2012 Ford Focus, Fiesta customs (SEMA 2011 preview)

The Aaron Vaccar Signature Series Web site features a pair of custom 1930s Fords in its virtual showroom, so it's somehow fitting that this tuner takes on one of the automaker's newest models. The AVSS Fiesta is bathed in BASF silver matte metallic paint. "Matte metallic" sounds like a bit of an oxymoron, so I'm actually more interested in this paint than I am in the Weapon-R Secret Weapon air intake, Wilwood Dynapro six-piston big brake kit and Advanti Racing V3 Vago 17-inch wheels.

Apparently, Wilwood are the go-to guys for Ford Fiesta big brake kits, because this third example (tuned by M2-Motoring) has got a set, too! Other upgrades include an Injen Technologies cold-air intake system, DC Sports cat-back exhaust, and Megan Racing coilovers. 3dCarbon supplies the external styling upgrades and Audiovox/Jensen supplies the audio system and flip-down, touch-screen monitors.

Topping it all off is a coat of Status Motorsports' candy purple paint. You really can't go wrong with candy purple paint. (or can you?)

Steeda is a name that I immediately associate with custom Mustangs, so I fully expect this 2012 Focus to offer the performance to back up that red paint job.

Steeda itself supplies the cold-air intake with Cool Tube technology, rear sway bar, and lowering springs. A front-end brace by G-Track stiffens up the chassis and HRE P43S Monoblok 19-inch wheels and Nitto NT05 performance tires fill the wheel wells.

COBB Tuning is probably best known for its ECU management upgrades, but for this Motorsports Challenger Focus the tuner brings some of its best hardware, including a set of Cosworth COBB Tuning forged pistons and a COBB Tuning custom turbo kit. Supplementing those already serious upgrades are a front-mounted intercooler, intake, airbox, and exhaust manifold, all provided by COBB itself.

Bleeding off speed is a StopTech Trophy big brake kit, while an Eibach Multi-Pro R2 coilover suspension keeps things paint-side up and pointed in the right direction around the bends.

I don't know what comprises stages 1 through 2, but this Stage 3 Focus steps up to the plate with a slew of Roush Performance products, including a R900 TVS supercharger, a modified high-flow induction system, and a dual-exit, high-performance exhaust.

Ford states that, "plenty of body additions differentiate this Focus," but honestly this rendering makes the Roush Focus look almost identical to the next two customs you're about to see.

If you think that you've seen the name 3dCarbon before, know that it's because this body kit manufacturer supplies styling components to about half the cars in this list. Rather than show off the carbon fiber bodywork, 3dCarbon has covered its Focus in 3M wrap with a satin finish. Red accents and a 3dCarbon roof spoiler grab the eye while Eibach lowering springs contribute to the hunkered-down look.

Yep, it's another white Ford Focus with red accents--so much for "differentiation." This one, assembled by Bojix Design, carries a Stage 2 designation, but I'm sure that it's on a different scale from the hi-po Roush Stage 3 discussed earlier, because this car is all about the style. Bojix starts with a body kit of its own design and adds a 3dCarbon upper roof spoiler and Rennen M10 20-inch wheels. Inside, the seats and door panels are wrapped in Katzkin leather, the dash is wrapped in Alcantara, and an Accele rear-view mirror wraps a panorama of the road behind around your eyeballs.

Performance upgrades include an AP Racing big brake kit, Bojix rear cross-drilled rotors, and H&R Sport Springs lowering kit, but function obviously plays second fiddle to form here.

The word "racing" is half of Capaldi Racing's namesake, so performance plays a huge role in its example of the 2012 Ford Focus. Everything from the custom intake by Green Filter to the cat-back dual-outlet Borla exhaust has been massaged in the name of speed. A Torsen differential and a set of sway bars from Ford Racing's own parts bin join the AST Sport-Line suspension in gripping the tarmac. Meanwhile, Visteon European-spec Focus headlamps with HID and LED technology illuminate the road ahead.

I often joke about choosing style over substance, but there's nothing wrong with just wanting your car to look cool.

The ID Agency likely appreciates this sentiment because its 2012 Focus features Recaro Sportster seats and Top Stitch interior, but beyond a cat-back exhaust by Magnaflow and a Brembo big brake kit, there is not much mention in the preview materials of actual performance upgrades. Next, a Thule bike rack is attached to the Wraptivo-covered roof and loaded with a Custom Leader bike (neither of which are pictured).