Ford Focus RS first video

Here’s the first official video of the new Ford Focus RS and while we think you’d actually need to drive this snappy hot hatch to get a feel for its 300hp (and it may have been nice to have the lights on in this video), we’ll wait for dynamic footage to get a good idea of the 265km/hr top speed.

© Source: eurocarblog
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2009 Ford Focus RS revealed

The highly anticipated Ford Focus RS super hatch has made its production model debut with a series of new official images and details. First showcased in concept form at the British Motor Show earlier this year, overwhelming positive public response has meant the showroom-bound version is true to form. Finished in Performance Blue as a tribute to the original Escort RS Cosworth and original Focus RS Mk1, the mechanicals also remain identical to earlier reports.

The 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine churns out more than 220kW, which is transferred to the asphalt via a unique Automatic Torque Biasing limited-slip differential developed by British engineering specialist Quaife. This system works in conjunction with Ford’s new RevoKnuckle suspension setup to dull the side effects of such a high-powered front-wheel drive sports car.

Performance from zero to 100km/h is anticipated to be below 6 seconds with a theoretical top speed of more than 257km/h - simply astounding for a front-wheel drive hacth.

Completing the look are 19-inch multispoke wheels which draw their influence from rally, of course, shod in low-profile performance rubber while the interior boasts Recaro bucket seats with body-coloured accents, carbon fibre trim and aluminium highlights.

The new Ford Focus RS is expected to cost less than AUD$56,000 in the UK, keeping it roughly on par with the WRX STi and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.

© Source: caradvice
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Ford Focus RS concept

The Focus RS will be equipped with a tweaked version of the turbocharged Duratec 2.5-liter inline-five found in the ST, and will send between 280 and 300 hp, along with 300+ lb.-ft. of torque, through the front wheels via a six-speed gearbox equipped with a Quaife limited-slip differential. With that kind of power, the RS should be able to make the run to 60 in less than six seconds – assuming you don't torque-steer yourself into a tree in the process.

The dynamic body kit, complete with gaping maw, flared fenders, side sills, rear diffuser and wing, and unfortunate fender vents, compliments the lowered ride height, 19-inch, 15-spoke wheels and upgraded brakes. Inside, color-matched, two-tone Recaro thrones join an RS-specific instrument cluster and smaller diameter steering wheel.

© Source: autoblog
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Ford Wrenches on 2009 Focus RS for Europe

If you're anxiously awaiting the (European) return of the Focus RS, you're in luck. Not only is the official launch, slated for the 2008 British Motor Show, only a month away, but Ford has also released official "spy" photos of the hot hatch hitting the Nurburgring.

We've not seen an RS model since 2003, as it disappeared when Ford launched an all-new European Focus in 2004. Although a performance-tuned ST model is currently offered, the new Focus RS promises to stuff even more performance into the three-door hatch.

From what we can glean from these photos, the car does resemble the Focus ST coupe, but select cues set the performance-tuned RS apart from lesser trims. We can't help but notice the oversized wheel flares wrapped around large-diameter rolling stock (possibly 19-inch alloys). And there's the matter of that front fascia; yes, it does look more rounded than a base Focus, but we see an intercooler lurking behind a large grille opening.

Although Ford is mum on the exact details, we're told the RS will use a modified form of the 2.5-liter turbocharged inline five-cylinder found in the Focus ST (and Volvo C30). Ford suggests that in RS form the motor will produce more than 276 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque - a significant boost over the ST's 225 hp and 235 lb-ft figures.

Although the RS may play in the same league as Subaru's Impreza WRX STI or the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, we're not looking for Ford to roll out an all-wheel-drive Focus anytime soon. Instead, the RS will deliver power through the front wheels, aided by a limited-slip differential and by suspension tuned on the 'Ring.

We'll know more about what Ford tweaked for the RS in late July, when the car makes its debut in London. Expect production cars to go on sale in early 2009, but don't expect the RS - or any European Focus - to come Stateside. Perhaps you're out of luck.

© Source: automobilemag
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Ford Focus RS out in the open

Take a look at the best picture yet of Ford’s Focus RS! Just a few months after bosses gave the new hot hatch the green light (Issue 992), we caught this striking prototype testing in Germany.

While the car wears a previous-generation Focus ST bodykit, there’s a big giveaway that it’s no ordinary model – check out the giant scoop on the bonnet, which feeds the modified 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo engine with cool air.

Twin bonnet air vents, harking back to the Escort RS Cosworth, will replace the scoop on the production car. Blistered wheelarches, a rear wing and a low front splitter will also feature.

With a larger turbocharger, remapped electronics and a bigger intercooler, the 2.5-litre Focus ST-derived unit will produce around 280bhp, enabling the RS to sprint from 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 155mph.

It’s likely that Ford will equip the newcomer with a clever electronic differential, giving the front-wheel-drive layout excellent traction.

A six-speed manual box will be fitted, but Ford’s new twin-clutch VW DSG-style Powershift transmission could appear, too. The RS will go on sale next year, priced around £25,000. A concept will be revealed at the British Motor Show in London in July.

© Source: autoexpress
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It's official Focus RS on the way

It's finally coming. Ford has today confirmed that the second-generation Focus RS is on the way, and it's set to be the hottest Focus ever.

And, just to prove they're serious, the guys at Team RS have shown us a dark, teasing picture of the new RS. It looks mean.

Based on the new Focus ST but with bigger, blistered wheelarches, bonnet vents and a gaping front air dam with secondary side intakes, the RS is described as a 'no-compromise Focus for more enthusiastic drivers'.

Technical details are scant, but the RS seems likely to get four-wheel drive and a twin-turbo version of the ST's 2.5-litre five-pot engine. That should be good for some 300bhp and a 0-60 time in the five-second bracket - genuine competition for the Subaru Impreza STi.

Expect the RS to command a similar price tag to the Impreza, too. Despite a cult following, the original Focus RS - launched in 2002 - wasn't too profitable: Ford is reported to have lost £7,000 on every model. The new one is expected to cost around £25,000.

Ford says a concept version of the Focus RS will arrive some time next year, with the smart money on the London motor show in July. The production version will follow in 2009, giving us plenty of time to get all misty-eyed about RS-based Fords of old. Did someone say Cosworth?

© Source: topgear
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