Ford developing new Focus RS

Posted Wed Feb 7 2007 11:51 AM by James Martinez

Ford is currently developing its next generation Focus RS that’s set for debut at next year’s London Motor Show. Expect the hot-hatch to be styled even more dramatically than the Focus ST pictured above, which itself has enjoyed strong demand, selling almost double its main rival, Volkswagen’s Golf GTi, in the UK. Autocar magazine is reporting that the output of the new Focus RS will increase by up to 30% to around 280hp from the Volvo sourced five-cylinder turbo engine.

Handling will be improved thanks to a special semi-active limited-slip diff between the front wheels, which will improve traction but torque-steer is still expected to be horrendous. Despite many of its rivals moving towards AWD configurations, the Focus RS will remain strictly front-wheel-drive, which will enable Ford to keep costs down. The car is still at least 18 months away from reaching showrooms, and is estimated to be priced between £21,000 and £23,000.

This is a relative bargain when you consider the 19in wheels, upgraded springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, as well as the unique exterior styling. Ford will build between 5,000 and 10,000 units, and there are no plans for a similar upgrade to the US delivered model.

Reader Comments

Wed Feb 7 2007 1:04 PM
biturbo says

280 HP and +250 lbft torque, a precisely wrong recipe for FWD.
And it's a new design...
Sad.
Sun Apr 15 2007 7:17 AM
bigt says

I just really dont like the new design, when you look at the new st's and the old rs' the rs is just a much nicer looking car.
Tue Jan 15 2008 4:01 PM
irsq4 says

Design is something that we shouldn't even talk about in this case with respect on type of the car. If you ask me it's pretty OK, but what is not Ok is that car hasn't AWD and with that heavy 5 cil Volvo engine on the front axis doesn't even produce 300 bhp, like new EVO and new STI, ... it should have at least 400 bhp out of such a big engine. Let's hope they revises their decision...!?
Thu Jan 24 2008 12:33 AM
Mario says

im from mexico
its bad idea put fwd in a 280hp , the new desing is pretty good
im looking friends in england hereÂ´s my email Sparcoglobe-R@hotmail.com

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