We have seen several V8 conversions performed on the Ford Focus, ranging from a simple carbureted 302 swap, to some very wild supercharged modular installs. We haven’t ever really seen a Focus that had a V8 conversion raced, until now.

It would seem that over in Australia they’re not just performing V8 conversions on the Focus, they’re transforming Ford’s little compact car into a full on race car. The MARC V8 Focus is based on the Pace Innovations Global Touring Car concept, and appears to have been built by Racer Industries.

With 500 hp of Coyote fury replacing the 2.0 liter engine under the hood, and an Albins, transaxle-gearbox to perform the shifting these cars should be well motivated. Motec handles the engine controls, and a PWR cooling system keeps temperatures where they should be. Murray Coote dampers, and a pull-rod, and rocker suspension layout take care of the handling. Brembo brakes at all four corners take care of the stopping. The 18-inch wheels are wrapped in Hankook rubber.

The cars are setup to compete in an all new class in South Africa known as GTC. We suspect  that some of these cars could remain in Australia and find a niche in another racing series.

The cars will eventually be built in South Africa, and the idea behind them is to simply create a car that can compete at a very high level of racing, while keeping the costs to do so down. Each car is rumored to cost around $130,000 Australian, to construct.

Russell Ingall, and Glen Seton are putting Racer Industries’ first two of these cars to the test January 16 at the legendary Bathurst track in Australia. The Focus racers will be required to set a pace lap to prove they won’t hinder the GT cars as they make their way around the track. We’d say with the advanced suspension system, and the 500 hp Coyote on board, that probably won’t be an issue.