Full specs for production Ford Focus RS revealed
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The 2.5L turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine generates 300hp (224kW) at 6,500rpm and 325lb-ft of torque (440Nm)between 2,300 and 4,500rpm. Acceleration from a stop to 100km/h (62mph) takes just 5.9 seconds and the car carries on to a top speed of 263km/h (164mph). Pricing in Europe will reportedly be set at €39,000 ($51,644). Despite the rapid performance, it's fairly efficient, rated at 33.6mpg US (7.0L/100km) extra-urban and 17.5mpg (13.4L/100km) in town for a combined average of 25mpg (9.4L/100km), which translates to an average CO2 emissions of 225g/km. Both are due in part to the relatively low 3,227lb (1,467kg) curb weight.
Based on the same core as the Focus ST, the RS adds power, handling and appearance modifications to improve the car’s ability to put its power to the ground and direct it down the road, track or gravel path. To keep the potent engine from creating unmanageable torque steer, the engineers designed the car with a unique suspension called the ‘RevoKnuckle,’ which enables the car to keep the intended direction of travel even under heavy throttle. This works in conjunction with a Quaife automatic torque biasing limited-slip differential. Combined, the Focus RS obviates the need for AWD and the attendant weight gains of the extra differential and driveshafts.
“Front-wheel-drive was our preference all along. All-wheel-drive systems add cost, weight, inertia and consequently, fuel consumption. Compensating for the significant weight of an all-wheel-drive system requires dynamic compromises we preferred not to make," said Team RS Chief Engineer, Dirk Densing. "If you can achieve the performance you want without steering disturbance, then front-wheel-drive is a better performance car – lighter and with a more precise, linear steering response than AWD. With the work of our advanced research team in Aachen, we were able to achieve this and deliver something genuinely different.”
Changes to the standard Duratec 2.5L block include unique camshafts, a revised cylinder head and gasket and revised intake and manifold system. As well as the extra power, the Focus RS also receives a 40mm wider track, 19in wheels, 235mm tires, upgraded springs, dampers and anti-roll bars.
But serious performance isn't Ford's only goal for the RS - they want the car to look the part as well. “Imagine a Focus WRC roaring through a stage in Monte Carlo – you know immediately what it is from front graphics, flared arches, and distinctive livery. Our intention is to make Focus RS equally and immediately recognizable,” said Ford of Europe’s Executive Director of Design, Martin Smith.
To that end, customers will have three color options from launch, including the vibrant blue seen above, as well as green and white. Customers will also be able to match the interior trim with the exterior color or pick a full black leather option. Other features of the cabin include Recaro bucket seats, brushed aluminum accents and standard micro-fiber trim. The performance driving environment is completed by three additional gauges from the Focus ST, including a boost gauge, sitting atop the center console and angled toward the driver.
When it’s launched in the coming months, the new Focus RS will mark the return of the storied Ford ‘RS’ badge, last seen on the first-generation Focus RS in 2002 and with a heritage stretching back 38 years including Fiesta, Escort and Sierra models.Ford Focus RS Concept
Ford Focus RS hatchFord Focus RS teaser
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Have an opinion?
Renton Posted: 6/12/2008 7:25am PDT
You don't get this car.
Sincerely,
Ford.
PS -- Go F**k yourself America, please buy our other crap you retards.
chris Posted: 6/12/2008 7:27am PDT
chris Posted: 6/12/2008 8:18am PDT
bambam Posted: 6/12/2008 8:24am PDT
Looks like Australia is getting some. Like always.
I prefer the mustang thank you. despite its looks.
VDubbin Posted: 6/12/2008 8:34am PDT
Gus Posted: 6/12/2008 10:16am PDT
Ivan Posted: 6/12/2008 1:42pm PDT
It's rally "inspired" car . . .
Renton Posted: 6/12/2008 2:07pm PDT
Good car on GT5 though..........one of the best FWD cars.
jeff Posted: 6/12/2008 2:13pm PDT
Gus Posted: 6/12/2008 4:17pm PDT
I'm sure it's a fun car to drive, but with that much torque steer and no better traction than any other car, the word "Rally" should not be in the name...
Ryan Posted: 6/12/2008 10:48pm PDT
chris Posted: 6/13/2008 8:51am PDT
as far as "rally inspired"... I don't think its fair to STi and EVO to call them rally "inspired". these two cars are literally street going rally cars. they arent full spec WRC cars, but there are rally leagues built around these two cars. Its the equivalent of your BOSS 427 mustangs from the 70's. literally road going NASCARs. race on sunday, drive on monday. and 4WD is a short sell as well, they're AWD cars, some of which are able to send 100% of the engine power to any one wheel.
Chris Posted: 7/3/2008 9:53am PDT
plus the pictures look too... real. some renders are amazingly well done.. look like studio photography.. where as this looks like it was relatively quickly snapped off in a white room.
Dann Posted: 7/4/2008 6:39am PDT
Chris Posted: 7/4/2008 7:40am PDT
it's FWD because the platform doesnt allow for AWD that easily. if you look under the chassis of a Lancer, you'll see AWD written all over it. the C1-2 platform WILL be AWD so expect the next gen RS to stir up the EVO/STi battle.
as for now, i'll take mine in white thanks.
Dann Posted: 7/4/2008 8:47am PDT
m__ Posted: 7/4/2008 10:31am PDT
raptor Posted: 7/15/2008 1:10pm PDT
It's what makes a car cool, imo
Dane Posted: 7/16/2008 8:06am PDT
Anyup - Perfect car....
burke Posted: 7/16/2008 8:15am PDT
Tim Posted: 7/22/2008 2:15pm PDT
Maybe all the naysayers will rethink their AWD bias?
NoNameDenton Posted: 9/5/2008 1:15pm PDT
Johnny Posted: 9/5/2008 7:42pm PDT
the focus rs would run rings around any production mustang on any track. but i have to say they did a mostly good job on the mustang styling, especially the rear haunches on the 3/4 panels. looks like a fastback/gt500 mix. very nice.
...wtf, not fair...
But, the Mustang is a completely different beast. It is very easily modded. There are dozens of companies who make performance parts for the Mustang. And the 315hp V8 has plenty of room to grow. You can check off a box on your order sheet and Ford will happily install a supercharger on it and bump you over 500hp.
But, here is what you guys should remember. By 2011 we'll have all the Euro Fords over here, including the Fiesta and Focus AND we'll still have our fire breathing V8s and twin-turbo V6s to choose from as well. You'll have to continue to make do with just your I4s and I5s while paying 3-4x much for gas. ;)
Just look at it this way, for roughly the same money there, you can get a GT500 or F150 Raptor here. And both would be easily as much fun as the Focus RS there. DIfferent strokes, different folks.
That said it's a reaaaally nice car and I hope Ford NORAM burns in hell for not bringing it over here and instead saddling us with the craptastic American Focus. The equivalent would be the US getting the M3 and the Germans getting only the girly mobile known as the 135.
I want to see mustang compete in rally against the focus, the mustang would fly off the hill
ford emblems Posted: 9/4/2009 10:06pm PDT
O-LLOYD-O Posted: 9/5/2009 12:13pm PDT
O-LLOYD-O Posted: 9/5/2009 12:19pm PDT
Lu Posted: 9/26/2009 11:29pm PDT
This is not only dissapointing but also insulting, what are you trying to say that we are cheap!, I really think that we should stop buying ford cars and trucks to teach them a lesson to a point that they would have to sell the company to some other company with the guts and respect for our united states community.
We are American Citizens and we have the right to purchase a Ford Focus RS without the need of import it.
PS:
Jost Capito, I think is time for you to resign and give somebody with guts the chance to bring a real ford vehicle to United States.
Rally Posted: 9/27/2009 12:09am PDT
Bruce Posted: 11/2/2009 2:10pm PST
C.D. Posted: 3/1/2010 7:49pm PST
US.... Europe maybe.... But for $30 + large no way... If Ford geaux's back to the drawing board and gives us the same vehical with 4X4 and adjustable diff to split that sweet 325lbs torque to say 45/55 then you got a car worth $36,000.00 ........ Hell, the engin's a Volvo design anyway, why not use the same design diff that Volvo uses in their AWD sedan, I drove that baby and it was sweet, sweet, sweet....... If FORD had done the job right the first time they could be selling em' right now all over the US ..... maybe Id already be driving one.
FORD= IF IF IF and But But But = maybe maybe maybe, should-a could-a would-a
I agree with everyone here! Ford always build a nice car and never bring it to the United States for Americans to enjoy. The last compact car I can remember that was not promoted here very much was the Ford Merkur.
I do not believe Ford Motor Company want Americans to buy all of their products especially the ones that is built for the European markets, eventhough, those are the car's we want in the US other than the Mustang.
Issues123
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