Ford Focus RS Video

For the longest time Ford wasn't even breathing a word related to the Focus RS. Then suddenly a flood of information came through, including confirmation that the RS would make a return after a six year hiatus. When details burst out, few really believed that the RS was to be driven through the front wheels, given its power figures of 300bhp (224kW) and 440Nm of torque from a 2.5-litre turbo. After all, front-wheel-driven cars with slightly less power than the RS are known to have excessive torque steer. Nevertheless Ford had an answer to that in a hi-tech system called RevoKnuckle, a specially design steering knuckle containing two ball bearing sets which help compensate for torque steer. Additionally an LSD is fitted for extra traction.

Pushing the car forward is a 6-speed manual gearbox that helps the RS reach the 100km/h target in second gear. For certain engine frequencies a ‘sound symposer' is used to transfer certain pleasing sounds the car makes as it goes along into the cabin. Those bonnet louvers are there to help with idle cooling especially after heavy runs on a track so they aren't just there for aggressive looks.

The Focus RS is a serious performance machine, all indications point towards this. But on this video a more somber, normal Focus RS shows itself proving that there's more to this spicy lime hatch than mere numbers.

 

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 ericthedog ericthedog
Wish they gave it some beans in the vid , looking good !
January 30, 2009 7:58 pm
 mroctober mroctober
Why isn't this available in the States???? This can definitely take business away from STi, R32, Evo, Z350's.
January 30, 2009 8:47 pm
 Iconic Iconic
Because Ford themselves destroyed the Focus name here by selling the ugliest variant possible. As good as this car is, it'll take a while to put a dent in the group of cars you mentioned. Unfortunately I don't think long term success was part of Ford's business model.
January 30, 2009 9:08 pm
 American-Rules American-Rules
You are kidding, right? How can a Front Wheels Drive car, can stand up to those AWD, like WRX Sti or the Evo X MR. You are in the dream, dream land dude. I don't reckon it can match with the Honda Civic Type R. It's a laugh dude.
February 1, 2009 11:34 am
 dmanero dmanero
finally a Ford worth the name and the money.
January 30, 2009 9:41 pm
 Joe_Limon Joe_Limon
Hmm, I really like this car, aggressive looking, lightweight/powerful, cheap, and I am sure that "sound symposer" will really aid in the driving experience (and help boost sales), I just hope it's a series of pipes vibrating a membrane and not just a speaker.
January 30, 2009 11:10 pm
 BabyMilo BabyMilo
i honestly find it ugly and over the top. the current ST is alot better looking
January 31, 2009 4:35 am
 BritBoy BritBoy
I fully agree with BabyMilo. I'm sure it's a great car but the styling is far too tacky and OTT. I'd much rather have the 256bhp Focus ST Mountune.
January 31, 2009 5:56 pm
 Makino Makino
I don't understand this shite box. What is it aiming at exactly? FWD?! How is it going to stand up to against the all star Japs? I think this is Fomoco's way of meekly trying to avoid confrontation...
February 1, 2009 8:46 am
 HolySteel HolySteel
does it have an engine sound??
February 2, 2009 8:08 am
 911fnatic 911fnatic
Its not tacky, its styling takes cues from Ford's rally car, its supposed to be aggressive. I think its amazing, easily the most desirable hatch in my eyes and brilliantly looking.
February 19, 2009 12:23 pm
 RazvAndrei RazvAndrei
its nice that the RS has a 6 speed manual trans. you can get from 0 - 100 km/h faster than a automatic gear box and if i'm not mistaking it has a 5 cylinder engine
February 20, 2009 4:45 pm