The New FORD Focus RS
Ford is working on a top-secret new Focus RS, and is likely to choose next year’s London motor show for the car’s grand unveiling.
Buoyed by storming market demand for the Focus ST — which in its first year sold twice as well as its deadly rival, the VW Golf GTi in the UK — Ford believes it has created market space for a faster, edgier, 30 per cent more powerful Focus whose near-supercar performance and rally-car looks can both take advantage of last year’s win in the World Rally Championship and recall the heady days of the Escort RS Cosworth.
The new car, powered by a 280bhp turbocharged version of Ford’s five-cylinder engine, retains two-wheel drive but will use a special semi-active limited-slip diff to improve traction and on-limit handling. It has standard 19-inch wheels, special springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, and rides a little lower than the already-lowered Focus ST, which keeps its status as Ford’s bigger-selling, more versatile sporty saloon. Like the ST, the RS uses a six-speed stick-shift transmission. Total production is forecast at between 5000 and 10,000 units before the next Focus arrives.
Ford’s performance cars boss, Jost Capito, won’t confirm the car’s existence, on the grounds that it’s not yet in the company’s official plan, though he refuses to condemn the concept. “We are always pushing for cars like this,” he said, “but it is difficult because we have limited funds to spend on sporty cars. However, we would obviously like to build cars like this one.”
Designers want to avoid over-decorating the new RS, but the car is nevertheless believed to have a deeper front bumper with rally-style brake and turbo air scoops, plus a rear roof spoiler design influenced by the WRC cars. Flared wheel arches won’t be on the agenda as they were in the previous Focus RS; they’re deemed too expensive for such a low-volume model. Instead, the RS will use distinctive interior materials and badges to emphasise its special status.
Not long to wait now for budding RS fans, Fords new Focus RS will be on sale early next year at about £25.000, a price set to embarrass Volkswagens fast but flabby Golf R32.
The new Focus RS is said to be 300BHP & 4 wheel drive this has not been confirmed by Ford yet as soon as we have confirmation you will see it here, so watch this space.
The Premium 2009 Ford Focus RS Package
More power and more style-these best describe the all-new 2009 Ford Focus RS. Built for to deliver speed and more engine power, it is considered as the fastest Ford road car to date. This new high-performance car segment currently undergoes rigorous testing at the Nurburgring Circuit in
The past few years have been a cycle of refinement and improvements in the functional and design aspects of the 2002 Focus RS. Since it is Ford’s answer to the growing demand for high performance cars, various chassis innovations where made to improve the handling characteristics and overall drivability of the new RS model. With the help of Ford's Advanced Engineering Centre in
The suspension of 2009 Focus RS model is engineered to deliver a firm but more compliant ride. With its communicative steering and well-controlled body lean, this ride can easily cut through highway speeds or beat gusty wind which often causes wandering by it achieving an outstanding power-to-weight car ratio.
In incorporating sophisticated technologies and gadgets in the ergonomic and aesthetic features of the new Focus RS, its Electronic Stability Control (ESC) feature was developed. With the use of modern sensor and more responsive anti-lock braking system, the car manages to maintain driving control especially when handling road irregularities. It basically corrects and eliminates skids on its own, a modern car feature that effectively helps prevent driving accidents.
