Saleen Racecraft RC2 Focus - Speed on a Budget

The Ford Focus is hot right now. Thanks to rising gas prices, Ford's econobox has enjoyed a serious spike in sales the last few months while big cars and trucks on on the decline. It should come as no surprise that a hot Saleen version of the car is in the works.

Tuner cars have been the rage for quite a few years now, thanks to Sony's Gran Turismo video game and the "Fast and the Furious" movies. It only makes sense to offer a tuned version of the Focus, and Ford has done it in the past with the much heralded SVT.

Following the recently introduced Saleen Racecraft Mustang is the Racecraft Focus RC2, which was introduced at this years Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit. The car will go on sale no later than the first quarter of 2009.

According to Saleen product and program planning director Julie Zona, the RC2 "offers an exciting aesthetic, great handling, and just the right amount of performance."

The biggest selling point is the price, which is expected to be under $20,000. The RC2 will be available to enthusiasts who otherwise may not be able to afford a tuner car.

Here's a list of what that $20,000 will get you:

* A 1.6-in.-lowered Racecraft sport suspension with new specific rate springs, unique performance valves, and heavy-duty anti-roll bars.
* Larger brakes supplied by Saleen SpeedLab
* A unique dual-tipped exhaust top produce "a healthy growl"
* A Racecraft-tuned version of the Focus' 2.0L Duratec four-cylinder
* 18-in. aluminum alloy wheels with new Bridgestone rubber
* A four-piece body kit featuring a new mesh front grille and three-part rear wing spoiler
* Racecraft graphics

If you're the type of person who's always dreamed of a tuned up Mustang but are more on a Focus budget, the Racecraft RC2 could be right up your alley.