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Ford Focus RS: To Hot For America?
An all new Ford Focus will be making its US debut in 2011 as a 2012 model. That car is already being sold in Europe as well as in Mexico, but its US and Canadian debut will come last. But one souped up version of the Focus isn't likely to be included when the car goes on sale here and that model is the Focus RS, a pocket rocket like none other offered stateside.
Potent RS
The Ford Focus RS has been grabbing the attention of pocket rocket enthusiasts since its 2008 debut. While the Lancer Evolution and kick-ass versions of the Civic and Mazda3 have found their places in the hearts of aftermarket renovators, Ford has been absent. That's because the Focus sold in the US is comparatively dull and uninspiring with little room for the imagination to transform this ugly duckling into an attractive, speedy swan.
Ford of Europe and Ford Americas have been selling two entirely different Focus models for most of the past decade, but that will soon end when the European version of the Focus debuts in 2011. We're expecting a four cylinder model while Europe will continue to be able to choose from gas and diesels fours as well as the outrageously potent 2.5 I5, a turbo-charged engine borrowed from Volvo.
RS Defined
So exactly what is the Ford Focus RS? It is a sport version of the global compact car powering Ford's market aspirations. More specifically, it is a three door hatchback sitting on oversized 19-inch wheels and achieving 305 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft of torque. Yeah, all this power in such a small car makes the Ford Focus RS a real scream machine especially since it is also paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
Powered by its front wheels, a limited-slip differential keeps the Focus RS on course, allowing it to take on twisty roads with the certainty of an all wheel drive model with its patented front suspension limiting torque steer. In other words, the RS handles much better than expected while also delivering on the promise of mind blowing performance.
Mustang Competitor
Yes, this model can beat several versions of the Mustang around the track, offering a very good blend of performance and fuel efficiency to boot. European numbers are 0 to 100KM (62mph) in just 5.9 seconds with a top speed, get this, of 164 mph!
Among the amenities offered by the Ford Focus RS are Recaro bucket seats, sport accents, brushed aluminum trim, rear spoiler, Ford and "RS" logos throughout, black trimmed roof lining, turbo pressure gauge and more.
Although Ford says that the RS won't be headed to the US, a similar model, the Ford Focus SVT likely is. Not much is known about this model other than to say that most experts believe that is will parallel the RS when it goes on sale worldwide in 2012. Right now Ford is being coy about its plans, perhaps not wanting to steal thunder from its next upcoming model, the subcompact Ford Fiesta, slated to go on sale late this spring.
Potent RS
The Ford Focus RS has been grabbing the attention of pocket rocket enthusiasts since its 2008 debut. While the Lancer Evolution and kick-ass versions of the Civic and Mazda3 have found their places in the hearts of aftermarket renovators, Ford has been absent. That's because the Focus sold in the US is comparatively dull and uninspiring with little room for the imagination to transform this ugly duckling into an attractive, speedy swan.
Ford of Europe and Ford Americas have been selling two entirely different Focus models for most of the past decade, but that will soon end when the European version of the Focus debuts in 2011. We're expecting a four cylinder model while Europe will continue to be able to choose from gas and diesels fours as well as the outrageously potent 2.5 I5, a turbo-charged engine borrowed from Volvo.
RS Defined
So exactly what is the Ford Focus RS? It is a sport version of the global compact car powering Ford's market aspirations. More specifically, it is a three door hatchback sitting on oversized 19-inch wheels and achieving 305 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft of torque. Yeah, all this power in such a small car makes the Ford Focus RS a real scream machine especially since it is also paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
Powered by its front wheels, a limited-slip differential keeps the Focus RS on course, allowing it to take on twisty roads with the certainty of an all wheel drive model with its patented front suspension limiting torque steer. In other words, the RS handles much better than expected while also delivering on the promise of mind blowing performance.
Mustang Competitor
Yes, this model can beat several versions of the Mustang around the track, offering a very good blend of performance and fuel efficiency to boot. European numbers are 0 to 100KM (62mph) in just 5.9 seconds with a top speed, get this, of 164 mph!
Among the amenities offered by the Ford Focus RS are Recaro bucket seats, sport accents, brushed aluminum trim, rear spoiler, Ford and "RS" logos throughout, black trimmed roof lining, turbo pressure gauge and more.
Although Ford says that the RS won't be headed to the US, a similar model, the Ford Focus SVT likely is. Not much is known about this model other than to say that most experts believe that is will parallel the RS when it goes on sale worldwide in 2012. Right now Ford is being coy about its plans, perhaps not wanting to steal thunder from its next upcoming model, the subcompact Ford Fiesta, slated to go on sale late this spring.
