Seventies TV classic The Sweeney is being remade for the big screen – and it will see maverick cop Jack Regan chasing crooks in a Ford Focus ST, instead of the Granada from the original.
The super hot hatch should help maintain the hard-nosed reputation of Regan, who coined the phrase “Shut it you slaaaag!” as he read armed robbers the riot act. He’s being played by Cockney tough guy Ray Winstone in the movie version.
The new Focus ST, unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month, is the firm’s hottest Focus yet. So expect to see some spectacular on-screen stunts, courtesy of the ST’s fiery 247bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine.
With an anticipated 0-60mph sprint time of just six seconds, it should be more than a match for the getaway cars being chased by the Flying Squad.
Ford’s strong link with the seventies Sweeney TV series saw Regan and George Carter (being played in the film by rapper Ben Drew, aka Plan B) using a string of Ford Granadas, Consuls and Cortinas.
Last month, six early-build Focus ST models – all black – were secretly delivered to The Sweeney set, joining Ford Mondeos, Galaxys and Transits for use as unmarked vehicles.
Sweeney Director and co-writer Nick Love, whose credits include The Football Factory and The Firm, said: “It was important for me to collaborate with Ford on The Sweeney as their legacy with the original TV show is so strong.”
The ST goes on sale in the UK next summer, ahead of the film premiere in the autumn.
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You say that the ST is the hottest Focus yet, but what about the RS500 (or even regular RS)?
Did you mean to say the hottest mk3 Focus so far?
2011 in politically correct Britain Regan will spend 6 hours tied up with form filling every day, running diversety courses and handing out P45's as part of austerity cutbacks he won't have any time left for crime fighting. Instead of hard drinking in, hanging out in pubs he will hang out in lentil bars watching his figure.
Focus car chases will be as boring as hell to watch, chasing a motorist who never paid his parking ticket, rather than catching real criminals.
Think l will give this film a miss, l loved the original TV Series though.
I just can't see Jack Regan in a Focus.
Could you imagine the original in an XR3? The ladies in CATS, but not Sweeney material.
Needs to be big, preferably RWD. A big Jag XF perhaps.
At the least, a Mondeo ST220.
lmao at ivorbiggen; that was hillarious about the political correctness.
SHUT IT YOU SLAGS :p
If ford want to show some muscle with the Sweeney how about a Shellby MUSTANG , any how with due respect to Ray.W he is a bit portley so by the time he gets in the Focus the" bank robbers " Jason.S & co will be coming out the Tunnel in France
Ignoring the ludicrous assertion that a remake of the Sweeney is, in any way, a good idea, the use of the Focus ST as the daily transport of Jack Regan beggars belief.
This is typical of the Ford product placement boys calling the shots. Remember when James Bond had to drive a Mondeo in Casino Royale? Or when every 'news' bulletin in the Thunderbirds remake had "sponsored by Ford" plastered all over it?
Given that the Metropolitan Police has a large number of BMW vehicles, is it beyond the realms of possibility that the Flying Squad have 5-series models with big f-off engines? I know it's not flying the flag, but BMWs are no more German than many Fords.
If you were making a rehash of the professionals then the focus would be the car.
It needs to be the mondeo , that's the natural descendant of the granada/consul
The Police force by me is gradually dumping the BMW's and going to Hyundai
The black colour really makes the ST look special. How about the guy with the maueve scarf...lol...(he looks a bit excited)..
Not even 245 bhp can make a car chase with a Focus exciting - it will be like Tesco car park on a Friday night.
Hopefully "Plan B" (whoever he is) will have shorter legs than Dennis Waterman. He wont be lounging in the back of a Granada, but stuffed into a Focus. A nicely speced Mondeo would have made a far more convincing 21st century Granada. Ray Winston? He would be OK as one of Regans snouts, but not the governor himself!
I grew up with the Sweeney. Focus is a great car to use, It also Ford too you know. Who play carter?
it looks better!
Doesn't handle/Drive like a Golf it's better
Doesn't cost like a Golf... thousands less
A Great car! unlike the boring Golf
It looks nice i think, however look at the following. Spot the problems
The vehicle EU61CKJ, a Ford Focus Titanium X Turbo (5 Door Hatchback), is on our database. To discover its history please choose a check below.
Date of Liability 01 10 2012
Date of First Registration 26 10 2011
Year of Manufacture 2011
Cylinder Capacity (cc) 1596cc
CO2 Emissions 139g/Km
Fuel Type PETROL
Export Marker N
Vehicle Status Licence Not Due
Vehicle Colour BLACK
Vehicle Type Approval M1
Vehicle Excise Duty rate for vehicle
6 Months Rate £63.25
12 Months Rate £115.00