Rumormill Entry No. 3,256 - North America could get next-gen Ford Focus RS
2010 Ford Focus RS - Click above for a hi-res gallery
Could the North American market finally get the Ford Focus RS? According to the latest reports, it could happen. But not until after the next-generation model debuts in a couple of years. Like the new Fiesta, the next Focus is being developed as a global product, with the North American market in mind as much as those overseas. And with the amalgamation of Ford's performance divisions in the United States and Europe – SVT and Team RS, respectively – an RS version could reach American shores in a few years' time.
According to Automotive News, Ford's global performance guru Hermann Salebauch says the potential for a U.S.-market Focus RS depends entirely on demand. That is, if enough American buyers want an RS, it could happen. So what do you think, should Ford give its home market a smokin' hot hatch based on the next Focus? Leave your thoughts in the comments section because... well... who knows?
Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (green)
Gallery: Paris 2008: Ford Focus RS LIVE
[Source: Automotive News]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Evo-IX 1:33PM (4/06/2009)
I think i speak for most when i say... "about time."
Reply
zamafir 1:38PM (4/06/2009)
Really? was the MS3 really that bad? Sure, it'll be nice to have another stupid high hp fwd hatch but it's not as though ford hasn't offered us something under their umbrella of brands.
Evo-IX 1:41PM (4/06/2009)
well... if its awd all the better. we didnt get the cossie escort (I'm still bitter), ford still owes us one. haha
Jared 2:04PM (4/06/2009)
I agree with both of ya'll. the MS3 set the bar in alot of categories for performance and bang for the buck. Mazda is still doing it with their Mazda3's.
How much extra would it cost Ford to get these to the American market do you think? And judging by the amount of GTI's and other hot hatches that are appearing more and more often; I'd say the American market could use a new agressively styled hatch.
And when that day does come... I'll take mine in Black please. As long as it doesn't cost as much as a Scooby or Evo.
bn 2:18PM (4/06/2009)
Uh Zamafir,
This is not a MS3, simply because the Revoknuckle suspension makes all the difference (and the fact that it has 300hp). If you've read any of the reviews, almost every single one love the car and are amazed at how similar to an AWD car it drives.
It may not have the most excellent 0-60 times, but it can probably outhandle a lot of RWD cars. Lets wait for the ring times shall we...
Mazda FTW! 2:29PM (4/06/2009)
bn - I'm a bit jaded about "reviews" of Fords that come from UK. The MS3 is an amazing machine and quicker to 60 and most likely cheaper too.
I simply don't see too many people shelling out a lot of money for a tuned Ford hatch. And anyone who thinks it will cost 25K (USD) should go see the price Ford has set for the new Taurus(es).
Would I love to see that car here? ABSOLUTELY. I love hot hatches more than I love coupe/high-priced GT/sports-cars. But let's be real.
Chase 2:49PM (4/06/2009)
Don't forget, in europe, Mazda is known as the "cheap" alternative to Ford. Euro Fords have more put into their interiors, and in general have higher content.
If the RS was brought to America, it would be priced in the low 30s.
http://magazines.drivers-republic.com/driversrepublic/prizefight042/?fm=2
Before the RS, the Renault in that article used to be the fastest FWD production car in the world. Yes, faster than the MS3. Yes, faster than the SS/TC. Yes, faster than an STI. This RS is even quicker. The MS3 is not even in the same league.
Mazda FTW! 3:07PM (4/06/2009)
Chase I don't doubt you. I've read enougn Top Gear mags and picked the Citroen Xsara as my handling ride of choice in GT3 enough times to know all about rally-bred European hot-hatches.
Chris 3:22PM (4/06/2009)
To those talking about the MS3:
Here's one who won't buy that but WILL buy this. I've owned two Euro Fords in the past, and have no interest in ever owning a Mazda. I want a blue oval!
Chase 3:26PM (4/06/2009)
Are you going to pretend like you actually have a lot of experience with cars, or are you just going to continue to spout insults that an eight year old could better? And for the record, I'm trying to save up enough to run in SCCA spec miata next year in the mid-atlantic region. I suppose you wish you actually had any experience so you could retort, right? :)
Mazda FTW! 3:41PM (4/06/2009)
Chase - I dunno if that last comment was for me but I'm not sure exactly where I "insulted" you and my comment on GT3 was obviously tounge-in-cheek. Ease up.
SimbaDogg 4:44PM (4/06/2009)
seriously, this is the biggest no brainer decision for ford in the last 5 years. YES bring it. an NO it wont suck sales away from the mustang GT...they're two totallllly different types of customers
montoym 7:20PM (4/06/2009)
@ Rhawb:
No way this car will be even close to $25K, much less $20K. I know it's not correct to compare Euro prices, but at 25,740 GBP, that converts to $37K+ USD. Even taking out VAT(20%?) that still leaves a price over $30K USD. I don't see a way for Ford to bring the RS in its current form here for as low a price as most would expect.
The $30K hatchback market is not exactly filled with many cars and even fewer sales successes.
If they get the price down to $25K or so, expect the car to be different than the overseas RS, possibly just a Focus body with an MS3 powertrain.
Just what my semi-educated mind sees.
montoym 7:25PM (4/06/2009)
oops, wrong thread. Oh well, it still works here too.
Jake B 8:11PM (4/06/2009)
The news of no Scirocco for US might bode well for Focus RS sales here.
Bloke 10:35PM (4/06/2009)
"bn - I'm a bit jaded about "reviews" of Fords that come from UK. The MS3 is an amazing machine and quicker to 60 and most likely cheaper too." - Mazda FTW
This is exactly why the Ford Focus RS would be wasted in the US, much like the Mitsu Evo is.
Unlike the 3 MPS, the RS and the Evo were developed for rallying, not for drifters, Fast & Furious fans, or the generations of American "ricers". Rally enthusiasts are prepared to pay serious money for cars such as this. Since rallying remains a relative novelty in the US - indeed, many don't have any clue what the sport is - then I'm surprised Ford of Europe would waste its time exporting it to North America where people are after thrills on a budget.
GOT 9:45AM (4/08/2009)
Been wanting the Euro spec Focus bad. If they bring in here in a couple of years I'll take an RS in silver!
GOT 10:07AM (4/08/2009)
...or rather I'll take one in white (unless Ford makes it in silver too).
andy 3:38PM (5/08/2009)
sounds almost to good to be true, i highly doubt it
Reply
Pete 1:42PM (4/06/2009)
YES! YES! YES! Bring it in! I'd be happy to wait for it!
Pete
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