SEMA 2004: Altair Engineering Unveils Radical STREET Ford Focus Concept Vehicle

New Ford Focus STREET concept vehicle and aftermarket appearance package to be unveiled at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 2 -- Today, Altair Engineering, Inc., a global leader recognized for innovative product development, advanced engineering software and grid computing technology, unveiled the Ford Focus STREET Concept Vehicle in the Ford display. The concept vehicle and aftermarket appearance package was designed and developed by Altair in conjunction with Bayer MaterialScience, PPG, and Interior Trim Systems.

Altair Racing Technologies, a high-performance vehicle development team at Altair, presented Ford with an unsolicited "dollar car" program proposal and vehicle concept earlier in the year to demonstrate the street aftermarket opportunities for the Ford Focus. Under the design direction of Ken Grant, Altair Creative Design Director, and Paul Arnone, Altair Chief Designer, Ford granted the program in mid-June.

"Street racing and performance tuning is a multi-billion dollar industry and we wanted to demonstrate Altair's vehicle design, development and build capabilities with the Focus STREET" says Ken Grant, Creative Director at Altair Engineering. "We developed the design theme with the intention of creating maximum differentiation compared to the base Ford Focus while maintaining the integrity of the design language. Companies who value the mix of good design with proper execution will see this demonstrated in our Focus. This vehicle has delivered on all levels."

Altair's Focus STREET has a very distinctive, transparent, panoramic roof and tailgate design made from Bayer MaterialScience's Makrolon(R) polycarbonate material. Interior modifications include two-tone leather seats, steering wheel and gear shift lever. Additionally PPG provided Paint and Solextra(R) Performance Glass for the car. Chassis components and gauges were provided by Ford Racing.

"Bayer is very pleased to be able to work in partnership with Altair on the concept STREET Focus for SEMA" said Paul Platte, Manager, Industry Innovation -- Automotive, Bayer MaterialScience. "One of the constraints that Altair presented was the need for the polycarbonate pieces to have mass production capabilities and we were able to achieve this successfully. Bayer had a keen interest in demonstrating to the automotive world the styling freedom that polycarbonate grants beyond what glass shapes can create. We are very excited to be part of Altair's Focus unveiling and to reveal our collective capabilities."

PPG is pleased to contribute Solextra(R) blue automotive glass and refinish coatings to the Altair Ford Focus. Solextra(R) glass imparts a subtle, yet crisp and distinctive look to the vehicle above the beltline. In addition, it provides excellent solar performance. Solextra(R) glass is commercial and is currently on select Mercedes C and E class vehicles.

   Vehicle Specifications Include:
   Base Vehicle
   -- 2005 Ford Focus ZX5 SES
   -- 2.0L i4 engine
   -- 5-speed manual transmission

   Exterior
   -- Appearance package created and developed by Altair
   -- Makrolon(R) polycarbonate roof and backlight developed by Altair in
      partnership with Bayer MaterialScience
   -- Solextra(R) Performance Glass and Paint by PPG
   -- Aluminum Fuel Door by Ford Racing

   Interior
   -- Seat Trim by Classic Soft Trim
   -- Gauges by Ford Racing
   -- Additional Trim by Altair and Interior Trim Systems

   Powertrain
   -- Borla Performance Exhaust

   Chassis
   -- Coilovers by Ford Racing
   -- Eibach Anti-Roll Kit
   -- Brakes by Ford Racing

   Wheels & Tires
   -- 18" RS wheels by Ford Racing
   -- 215/40/18 tires by TOYO

  About Altair Engineering

Through product design consulting, advanced engineering software and grid computing technologies, Altair Engineering increases innovation for clients around the globe. Founded in 1985 and privately held with offices throughout 11 countries, Altair's unparalleled knowledge and expertise in product development and manufacturing extend throughout North America, Europe and Asia. For detailed information on Altair, visit http://www.altair.com/ .