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Motor Authority - blog Tag: RS

  • Capito: Ford no longer considering Focus RS hot-hatch for U.S.

    Capito: Ford no longer considering Focus RS hot-hatch for U.S. May 26th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, May 26th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 12 Comments

    Capito: Ford no longer considering Focus RS hot-hatch for U.S. It’s a well known fact that the U.S. market misses out on most of Ford’s hot products, but with a push for new global models taking shape in Blue Oval offices around the world hopefully we will start to see more of these coveted models make their way Stateside. Unfortunately, the Focus RS won't be among them, according to the latest word from Ford's RS product guru Jost Capito

    The recently launched Ford Focus RS – a 305hp (224kW) stunner based on the Focus hatchback sold overseas - can't be sold in the U.S. because the global Focus platform on which it's based isn't homologated for American safety standards. Speaking with... It’s a well known fact that the U.S. market misses out on most of Ford’s hot products, but with a push for new global models taking shape in Blue Oval offices around the world hopefully we will start to see more of these coveted models make their way Stateside. Unfortunately, the Focus RS won't be among them, according to the latest word from Ford's RS product guru Jost Capito The recently launched Ford Focus RS – a 305hp (224kW) stunner based on the Focus hatchback sold overseas - can't be sold in the U.S. because the global Focus platform on which it's based isn't homologated for American safety standards. Speaking with Autocar, Capito said, "We’d like to, but the base car isn’t homologated for North America, and that’s too costly a job to carry out just for a niche vehicle like the RS." In April, Ford’s director of advanced product creation and global performance, Hermann Salenbauch, told Automotive News that a U.S. launch of such a car would depend on the level of interest generated by local Ford fans, for example, Focus SVT owners. Ford is looking for "feedback from the media and customers," Salenbauch explained. "How much do they like it? Is it really what they want? We are pretty confident that it is." However, there remains a loophole. The U.S. Focus RS would have to wait until the next-generation of the car, which will be based on the new global-engineered 2011 Focus, which is intended for sale in America and will therefore be homologated, overcoming the main hurdle. Salenbauch revealed that the American version of the RS would be based on this new platform and would be assembled locally, if it is approved. Salenbauch’s comments also suggested that Ford is in fact considering building a high-performance RS version of its next-generation Focus. In March reports emerged claiming the current Focus RS would be the last of its kind, but these latest comments go a little way towards discrediting them.Ford Focus RS ConceptFord Focus RS hatch Read More

  • Renault releases new photos of Clio RS ahead of UK launch

    Renault releases new photos of Clio RS ahead of UK launch May 5th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, May 5th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 1 Comment

    Renault releases new photos of Clio RS ahead of UK launch Renault just unveiled the brand-new Clio in February and barely a month later it was out with the hotted-up Renaultsport (RS) variant in Geneva. The car features many of the same performance upgrades found on bigger brother the Megane RS, but in a more compact and peaky package. Now we have a new set of photos to ogle as Renault prepares for the car's May 15 UK launch followed by an end-of-June start to sales.

    The engine is definitely a pint-sized powerhouse, but it pays the price with a torque curve biased toward the higher end. The 2.0L 16-valve unit generates 200hp (149kW) but does so at 7,100rpm, with max torque of 158lb-ft (215Nm)... Renault just unveiled the brand-new Clio in February and barely a month later it was out with the hotted-up Renaultsport (RS) variant in Geneva. The car features many of the same performance upgrades found on bigger brother the Megane RS, but in a more compact and peaky package. Now we have a new set of photos to ogle as Renault prepares for the car's May 15 UK launch followed by an end-of-June start to sales. The engine is definitely a pint-sized powerhouse, but it pays the price with a torque curve biased toward the higher end. The 2.0L 16-valve unit generates 200hp (149kW) but does so at 7,100rpm, with max torque of 158lb-ft (215Nm) coming at 5,400rpm. Despite the peaky power curve, the car still manages a power-to-weight ratio of 166hp/tonne, enough to shoot the little hatch to 62mph (100km/h) in a tick under 7 seconds and on to a top speed of 141mph. A choice of two chassis tunings is available, the Cup which is 36kg lighter and sportier, or the standard, which sacrifices less in the way of comfort. All Clio RS models get the same aerodynamics package, complete with functional front-wing air extractors, a functional rear diffuser and a front splitter for added downforce. Braking is handled by big Brembo calipers, and 17in alloy wheels wrapped in 215-section-width rubber keep the car planted to the road. A widened track - 48mm front and 50mm rear - improves handling, while a 10mm longer wheelbase adds high-speed stability. Renaultsport badging on the outside and inside of the car lets everyone know this is no normal Clio. Inside, the Clio RS gets optional custom Recaro seating, a choice of sporty Silver Grey/Yellow/Anthracite color schemes, and contrasting stitching. Aluminum pedal covers and Renaultsport branding on the rev-counter background, door sills and front seats. Despite all the sporty demeanor, the Clio RS still checks in with combined fuel efficiency rated at 34.5mpg and CO2 emissions of just 195g/km.2009 Renault Clio RS2009 Renault Clio RS at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show Read More

  • Skoda adds facelifted RS and Scout to Octavia lineup

    Skoda adds facelifted RS and Scout to Octavia lineup April 21st, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, April 21st, 2009 Jeremy Weber 0 Comments

    Skoda adds facelifted RS and Scout to Octavia lineup Having already released the facelifted version of its Octavia saloon at last year’s Paris Motor Show, Czech carmaker Skoda has finally added the updated versions of the performance Octavia RS and the Octavia Scout soft-roader to its lineup. Besides numerous design changes, both cars offer new technological solutions including, for example, an air quality sensor for the Climatronic air conditioning system and a new illumination system.

    The facelifted Octavia RS has a redesigned front-end with an RS logo and new headlamps that, for the first time in the RS version, can be fitted with xenon units combined with an adaptive front lighting... Having already released the facelifted version of its Octavia saloon at last year’s Paris Motor Show, Czech carmaker Skoda has finally added the updated versions of the performance Octavia RS and the Octavia Scout soft-roader to its lineup. Besides numerous design changes, both cars offer new technological solutions including, for example, an air quality sensor for the Climatronic air conditioning system and a new illumination system. The facelifted Octavia RS has a redesigned front-end with an RS logo and new headlamps that, for the first time in the RS version, can be fitted with xenon units combined with an adaptive front lighting module. Other details include new bumpers with integrated fog lamps and LED daytime running lights. The car’s sports-tuned chassis has also been lowered to 127mm, while its weight has been reduced by 20kg in the petrol version and 15kg in the diesel one. The engines fitted to the Octavia RS include a 2.0L TSI petrol unit with 200hp (147kW) and a 2.0L TDI turbodiesel with 170hp (125kW). Both engines come exclusively with a six-speed DSG transmission. Also new to the lineup is the 2009 Skoda Octavia Scout. The new vehicle has been facelifted to toe the line with the other models of the Octavia portfolio, including a redesigned radiator mask and new headlamps. With 179mm of ground clearance, the Octavia Scout is well geared for off-road driving. The AWD system includes the fourth-generation Haldex clutch able to transfer as much as 85% of the torque to a single wheel. Like the RS model, two engines are available: a 160hp (118kW) 1.8L TSI petrol unit and a 130hp (103kW) 2.0L TDI turbodiesel.2009 Skoda Octavia facelift2009 Skoda Octavia RS facelift2009 Skoda Octavia Scout facelift Read More

  • Report: Ford canceling Fiesta RS

    Report: Ford canceling Fiesta RS March 30th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, March 30th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 6 Comments

    Report: Ford canceling Fiesta RS The lamentations of American hatch fans - as few as they may be - over the unfairness of Europe's bounty are legendary. But soon it's European hatch fans that may be sobbing, mourning the stillbirth of Ford's tiniest hot hatch, the Fiesta RS.

    The initial report, sourced by an interview of Jost Captio of Ford's Team RS in the UK's evo Magazine, indicates that the Blue Oval is canning the car before it's even been built. The reasons are of the typical mundane: it's expensive, times are tough, and there's no business case for it.

    But fans of fast and flickable front-drivers are not concerned with such frippery as profit and 'corporate... The lamentations of American hatch fans - as few as they may be - over the unfairness of Europe's bounty are legendary. But soon it's European hatch fans that may be sobbing, mourning the stillbirth of Ford's tiniest hot hatch, the Fiesta RS. The initial report, sourced by an interview of Jost Captio of Ford's Team RS in the UK's evo Magazine, indicates that the Blue Oval is canning the car before it's even been built. The reasons are of the typical mundane: it's expensive, times are tough, and there's no business case for it. But fans of fast and flickable front-drivers are not concerned with such frippery as profit and 'corporate responsibility'. They want their hot hatches, and we're inclined to agree with them. Fortunately, there's no official confirmation of the talk yet, so there's still a flicker of hope that the little car will just be delayed, not killed off entirely. If it is built, expect to see it sometime after 2010, sporting something in the neighborhood of 200hp (149kW) from a 2.0L turbo four. And even if the Fiesta RS is canceled, there's still the factory-performance Mountune version and the Fiesta Zetec S 'performance' hatch it's based on as well, so all is not lost. The standard Fiesta is headed to the U.S., with the first samples already in port, and it could even bring with it the Zetec S variant, so lament not too bitterly, American hatch lovers. There is hope for you yet as well.Ford Fiesta S performance hatchMountune performance kit for Ford Fiesta Zetec-S Read More

  • Chevy launches new Camaro site, releases full details as production starts

    Chevy launches new Camaro site, releases full details as production starts March 16th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, March 16th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 4 Comments

    Chevy launches new Camaro site, releases full details as production starts The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro starts production today, and the company is celebrating the kick off of production of the 14,000 cars already pre-ordered. Rated at a stellar-for-its-niche 29mpg highway by the EPA, the all-new Camaro is now the most fuel efficient muscle car soon to hit the market. In this new video, you get a walk-around from the vehicle's chief engineer as he discusses some of the new muscle machine's finer points.

    General Motors also launched a new site for the Camaro today, showing off exactly what you'll get for the $22,995 entry price on up to the $34,180 2SS trim. The V6 models deliver 18mpg city and 29mpg highway in... The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro starts production today, and the company is celebrating the kick off of production of the 14,000 cars already pre-ordered. Rated at a stellar-for-its-niche 29mpg highway by the EPA, the all-new Camaro is now the most fuel efficient muscle car soon to hit the market. In this new video, you get a walk-around from the vehicle's chief engineer as he discusses some of the new muscle machine's finer points. General Motors also launched a new site for the Camaro today, showing off exactly what you'll get for the $22,995 entry price on up to the $34,180 2SS trim. The V6 models deliver 18mpg city and 29mpg highway in automatic transmission form or 18mpg city and 25mpg with the six-speed manual. The 3.6L V6 gets such great fuel economy while still maintaining 304hp output because of its SIDI (spark ignition direct injection) technology, which allows precise metering of fuel use and very high compression ratios - 11.3:1 on regular pump gas. Most engines that run that high a compression ratio require premium. The V8 models both score 16mpg city and again the automatic scores better than the manual, with 25mpg highway versus the stick shift's 24mpg, thanks in part to the L99's Active Fuel Management displacement-on-demand system, though it also gives up 26hp to the LS3 found in the manual. As GM is quick to point out, that's a significant step up from the Dodge Challenger SRT8's 14mpg city/22mpg highway rating. All V8 Camaros get acoustically tuned intake runners and a roller-lifter style camshaft with 5% greater intake valve lift than the Covette's LS3. All three engines also deliver peak power at 5,900rpm, but torque is a different story, with the V6 peaking with 273lb-ft (370Nm) at 5,200rpm, the L99 V8 maxing out at 410lb-ft (556Nm) at 4,300rpm and the LS3 topping out at 420lb-ft (569Nm) at 4,600rpm. Both of the V8s deliver enough low-end punch to make acceleration satisfying from anywhere in the curve, while the V6 looks like it will have to be kept wound up to deliver the fun when saddled with the roughly 3,700lb chassis of the Camaro. New rolling shots of the Rally Yellow Camaro show it outfitted with the RS appearance package, and an indeterminate trim level, though judging by the sound of the exhaust, it's likely to be a V8-powered SS model. The RS appearance package adds $1,450 to the price of the LT trim, or $1,200 for the SS and includes HID headlights, a spoiler, 20in wheels, darker tail lights and body-colored roof-ditch moldings. For more on the car's technical side, watch the video below, or check out some of our previous coverage.2010 Camaro SS official photos2010 Chevrolet Camaro Official Photos Read More

  • Renault reviving Gordini name for new in-house tuner

    Renault reviving Gordini name for new in-house tuner March 4th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, March 4th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 0 Comments

    Renault reviving Gordini name for new in-house tuner Following news that Renault has scrapped plans to bring back its legendary Alpine name for a new standalone sports car, hope has been reignited with comments from one of the carmaker’s senior executives that the Gordini name will be revived instead. For those unfamiliar with the French performance marque, Gordini was an independent sports car manufacturer established by Amedee Gordini which tuned engines for several Renault models during the 1950s and ‘60s.

    Speaking with CAR at this week’s Geneva Motor Show, Renault's global marketing director, Stephen Norman, revealed that there will be some sporty new models coming from... Following news that Renault has scrapped plans to bring back its legendary Alpine name for a new standalone sports car, hope has been reignited with comments from one of the carmaker’s senior executives that the Gordini name will be revived instead. For those unfamiliar with the French performance marque, Gordini was an independent sports car manufacturer established by Amedee Gordini which tuned engines for several Renault models during the 1950s and ‘60s. Speaking with CAR at this week’s Geneva Motor Show, Renault's global marketing director, Stephen Norman, revealed that there will be some sporty new models coming from next year onwards with the introduction of a Gordini-branded in-house tuner. The new brand will have a similar relationship with Renault as AMG shares with Mercedes Benz and Abarth shares with Fiat. The Gordini brand will focus on fast, small cars, and according to Norman it will be placed above the current RenaultSport (RS) lineup. The first Renault model getting the Gordini treatment is slated to be the Twingo hatchback in 2010. Following this, other Renault models will be added to the Gordini lineup including the Clio and Megane Coupe models. The Gordini cars will be easily recognized by bright blue paint schemes with a trademark white racing stripe located on their bonnets. Some of the models are also expected to be developed for track use, with the possibility of a new competition being launched exclusively for the cars. Read More

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