Duratec HE engine for the Ford Focus

I am OUTRAGED that Ford motor Company is not replacing the Zetec E in the focus with the modern Duratec HE. The engine is in the Ford Mondeo and being built in Dearborn, Michigan and Mexico as we speak.

By holding back these world-class engines from the Focus, Ford is NEGLECTING compact car market in North America. In 2001 Honda introduced the new Civic with all new high efficiency engines with 39 mpg Hwy and 0-60 in 9 sec. In 2000 Toyota installed a new 1.8L engine in the Corolla that makes 41 mpg Hwy and goes 0-60 in 8.8 sec. The 2002 Focus the Focus will continue to use the base SPI and the optional Zetec E. The SPI engine dates back to the Escorts of the mid 80s and the Zetec E was designed in the late 80s and its engine block is even derived from SPI's engine block. These engines are not competitive, the SPI has good economy but it is slow (0-60 >10 sec) the Zetec E is quicker but has poor economy compared to the competition (34 mpg Hwy) and still slower than the Corolla. The engines are noisy, coarse, and rough, they are average engines in an above average car.

It is amazing that Ford will wait 2 years or more to replace the current engines when they have been building the all-new Duratec HE engine in Mexico for over a year now. Ford has even stated in press releases that they will replace the Zetec and SPI, with the Duratec HE. While they are waiting, the competition is giving the consumer cars with better performance, economy, and refinement and Focus sales will suffer. Sales are already down 28.6\% in July and 11.7\% for the year. Ford is FAILING to keep the Focus the best in its class and the engines are the problem.

Duratec HE engines are the Fix.

1.8l Duratec HE
125 hp @ 6000 rpm
125lb/ft @ 4800 rpm
>41-mpg Hwy.

2.0l Duratec HE
145 Hp @ 6000 Rpm
140 lb/ft @ 4800 rpm
40-mpg hwy.

Economy numbers from the Mondeo
More info @ http://home.att.net/~biker16/Duratec_HE.html

Quote from Prof. Dr. Rudolf Menne, the Duratec HE engineering director.

"The new Duratec HE engine is the cornerstone of our long- term petrol engine strategy, and it is the result of an intensive process to develop a new range of powertrains that are absolutely on the technological edge"

Duratec HE engines represent a considerable step forward in terms of refinement and NVH reduction, and the result is smooth, quiet operation even during spirited driving.

These engines are exceptional; they should be in the Focus now. Ford is making a grave mistake in thinking the Focus can compete without these engines.
Without these engines Ford's world Class Compact will quickly become a mediocre Econobox.