Spy shots: Ford Focus RS

[vexor]

As can be seen on these photos, Ford’s racing team is busy developing the hottest version of the Focus model range, the new RS. Almost on the last day of cold weather testing season, Ford came out with this prototype for a short test drive on a frozen lake in Sweden. The test car has visibly big air intakes in the hood and stretched wheel arches to cover running gear from Volvo S60R saloon. As well as the four-wheel-drive transmission, the Focus RS also gets the S 60 R‘s turbocharged 5 cyl. engine, this one with a bigger turbo, estimated to deliver around 300 HP. However, Ford is expected to limit the performance car’s top speed to approximately 155 mph. Not much has been said about the release of the new RS, rumours suggest a launch by the end of 2007 and a price tag of 25.000 British Pounds.

Finally Ford got around to making this car... but now it looks very conservative for what it is.

[redbaron]

I already read about this news in the newspaper this morning. I think it is good news Ford is finally building an RS as they have already promised of the Focus Mk1. However this new RS isn't released yet, so they could do the old RS trick again and we end up with a 2wd 250bhp car instead of a 4wd 300bhp rally car....

[taygunho]

St is really good car. Rs would be better. Can't wait...

[McLaren4eVa]

Finally was wondering where this was when they released the ST. 300BHP and 4WD, the Golf R32 Only has 250BHP with 4WD so this things gonna blow its doors off.

[noliebro]

if only they would give us that one in america, still cant believe we have the old chasis over here, and they wonder why they are not selling them. :roll:

[RF1]

Ford is rumoured to be considering a 350bhp, four-wheel-drive, six-cylinder turbocharged proposal for the next-generation Focus RS.

Three different versions of the engine are planned: a base naturally aspirated 3.2-litre and a pair of performance-oriented turbocharged 3.0-litre units. The former receives variable cam timing (VCT) on the inlet valves, with the latter two adopting a system operating both the inlet and exhaust valves as well as a variable-vane Garrett turbocharger. In 3.2-litre guise, the new six-cylinder produces 235bhp at 6000rpm along with 236lb ft of torque at 3500rpm – an increase of 38bhp and 26lb ft over Volvo’s current 2.9-litre engine. The turbocharged units deliver 285bhp and 295lb ft in light-pressure guise, with the high-pressure unit pumping out a BMW M3-beating 350bhp and 332lb ft. It’s this latter specification that Ford’s Motorsport boss, Jost Capito, may use to thrust the Blue Oval back to the very top of the European hot-hatch ranks. If Ford’s plans come to fruition, the new RS will boast a whopping 133bhp and 96lb ft more than the upcoming Focus ST, whose turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine generates 217bhp along with 236lb ft of torque.

[dutchmasterflex]

This better be AWD with atleast 300hp...

[corpse_grinder0]

the specs dont seem bad, but I still think the car is ugly.

[gucom]

i like it this car is way overdue, glad they're finally making it...but 6 cylinders would ruin everything indeed, stick to the rally heritage and make it 4 also im not sure if a 6 cylinder engine wouldnt be way too heavy...with car mags complaining about understeer and a heavy nose in the focuses with 5cylinder engines, would the 4WD make up for enough to compensate the extra weight?

[davide]

Hot hatches are always welcome, a good car to use every day but with a little more punch

[leo_26782]

Originally Posted by Ronin005 Originally Posted by dani_d_mas 6-cylinders?? quite dissapointing to be honest... I thought they would use a 2.0... or 2.5 at most, 4-pot turbocharged engine, just like the rallyecar, or the Lancer Evo or the Impreza STi - a 6-cylinder makes this car a hatch for posers, like the 130i or the R32 - not a real racing-focused type of car couldnt of said it any better!! 6banger will ruin everything about the car!! 2.0 or 2.5l the max and 4 bangger only!!

Not over 2.0 for me

I am sure it will be a great car, but this is not what should be built using the WRC image to sell :x

[McLaren4eVa]

3.2 liters well i guess it doesn't really stick to the tradition of hot hatches, small fun to drive cars which have a very sensible fuel consumption fugures. But i guess Ford want to build the ultimate hatch and bo does it look good with the ST body kit.

[vexor]

** Bump **

New pics - Oct. 20, '06

[fsandys]

Originally Posted by McLaren4eVa But i guess Ford want to build the ultimate hatch

Even if that was the case it surely won't be a match for the upcoming RS3 which it will be in the firing line of.

Although, it'll probably be alot cheaper!!

[TopGearNL]

Hope they will make. Looking at how the ST is, this will certainly be a stunning car