FORD Focus RS Confirmed

[csv8]

"Good news! Ford has confirmed that it is working on an all-new Focus RS hot hatch.

It will form one of 12 new performance vehicles built for ‘global enthusiasts' by the year 2020, under the Blue Oval's new ‘Ford Performance' team.

Raj Nair, Ford group vice president of global product development, confirmed that the range-topping hot hatch will return "to customers in major markets around the world for the first time" - meaning everyone on planet earth will be able to access the RS.

Naturally, powertrain details at this stage haven't been revealed, but considering the current ST runs a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder packing 250bhp, we'd expect Ford to use the 2.3-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost engine as featured in the new Mustang (the last RS remember, used a 2.5-litre five-pot).

And because the new RS is entering a very different hot hatch landscape, a power output of at least 330bhp to 340bhp would be a safe bet. The Merc A45 AMG packs 360bhp from it's turbo'd four-pot, while the new Audi RS3 is expected to pack at least this much from it's 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine.

Ford has also promised that the new Focus RS will be a fighty bugger. "To earn the RS badge," explains Nair, "the vehicle has to be a no-compromise driver's car that can deliver exceptional performance on the track when required while providing excellent every day driving."

It'll most likely be front-wheel-drive, Ford no doubt utilising its experience from the last Focus RS's RevoKnuckle technology to somehow make the power a more manageable lump.

We will of course, bring you more as we get it, but the bigger picture stands like this: Ford's SVT, Team RS and Racing teams will unify under the Ford Performance team banner, to serve "as an innovation laboratory and test bed to create unique performance vehicles, parts, accessories and experiences for customers." Does this open up the potential of more Ford-approved performance upgrades? We'd think so

"Ford still races for the same reasons Henry Ford did in 1901," said Nair. "The Ford Performance team will continue to pursue performance innovation, ensuring we can deliver even more coveted performance cars, utilities and trucks to customers around the world."

Let battle commence..." http://www.TOPGEAR.com/…/new-ford-fo...-2014-1…

I know its on the Focus page....I posted it here as some of us might not go to the FOCUS page....

[DJM83]

The same old too many doors, not enough cylinders blah blah blah. Same happened when the MK3 ST was released. We in OZ know no different as ST was never available as a 3 door, but RS was.

Even though im a massive Volvo 5 cylinder fan im excited seeing what ford will do with the 2.3 EB4.

Bring it on i say
Im looking forward to this car.

[deesun]

"Ford still races for the same reasons Henry Ford did in 1901," said Nair. "The Ford Performance team will continue to pursue performance innovation, ensuring we can deliver even more coveted performance cars, utilities and trucks to customers around the world."

But we are out of V8s.

[1TUFFUTE]

Originally Posted by DJM83

The same old too many doors, not enough cylinders blah blah blah. Same happened when the MK3 ST was released. We in OZ know no different as ST was never available as a 3 door, but RS was.

Even though im a massive Volvo 5 cylinder fan im excited seeing what ford will do with the 2.3 EB4.

Bring it on i say
Im looking forward to this car.

I too am veeeery excited too see what they do....or rather what they feel is the next acceptable performance level for the RS.....considering the market! That's what I can't wait for!

[FPV GTHO]

I still wouldve liked to see them move the RS attention over to the Fiesta to match what theyve been using in rallying for the past few years now.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by FPV GTHO

I still wouldve liked to see them move the RS attention over to the Fiesta to match what theyve been using in rallying for the past few years now.

They could still do one I guess? It would be a good idea, then they would have all bases covered.

The Fiesta ST is around $30K, what price would people be willing to pay for a Fiesta RS? Around $40K mark?

[XR Martin]

They'll have to do something with the Fiesta as the 2015 Polo GTI now has 141kw/320nm

[malazn mafia]

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

They'll have to do something with the Fiesta as the 2015 Polo GTI now has 141kw/320nm

They should build and sell Ken Block's Fiesta as a factory special edition.

[FPV GTHO]

Would a Fiesta RS get by without IRS though?

[Stefan]

They won't win much market share from Merc, VW, Audi etc if they don't sort out an auto option.

Here is hoping.

[335JET]

with 350 hp i think they should go down the AWD route.

[damo6]

There's an RS from the last batch brought into the country a few yrs ago for sale at my local dealer for 50g! Correct me if I'm wrong but weren't they 60g odd new? Seems a bit steep for second hand. Cashing in on collectablility probably

[Anchor]

Originally Posted by deesun

"Ford still races for the same reasons Henry Ford did in 1901," said Nair. "The Ford Performance team will continue to pursue performance innovation, ensuring we can deliver even more coveted performance cars, utilities and trucks to customers around the world."

But we are out of V8s.

You must be stuck thinking everything revolves around Australia.

[335JET]

i think more like $70k brand new and there only 300 or so brought here, they really should have brought more here cause they sold out quiet quickly, if its low km he may still get that price, but with this new one comming and the new 4cylinder mustang on its way, the prices may come down a bit more.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by FPV GTHO

Would a Fiesta RS get by without IRS though?

Even in factory spec povvo model like my WS they handle really well, IRS would be nice for a bit of comfort but we're talking the modern variant of the Festiva here so saving $$$ in manufacture, you could still get by with the solid rear and still make a really well handling car, I haven't driven an ST Fiesta but given how my WS drives the ST would be like a go-kart I reckon and an RS one would be insane.

Maybe if they made the RS Fiesta it could have the 2L Ecoboost engine with the 177KW tune the Mondeo has?

Is there physically any size difference between the 1.6/2.0/2.3L Ecoboost engines?

[FPV GTHO]

Can they get the beam axle to pick up a rear wheel and have throttle off oversteer like the IRS equipped Focus?

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by FPV GTHO

Can they get the beam axle to pick up a rear wheel and have throttle off oversteer like the IRS equipped Focus?

Check out the Fiesta ST thread on the forum, some of the guys in there mentioned it was pretty easy to get it to oversteer if they backed off the throttle.

[raised by monkeys]

Originally Posted by Stefan

They won't win much market share from Merc, VW, Audi etc if they don't sort out an auto option.

Here is hoping.

Agreed, and even if a 4wd version emerged it would still take years of refinements to be seen competitive against evos and wrx's

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by deesun

"Ford still races for the same reasons Henry Ford did in 1901," said Nair. "The Ford Performance team will continue to pursue performance innovation, ensuring we can deliver even more coveted performance cars, utilities and trucks to customers around the world."

But we are out of V8s.

Didnt know ford only raced V8SC. ...

[XR Martin]

Originally Posted by raised by monkeys

Agreed, and even if a 4wd version emerged it would still take years of refinements to be seen competitive against evos and wrx's

Yeah because Ford has never made any 4wd cars before

I also suspect Ferrari and Porsche said that when the GT40 came out too

PS. Mitsu Evo is on death row.

[Maka]

Originally Posted by BOSS 4LTR

with 350 hp i think they should go down the AWD route.

If the next RS starts making 400 + hp, might be time for a hero 4wd from Ford & keep fwd at its top power level as a mid spec?

cheers, Maka

[raised by monkeys]

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

Yeah because Ford has never made any 4wd cars before

I also suspect Ferrari and Porsche said that when the GT40 came out too

PS. Mitsu Evo is on death row.

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How many small 4wd vehicles have ford made post the mid 90's?

My comment was regards to the RS being made available in 4wd format, not fords inability to develop 4wd vehicles. Im talking about ford becoming competitive against other manufacturers, particularly those of small 4wd vehicles on an international scale.

[photn]

I doubt they will use the 2.3 - i will be extremely suprised to see a 2.3T in the RS, it will more than likely still be a 2.0 with new internals and bigger turbo, its how they have always done it.

Will be FWD also and it will be a 4door.

i would say look at 350bhp area.

Just my Opinion.

[LeadFoot81]

Originally Posted by FPV GTHO

Can they get the beam axle to pick up a rear wheel and have throttle off oversteer like the IRS equipped Focus?

They already have. Dat oversteer tho!

[1TUFFUTE]

I too would love to see ford develope any of there allready great small car packages into an AwD little monster. Just come out swinging I say