pro 5.0 Short-Throw-Shifter”, which you can even buy… on Amazon.

Ford Focus V8: Half Focus, half Mustang

In place of the usual inline four-cylinder engine sits a 5.0-litre V8 taken from a third-generation Mustang (built between 1978 and 1993).

As if that weren’t enough, the V8 has been upgraded with a Ford Performance camshaft, a new cylinder head, and a Cobra intake manifold. On top of that, the exhaust headers point forwards, which is why the exhaust outlets sit… ahead of the front wheels, built into the bumper.

Paired with a Tremec five-speed manual gearbox, the other major difference versus any standard Focus is that this Ford Focus V8 drives the rear wheels. That’s made possible by an axle “inherited” from the Mustang (but designed for the Ford Ranger and F-150) and fitted with a Ford Motorsport limited-slip differential.

What else was changed?

Converting it to rear-wheel drive meant adopting a completely new (and adjustable) suspension setup, plus relocating a 37.9-litre fuel tank into the boot (because the original no longer fit).

With a strengthened chassis, new anti-roll bars and disc brakes, this Focus also uses the Mustang’s power-assisted steering system.

Listed on Bring a Trailer for 27 500 dollars (around 23 137 euros), this unusual Focus shows 70,000 miles (112 654 kilometres) and seems to have only one “fault”: the air conditioning doesn’t work.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first Ford Focus to receive a V8. A few years ago, SEMA featured a prototype with a V8 and rear-wheel drive, and there has even been another converted example offered for sale before.