Ford Focus RS Concept

[HeilSvenska]

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/3118/fordfocusrsteaserrb0.th.jpg (http://img171.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fordfocusrsteaserrb0.jpg)http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/8523/fordfocusrsteaser2xk3.th.jpg (http://img407.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fordfocusrsteaser2xk3.jpg)
Finally! It'll give STIs and Evos some outside competition.

From Ford Press!

FORD CONFIRMS NEW HIGH PERFORMANCE FOCUS RS IS ON THE WAY

Cologne, December 17, 2007 – Ford of Europe is confirming its plan to deliver an exciting all-new, high performance Focus RS model for launch in 2009. A design image released by the company today hints at the exciting direction the new model is taking.

The new Focus RS will be based on the dynamic new Focus ST. It will be developed by Ford Team RS, a specialist team led by Jost Capito who, as previously announced, is being appointed to the new role as Vehicle Line Director for Ford of Europe Performance Vehicles from January 1, 2008.

"With two consecutive Manufacturers' World Rally Championship titles under our belt, the time is right to create a new Focus RS," said John Fleming, Ford of Europe's President and CEO. "With the Fiesta and Focus ST models, Jost and his team have proved already that they can deliver exciting and practical performance road cars. The success of these models, combined with Jost's experience in motorsport and Ford of Europe's positive business results, mean that we now have a credible business case for a no-compromise Focus RS roadcar for more enthusiastic drivers."

The basic concept for a new Focus RS has been under development within Ford Team RS under Capito's leadership for some months already. Now that the programme has been given the 'green light', Capito and his team will be concentrating fully on this programme.

"We have reviewed our technical options and worked closely with the Design team on how the car might look, and I'm very excited by the results," said Jost Capito, "Now with the programme going ahead, the hard work really starts as the small team working on the project takes the car from prototype to production."

Stay Tuned
Ford of Europe will not reveal any of the technical details of the new Focus RS until closer to launch in 2009. The company plans to show a concept version of the car publicly for the first time in mid-2008.

"We will use the redesigned 2008 Focus ST as the base for a no-compromise RS model that will become the ultimate road-going Focus," Capito added. "Just as the Focus RS WRC owns the rally circuit, we want the new Focus RS to own the road, so we have the major competitors in our sights as we develop the car's performance, design, handling and braking."

"We're not ready to confirm any of the technical details of the new Focus RS yet - Jost and his team have a lot to do to finalise the exact specification and styling," said Fleming. "But make no mistake, I can assure you that ultimately, the car we plan to launch will be worthy of wearing the coveted Ford RS badge."

[nthfinity]

While I'm sure it will be good.... PLEASE FORD, bring it to the USA, Please FORD, AWD...

[Daggernite]

This is the best news ever as far as im concerned. With subaru turning out awful looking cars, this will take its place. I hope they make a all round sorted car. Then again, I dont think Id ever buy another ford as there crap when it comes to customer service. But I dont know if I could resist a new RS.

[pilotvtm]

nice job, ford..

[nthfinity]

This is the best news ever as far as im concerned. With subaru turning out awful looking cars, this will take its place. I hope they make a all round sorted car. Then again, I dont think Id ever buy another ford as there crap when it comes to customer service. But I dont know if I could resist a new RS.

There are some interesting numbers for europe vs. US for the same exact car in terms of customer satisfaction, TGW, and R1000's... That said, customer service can really turn people off of a car... for a while now, Mercedes have been among the lowest scores.

[rave426]

While I would not get the new STI (too ugly) or the new EvoX (just dont like it)........I would get at RS FOCUS!!!

WHY can we have it!!!!!!! It would be the perfect time for the US to have it.........but we wont......because it would hurt Mustang sales.....$hit

[HeilSvenska]

Nah. People who'd want RSs don't want Mustangs. People who want Mustangs don't want hatchbacks. You can always buy one and ship it over. :mrgreen: It should comply with all the US regulations, with Volvo bits and all.

[Daggernite]

There are some interesting numbers for europe vs. US for the same exact car in terms of customer satisfaction, TGW, and R1000's... That said, customer service can really turn people off of a car... for a while now, Mercedes have been among the lowest scores.

All I know is that after taking my ST to the dealer to get the steering fixed for the 3rd time (first 2 times did not fix the problem) they told me I was at fault because there was a chunk of tire and alloy missing. This was just a complete lie. I still payed them £90 to sort it, but its still not right.

Also I went to buy a focus ST and the sales women laughed at me. I just hate ford, but I love the cars make. A RS would make me very happy.

[HeilSvenska]

All I know is that after taking my ST to the dealer to get the steering fixed for the 3rd time (first 2 times did not fix the problem) they told me I was at fault because there was a chunk of tire and alloy missing. This was just a complete lie. I still payed them £90 to sort it, but its still not right.

Also I went to buy a focus ST and the sales women laughed at me. I just hate ford, but I love the cars make. A RS would make me very happy.

Wow. I didn't know Ford UK had bad dealerships. I certainly wouldn't know it from the local Ford dealer. I hope it does something about that since Ford Europe makes some very good cars.

[Daggernite]

Wow. I didn't know Ford UK had bad dealerships. I certainly wouldn't know it from the local Ford dealer. I hope it does something about that since Ford Europe makes some very good cars.

Well everyone I seem to tell just usually say "well it is Ford" the sales man at Honda is nothing unusual, but i guess he would say that. But truth is, when my st was working proper, Specs aside, it was brilliant, and thats what i look for in a car the most. its dynamic abillity, and if it fun to drive.

Im know theRS will be great, and ill sure be tempted, but is'll deffo go to a diffrent dealer if i did get one.

So do you think all these spy shots from early on in year of the RS at the nurburg still mean something? or wasthat RS scraped? and is it a totally new design?

[HeilSvenska]

So do you think all these spy shots from early on in year of the RS at the nurburg still mean something? or wasthat RS scraped? and is it a totally new design?

I guess it's just Ford just didn't want people to get hopes up until they had something more tangible to show. Like how Ford canned Fiesta RS before much development was done.

[Daggernite]

Well if is the result of the 2nd wrc championship win, then there leading competitors must be the Sti and Evo10. So it must be safe to say it will be 4WD and as far as engines are concerned I think the current 2.5 5cy engine will do. will be awesome.

[HeilSvenska]

And an RS8 version (again) with 500hp. ;-)

[pagani]

Thank god for the rs!

[nthfinity]

Wow.... if a car in the US is in the shop for a third time to fix the same issue, we have something called "lemon laws" where the dealer/manufactuerer are obliged to buy the car back.

Its not like the dealer network in the US is everybody 100% awesome... the best dealer network where every shop i've been to were Subaru, and Saab... I'm sure there are bad apples, but it seems so similar at all of them :).... not so with most other marques.

[Daggernite]

Wow.... if a car in the US is in the shop for a third time to fix the same issue, we have something called "lemon laws" where the dealer/manufactuerer are obliged to buy the car back.

Its not like the dealer network in the US is everybody 100% awesome... the best dealer network where every shop i've been to were Subaru, and Saab... I'm sure there are bad apples, but it seems so similar at all of them :).... not so with most other marques.

There is probably something similar in the UK too. But honda gave me a deal on a civic typeR which im gunna take them up on after xmas, so im not too bothered now.

[79TA]

I can't wait for the RS . . . even if it is thousands of miles away. Sigh.

[fordgt84]

very good news
pleeeeeease let it be awd

[rave426]

Did anyone see this article at www.worldcarfans.com (http://www.worldcarfans.com)

excerpt..

Power will come from a modified version of Volvo's turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine with power produced expected at 280 hp and torque of 400 lb.-ft, propelling the RS somewhat beyond that of the 225 hp ST model. The RS will face tough competition from that of the new Mitsubishi Evo X (http://www.worldcarfans.com/9071024.011/mitsubishi-lancer-evo-x-bows-in-japan) and Subaru Impreza STi (http://www.worldcarfans.com/9071009.002/new-subaru-impreza-wrx-sti-revealed).

400lb-ft torque! ...........that must be a type-O. Thats more diesel like than anything. If it were trure, then that car would have to be AWD....and it would be an insane machine.

[redbaron]

I really look forward to this car. I hope it will be 4wd just like the good old cossies. I do however think it will be a FWD with a clever active diff, similar to the previous RS.

[T-Bird]

watch them just rebody a car from a sister company and sell it. Hell they could use the Mazda DISI engine for just under 300hp and roughly the same torque. And then the aftermarket is already there.

[inso]

http://news.windingroad.com/countriesmarkets/euro/does-the-ford-focus-rs-mean-a-volvo-c30r-is-coming/
also a sister car is in the pipeline.

[redbaron]

http://news.windingroad.com/countriesmarkets/euro/does-the-ford-focus-rs-mean-a-volvo-c30r-is-coming/
also a sister car is in the pipeline.

This could mean that development costs can be shared and hopefully will lead to two 4wd 300 bhp bullets.

[HeilSvenska]

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NEW FORD FOCUS RS ON TRACK AS FIRST DETAILS CONFIRMED
Cologne, June 12, 2008 - Ford RS is back and the all-new Focus RS is on track! An early prototype of the fastest Focus road car to date is now undergoing performance and durability testing at the challenging Nürburgring Circuit in Germany, in preparation for its launch in 2009.

The principal architect of the Focus RS project is Ford of Europe's Vehicle Line Director for Performance Vehicles, Jost Capito, whose Team RS development group were responsible for the first generation Focus RS in 2002, and more recently, the Fiesta ST and the new Focus ST.

Capito said: "The new Focus RS is as much a car for driving enthusiasts as the one before it and classic Ford RS models of the past. We're staying true to the core RS principles of a no-compromise, affordable high performance road car you can live with. The new Focus RS will have the muscles, heart and soul of a genuine RS and will be exciting to drive every day."

The all-new Focus RS features a specially developed, turbocharged version of the Duratec 2.5-litre engine, based on Focus ST, but significantly revised to generate over 280PS and more than 400 Nm of torque, thus achieving an excellent power-to-weight ratio.

Various chassis innovations, developed in conjunction with Ford's Advanced Engineering Centre in Aachen are being tuned for the new car by the Cologne-based Ford Team RS. Their overriding objective is to achieve optimized driving dynamics and on road performance through an advanced technology front-wheel drive system, combined with a limited-slip differential.

"In early prototypes based on Focus ST vehicles, the new system is more than meeting our targets for exceptional levels of traction, handling and steering," Capito added. "Given that the enthusiastic team behind the car are all performance vehicle enthusiasts, you can imagine that our standards are high."

Ford Focus - A great starting point
The standard Ford Focus is an excellent base for a high performance car - agile, responsive and stable.

While the latest Focus ST has already proved this to be the case, the new RS will take these qualities to the next level, benefitting from extensive engineering knowledge gained through the Company's highly successful Motorsport programmes, notably with the Focus World Rally Car.

"We have no doubt that we can enhance the acclaimed qualities of the already excellent Focus for an even higher performance model than the ST," Capito added. "Now, we are going through the rigorous job of proving out our technical approach in extensive testing and tuning over a variety of roads including the most demanding track in the world, the "Green Hell" that is the Nürburgring Nordschleife!"

"With two consecutive Manufacturers' World Rally Championship titles and the success of Fiesta and Focus ST models, we have the knowledge and the experience. The time is right for Ford to deliver a new high performance model for the legions of loyal Ford RS customers around Europe," Capito concluded.

The new Focus RS test and development programme is now well underway and will continue for several months, prior to the vehicle being readied for production in early 2009.

Although the internet and car magazines around the globe have continued to offer their opinions as to how the new car will look and drive, customers will get the first look at a production-intent vehicle with its world premiere at the London Motor Show in late July.

Further technical details of the all-new Focus RS will be released closer to launch.

[pagani]

I think it will be fwd
And the old school ford lot will have a new engine conversion/swap

[HeilSvenska]

^
Press release says

Their overriding objective is to achieve optimized driving dynamics and on road performance through an advanced technology front-wheel drive system, combined with a limited-slip differential.

[torrentjunkie]

looks good, would rather it in orange tho lol. hope it comes a 4wd

[toffytofik]

2.5L turbo with 280ps/400Nm in the front-wheel drive? LOL, i think that car will be vicious. I'd say forget about threating STi' & EVO', i even doubt this will be good enough to outrun the latest Type-R' of Japan...
All i want to know is the torque curve, how much will it weight and the tires. Proper LSD is a must and they better fit it with some decent traction control system. Anyway, personally i don't expect much out of this...

As for not going for awd, i recall reading somewhere that according to Ford "awd is too complicated" (Duh!) I interpreted it as: "why waste the time and money messing with development of awd when in the end it'll just reduce the reliability, bump the weight and rise the pricetag so the car won't sell properly? You can always go the "easy way" and make the car accelerate faster by using a bigger power unit..."
"New Focus RS, new design, bigger engine. Please buy and feel the difference."

[HeilSvenska]

Yeaaaah. Unfortunately, Ford thought it'd better make an R32 rival... Come on Ford, you have the right 4WD hardware, why not use it?

Well. Who knows what it'll actually be like... other than the maddening torque steer and the schizophrenic handling one expects...

Does Nth know something we should know?

[rave426]

Give me the FOCUS RS with AWD!!!!

Dammit Ford.

This would be the perfect time for them to take control of that market. The STI looks like utter garbage and the Evo X is not the best looking thing and is ONLY better than the IX on a track.

The Focus RS with AWD would freaking own. It looks awesome and has an incredible engine. Ford needs to tighten some bolts in their head.

[turpija]

old RS was pretty good with FWD so maybe this one can do it again, AWD would be much better though

[Cutmore]

I like the sound of it all. The car looks great, well exept from it being in green. The RS has always been something that looks great, hopefully this car will follow its footsteps.

[Spiffu]

Nearly 300hp on a FWD, yeah...

Um torque steer much? Top gear already showed what happens in these kinds of setups.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=9VqdmiCIxSA

[Daggernite]

Well it looks good I guess. But 280bhp should be for a AWD car really. I think we all knew it would never happen. I say just buy ST model with the quife diff and new ecu, and you basically have the RS. Wolf tunning will get your ST to 500bhp if you want, and no doubt it will be cheaper than the over priced RS (lets face it, they always are) A all wheel drive system which they could have borrowed from volvo would have made this car.

[pitfield]

Shame it wont be a 4x4. There has been a 4 wheel drive P1 car before in the shape of the early V50, the didn't sell very well though.

[pagani]

Their a couple ford focus st's out there whit 300 hp or more
Example Focus ST3 GGR300 - YouTube

[HeilSvenska]

I'm sure Jost Capito knows what he's doing. He was the engineer behind the super-successful E30 M3 Touring Car. ;-)

[79TA]

sigh, I'll just keep hoping for an AWD version. At least some of the anti-torque steer technology has improved. Unfortunately, buyers in the fwd segment seem to measure hp by torque steer alone . . .

One would think Ford's excellent performance in WRC would give them the pieces necessary for a good awd evo/sti fighter.

[Mattk]

Looks very promising. FF hot hatches always have a soft spot in my car-lovin' heart.

[HeilSvenska]

July 23rd - British Motor Show

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[acs power]

OFFICAL:

The new Ford Focus will be presented this year to Latin American and USA customers, but European clients will always be naturally ahead of the rest of the world. A pretty good example of that is the new Ford Focus RS, scheduled to be officially presented at the 2008 edition of the British Motor Show. Although we will have to wait until July 22 to see it in metal and wheels, its first official pictures have been released today.

Besides the striking looks of the new hot hatch, which you can see with your own eyes in these pictures, the Focus RS, the second Focus to be honoured with this badge, will have 300 bhp and 410 Nm under its bonnet. Since development is still ongoing, there may even be a few extra horses to push this beautiful piece of machinery.

Although apparently aesthetical, most changes in the car respond to functional needs, such as the two bonnet louvres, needed to keep the turbocharged Duratec 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine in the right temperature, the wider wheel arches, for the 40 mm wider track, Recaro seats, for a better driving experience and so forth. The car is said to reach 100 km/h, from standstill, in under 6 s.

Since the car has kept its front wheel drive system, surely for cost reasons (although Ford claims the problem was the added weight), it had to count on some assistance to remain an obedient little car. That’s why Ford has equipped it with a Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing limited-slip differential, but this is just part of the package. The other part is what Ford calls “RevoKnuckle”, a new front suspension system that works with the Quaife differential in order to avoid torque steer.

If it has worked or not, in a 300 bhp front-wheel drive car, is something we will have to check for ourselves when the car is available for the press test-driving. After its introduction, the new Ford Focus RS will keep being developed to reach the streets, what will happen by the beginning of 2009. We only hope it will spread to other markets as well as the regular versions of the new Focus.


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[CarlZ]

pretty car, I like it :D

[Shilder]

Beatifull car :-)

[HeilSvenska]

Press release too long. I'll summarize.


The new Focus RS will go on sale in early 2009 and is being created by a small team of dedicated engineers, under the direction of Jost Capito, Ford of Europe's Vehicle Line Director for Performance Vehicles.

The vehicle is finished in a special bright green paint with inlaid metallic flake, a striking, modern interpretation of the 1970s Le Mans Green of the Escort RS1600 era.

Front and rear quarter panels have been revised to incorporate wider wheel arches and a wider track, complemented by revised, deeper side rocker mouldings.

At the rear, a deep new rear bumper incorporates a large venturi tunnel to its lower edge with small vents at each corner of the bumper, emphasizing the car's width.

Powerful RS heart

At the heart of the all-new Focus RS is a specially developed, turbocharged version of the Duratec 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine. Significantly revised for high performance, this powerplant is targeting an impressive power output of 300PS and over 410Nm of torque, contributing to an excellent power-to-weight ratio.

Such significant increases are not simply the result of altering engine management or boost pressure: starting with the Duratec 2.5-litre block, Ford RS engineers developed unique camshafts, a revised cylinder head and gasket and revised intake and exhaust manifold system for the car.

Although the car is still in development, prior to its launch in early 2009, early performance testing indicates a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) time of under six seconds.

A traction 'Revo'-lution

The new Ford Focus RS is equipped with an innovative front suspension system known as a 'RevoKnuckle', which is designed to reduce unwanted steering disturbance and torque steer, the impact of torque on steering in front-wheel driven vehicles.

In Focus RS, the RevoKnuckle works in conjunction with a Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing limited-slip differential. Ford Team RS engineers have worked closely with Ford's Advanced Research Centre in Aachen, Germany to develop the RevoKnuckle technology specifically for the high performance Focus RS. It allows the simplicity of a traditional McPherson strut arrangement, but with geometry settings that minimize steering disturbances and torque steer, principally a reduction in steering offset.

"As you would expect, we gave all-wheel-drive careful consideration, but by combining and tuning these elements and learning from Ford's expertise in industry-leading handling, we have managed to eliminate the weight of AWD from the car and still have been able to target a class-leading balance of traction, handling and performance.

"The result is a lightweight set-up, that will deliver the right blend of traction and razor sharp controllability – in a way no one would have expected from front-wheel-drive, and we believe we have made the right choice," Capito concluded.

Dynamic, agile and responsive

Driving quality developments for Focus RS include a 40mm wider track, stronger, longer driveshafts, revised springs and dampers and a thicker, longer rear anti-roll bar. At the same time, the steering system has been retuned to provide an even sharper steering response and very precise feedback.

Brakes also have been uprated, with 336mm ventilated front discs and 300mm rear discs generating vice-like stopping power on road or track. Large calipers peek out from behind unique 19-inch wheels, wrapped in 235/35 low profile Continental tyres.

A special version of Ford's ESP system has also been developed for Focus RS, designed to allow a very sporty driving style before activating. Intensive work to refine the natural handling abilities of the car has allowed the ESP system to carry a full de-activation option for enthusiast drivers and especially for track use.

"We are refining all the handling characteristics of Focus RS without ESP, to hone its natural responses, rather than use ESP to help its handling. In Focus RS, ESP is a pure safety device", explained Capito.

Full press release @ Ford
http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=28566