2012 Ford Focus to offer in-car WiFi hot spot capability

May 3, 2011May 4, 2011 Omar Rana 2012, Compact Cars, Focus, Ford Focus, Gadgets, Hatchbacks, Sedans

Update: Ford has just contacted us saying that WiFi is also available in the United States. “Yes, we have the capability in the U.S.! It is a standard feature of SYNC with MyFord Touch, on the Focus, Edge, Explorer, and Lincoln MKX,” Communications Manage Alan Hall told us in an e-mail. Apologies for the wrong info guys.

~~While the technology won’t be offered in the United States (yes, we’re a little upset about that)~~ The all-new 2012 Ford Focus will get WiFi hot spot capability when Ford SYNC with MyFord Touch technology makes its European debut next year.

The SYNC system with MyFord Touch will create a password-protected WiFi hotspot inside the vehicle allowing up to five WiFi enabled devices to connect.

“By using an owners’ existing USB modem or Smartphone, the SYNC-equipped Focus will be able to deliver a secure wireless connection that can be broadcast throughout the vehicle,” Ford said. “Passengers with any WiFi-enabled device can then easily connect and access the Internet. All this allows for simple, easy to use WiFi connectivity on the move for up to five devices.”

Click here for more news on the Ford Focus.

“Ford is an automaker that is quickly becoming a personal technology company as well,” says Christof Kellerwessel, Chief Functional Engineer, Electronic and Electrical Systems Engineering. “We’re finding that Ford customers are tech savvy and – while travelling as passengers in cars – they want to be able to use their WiFi enabled devices while on the move.

Refresher: The 2012 Ford Focus is powered by 2.0L DOHC inline 4-clyinder unit with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), direct gasoline injection and E85 flex fuel capability. The engine produces 160-hp and 146 lb-ft of torque. With the SFE (Super Fuel Economy) package, the Focus delivers an EPA-certified fuel-economy rating of 28/40 mpg (city/highway). The 2012 Focus is offered in S, SE, SEL and Titanium trim-levels with prices starting at $16,270.