Ford is going mean and green with the Focus RS. Our exclusive pictures show the blue oval’s hottest-ever hatch is set to get stunning looks to match its scorching performance when it arrives early in 2009.
While the latest Mitsubishi Evo X and Subaru Impreza STi have been toned down, with more mainstream looks, Auto Express can reveal that the new RS will remain loud and proud, with aggressive styling inspired by the Focus WRC rally car.
Striking details include flared wheelarches, giving the RS a wider track for better high-speed stability. Filling these are 19-inch multi-spoke rims. A pronounced rear wing and sculpted bumpers improve aerodynamics.
Under the bonnet sits a heavily revised version of the 222bhp 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine from the Focus ST. In the RS, this will produce at least 280bhp and more than 400Nm of torque, ensuring blistering straight-line pace. However, the big news is the confirmation from Ford that the RS will be front-wheel drive. Bosses at the blue oval’s Team RS performance arm decided that the extra weight, cost and complexity of four-wheel drive wasn’t necessary.
Instead, Ford has assembled the development team that was responsible for the original RS, plus ST versions of the Fiesta and Focus, and dispatched it to the Nrburgring in Germany.
There it will work on refining an advanced electronic limited-slip differential, made by UK-based transmission specialist Quaife, which is designed to tame the engine’s power.
As well as perfecting the mechanics of the fastest-ever Focus, Team RS will pursue performance gains by shedding weight – so don’t expect to be able to specify lots of options.
The newcomer is likely to be three-door only, while a six-speed manual gearbox will be the sole transmission option.
As engineers have reduced the weight, the car will be able to complete the 0-60mph sprint in less than six seconds, and go on to a top speed in excess of 155mph. Lowered sports suspension and upgraded brakes should ensure it has handling to match its pace.
Ford had its fingers burned by the first Focus RS. By loading it with expensive components from the world of motorsport, the 2002 car was sold at a loss.
The company has learned its lesson with the new machine, though, and parts and expertise will be sourced from within Ford. Combine this with annual production of around 5,000 cars, and bosses have been able to justify building the ultimate Focus hot hatch.
The wraps will come off a concept version of the car at the British Motor Show in July, and we are assured that it will be virtually identical to the final production model.
This will feature the look, both inside and out, of the showroom car, and bosses will officially confirm technical and performance details. Pricing will remain undecided until closer to the launch, although a figure comfortably less than £25,000 is expected.