If you look at cars available in the market today, you'll see that 40 miles per hour (mph) is about as good as it gets for a standard petrol or diesel...a bit over 40, for a hybrid. But you know, Ford just loves to break barriers. And, that's exactly what they've done with their new Ford Focus model. Ford is claiming it the most fuel-efficient, gasoline-powered family vehicle on the road, boosting highway fuel economy all the way to 55 mpg.

Ford has decided to name it the ECOnetic, to reflect the envious eco-conscious properties of the new model. The second half of the name 'netic', sounds a bit like 'kinetic', right?  Not surprisingly, it's fitted with a small turbocharged diesel powerplant that brings the connoted energy to life.

Enhancing the innately efficient engine is a host of advanced design elements, including stop-start technology and specially designed active grille shutters. Each plays a very important role. While the stop-start feature ensures the car doesn't run at a standstill and unnecessarily waste fuel, the dynamic grille shutters enhance the Ford Focus ECOnetic's aerodynamics and significantly reduce drag. Leaving no part of the vehicle's operations untouched, Ford has also integrated low-rolling resistance tires and low-friction oils into the mix.

When will the new 2012 Ford Focus ECOnetic be available? Well, it officially debuts this week at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Norris Ford expects it to make its way into markets in Europe shortly thereafter. At this time, the new hyper-efficient Focus isn't expected to be available stateside. This unfortunate decision is due largely to the higher cost of producing diesels in the U.S. and also the lower demand.  Should one or both of these variables change, perhaps Ford will change their mind. Of course, Norris Ford, located at 901 Merritt Blvd. Baltimore, MD promises you'll be among the first to know, if they do.