Autoblog

Loder1899 heats up Ford's already cookin' Focus RS

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Ford

Loder1899 Focus RS - click above image for hi-res gallery

Here at the Autoblog, we get accused of many things. From somehow making a living off of the Ford Mustang to dating other male journalists to "FAIL!" we've heard it all. In fact, we hear the latter a lot. One that particularly sticks in our collective craw is the accusation that we somehow prefer American aftermarket tuners to foreign ones. So untrue. It's really a matter of access, as in all the American tuners live here in America (where we do) and they let us drive their cars around. It's hard to do that when a PR budget is tiny and the car's in Dusseldorf. Also, sometimes, things are lost in translation -- we'll get to that later.

Case in point - here's a car we'd give canines and molars to drive - in stock form. Meet the Loder1899 Ford Focus RS. The oddly named German tuner took Ford's 300 horsepower hottie Focus and, to quote Emeril, kicked it up a notch by BAMMING the output to 345 hp. Which is exactly as much horsepower as the Porsche 928 was making in 1995, the last year of its run. And the Porsche had a 5.4-liter V8.

The Loder1899 Focus RS has but five cylinders, less than half the porker's displacement (a scant 2.5-liters and one humdinger of a turbocharger). However, they've added a Y-pipe for greater growling, a new air filter for better breathing and dropped the ride height by 35 mm (a bit more than an inch). The tires are filled with nitrogen and we love the wheels, too. Plus, they left the Insanity Green or whatever that color's called. Sounds and looks like this side of fantastic to us.

Oh, we promised you more the lost in translation part later on. Well, while Loder1899 has a whole bunch of information on their hopped up Ford Focus RS on their website, it's all in German. But we're living in 2009 baby - no problemo. Just run that stuff through Google's translator, right? Not exactly... world's first NSFW press release after the jump!

Gallery: Loder1899 Ford Focus RS

[Souce: Loder1899 via EVO]

Continue reading Loder1899 heats up Ford's already cookin' Focus RS

Loder1899 heats up Ford's already cookin' Focus RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Mexican Ford Focus commercial features familiar soundtrack, surprise ending

Chris Shunk — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Ford

Click above to watch the video after the jump

The Ford Focus is an automotive study in duality. Europeans get a really good, second generation version of Ford's C-segment wunderkind, while motorists here in the U.S. make do with an updated family based on the first-generation model. Actually, we call the second-gen Focus the "Euro" model, but the fact is that most of the free world receives the newer, superior model, while America waits patiently for the 2011 model to come hither. Our Mexican neighbors to the south have nothing to wait for, for in the land of Pancho Villa, the upgraded Focus is the Focus of record.

Beyond the jump is the latest commercial for the Focus, and it's a good one. For starters, Ford's marketing team chose some sweet tunes for the commercial's sound track. Here's a hint on the song: you'll want to wax vintage automobiles and paint acres of fencing as soon as you hear it.

The commercial appears to be some sort of Skip-Barber-meets-Tim-Burton driving school, with a Bourne Supremacy-style pursuit and an ass-kicking parallel parking job. At the end of the video, members of the Mexico viewing audience gets a quick glimpse of a lime green 2010 Focus RS in all its 300 horsepower glory. Hit the jump to view the video - and if you can't remember where you've heard that soundtrack before, watch the second video as well. Thanks for the tip, Miguel!

[Source: Ford via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Mexican Ford Focus commercial features familiar soundtrack, surprise ending

VIDEO: Mexican Ford Focus commercial features familiar soundtrack, surprise ending originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ford Focus RS falls short of record with 8:26 Nürburgring lap time

Noah Joseph — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Ford

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Point to point, the Ford Focus RS is touted as the fastest vehicle the company has ever made. It reportedly lapped Ford's Lommel test track in Belgium, where we had the chance to sample the second-fiddle Focus ST, faster than the Ford GT supercar. But it's still wasn't fast enough to set a new Nurburgring lap record for its class.

As promised, Ford took its latest hot hatch around the 'Ring in pursuit of the front-drive record currently held by the track-focused Renaultsport Megane R26.R, which set a blistering time of 8 minutes, 17 seconds. Ford's time? 8 minutes, 26 seconds. The session, which you can watch in the pair of videos after the jump, was held in conjunction with German car mag Sport-Auto, whose editor-in-chief Horst von Saurma-Jeltsch, a noted master of the Nordschleife, performed the driving duties. And while the Focus RS may have come up some nine seconds slower than the Renault, you can bet Ford will give it another shot or two before claiming defeat.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (green)

[Source: CarScoop]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ford Focus RS falls short of record with 8:26 Nürburgring lap time

VIDEO: Ford Focus RS falls short of record with 8:26 Nürburgring lap time originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Fifth Gear pits Ford Focus RS vs. Mitsubishi Evo X

Chris Paukert — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Mitsubishi, UK

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Yesterday, we showed you Fifth Gear's take on the new Audi R8 V10 - notable more for their footage of the gorgeous blue test car than for much in the way of actual performance driving and analysis. In an effort to correct that oversight, we've found you another clip of the UK television show that features not just one enthusiast car - but two cars, Ford's stonking new Focus RS and the Mitsubishi Evolution X. Better still, the fearsome twosome tangle on the track in a pair of tests with hot shoes Tiff Needell and BTCC champion Jason Plato at the wheel.

It's a scrap as the touring car scion takes on the rally-bred hero, so check out the front-drive versus all-wheel-drive pocket rocket madness after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (green)

[Source: Fifth Gear via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Fifth Gear pits Ford Focus RS vs. Mitsubishi Evo X

VIDEO: Fifth Gear pits Ford Focus RS vs. Mitsubishi Evo X originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ford passes on bringing current Focus RS to America

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Ford, UK, Specialty

UPDATE: Ford just wrote us to clarify that while the all-new Focus RS just introduced in Europe won't be for sale in the U.S., "Ford intends to bring some new RS' to the US (as we've already seen in the spy photos of the white car) to use as marketing assets for feedback from enthusiasts" and media.

Ford Focus RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

In an interview with Jost Capito, head of Ford's global performance, it came out that - yet again - the picture of the Focus RS above is the closest Americans will get to the Blue Oval's hottest hatch. As quoted in UK's Autocar magazine, Capito's exact words are: "Sadly, no. We'd like to, but the base car isn't homologated for North America, and that's too costly a job to carry out just for a niche vehicle like the RS."

Note that this doesn't contradict what was said last time - that the next-generation RS might come to the U.S. since the coming Focus is being developed as a global platform with North American federalization in mind. So let's put this one to bed so we can all get on with our lives and cease pining for the current Focus RS, shall we? We need to turn our attention now to pining for the next Focus RS...

Gallery: Paris 2008: Ford Focus RS LIVE

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Ford passes on bringing current Focus RS to America originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: World's Fastest Jet Pack vs. Ford Focus RS

John Neff — Tue, 12 May 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Humor

Click above to watch video after the jump

We're all for alternative forms of transportation here at Autoblog, and we're not just talking about hydrogen fuel cells and lithium ion batteries, either. We're talking jet packs! Eric Scott is a 46-year-old Go Fast! Jet Pack pilot from Denver who became the first jet-propelled man to cross the 1,053ft-wide Royal Gorge Canyon in his home state of Colorado last year. This past week he also became the fastest jet-propelled man alive when he was clocked going 68 mph at Knockhill Racing Circuit in Scotland. What better way to follow up a record-setting jet pack run than to drag race a Ford Focus RS? The impromptu race occurred at the circuit with BTCC champ Gordon Shedden behind the wheel of the lime green Focus RS. Who do you think won? We'll tell you now because it's not altogether obvious in the video after the jump. The jet-propelled man narrowly beat out the Focus, but considering Scott's rig can only carry 30 seconds worth of fuel, we think the Ford could take him with a little more road.

[Source: YouTube via TarMag]

Continue reading VIDEO: World's Fastest Jet Pack vs. Ford Focus RS

VIDEO: World's Fastest Jet Pack vs. Ford Focus RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Ford Focus RS spotted in Royal Oak, MI

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 04 May 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Ford

2009 Ford Focus RS spotted in Michigan - Click above for an image gallery

With reviews of the 2009 Ford Focus RS showing up in RSS feeds and mailboxes, Ford's Forbidden Fruit continues to taunt us from abroad. And then... this. Justin over at FocusFantatics was leaving dinner with the misses in Royal Oak, MI when he came across this brilliant white example of Ford's hottest hatch sitting on the street corner. Naturally, the large "M" in the middle of the Michigan license plate means that the 300 hp, front-wheel drive Focus is piloted by some lucky SOB under the employ of FoMoCo. It's in the U.S. for a reason, but don't get your hopes up - the Focus RS probably won't arrive Stateside until the next-generation arrives in 2012.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS spotted in Michigan

[Source: FocusFanatics]

2009 Ford Focus RS spotted in Royal Oak, MI originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 May 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill Entry No. 3,256 - North America could get next-gen Ford Focus RS

Noah Joseph — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Ford, Rumormill

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]

Rumormill Entry No. 3,256 - North America could get next-gen Ford Focus RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Focus RS heads to 'Ring in search of a class record

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Hatchback, Ford, Renault, Specialty

2010 Ford Focus RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Pretty soon, it seems like the start of Nürburgring lap time season will take its place on motorsports calendars the same way you find with Formula 1 and NASCAR. The 'Ring season officially began last week, and the title card pitted the 2009 Ford Focus RS against the Renaultsport Megane R26.R. The Ford's numbers are 297 hp and 324 lb-ft; the Renault posts 230 hp and 229 lb.-ft, and the Megane's time stands at 8:16.9 (not 8:12) on its Toyo track-friendly rubber.

For the first round, the detuned 250 hp Focus RS test car managed 8:27 on "standard Continental tires," so Ford is reportedly looking at the full-fat 297 hp car to do around 8:15. Word is if they can get that close, they'll consider adding the Toyo Cup tires to the customer options list, which could subtract at least three seconds from the Focus' time and allow it to take home the 'Ring trophy for hot hatches. Ford will be back at the 'Ring next week to give it a go. Cheating? Perhaps. Pointless? Maybe. Fun for us to watch? Definitely. Hat tip to yaroukh

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (blue)

Gallery: Renaultsport Megane R26.R

[Source: Driving Spirit]

Ford Focus RS heads to 'Ring in search of a class record originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will the new Focus be Ford's last RS?

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford, UK, Rumormill

Rumor has bubbled up that this latest Ford Focus RS will be the last. That, however, isn't the most outrageous part of the story - after all, just a couple of years ago there were rumors that the RS badge would disappear on the MkII. And the reasons for the rumor aren't wild, either: the cloudy state of world finances and the pressure of emissions laws means hi-po gas-powered rockets have no place to grow.

The most outrageous part of this rumor comes when it's written that "all the firm's focus will be on economical and eco-friendly vehicles such as hybrids and electric cars." Not some of Ford's attention, but all of Ford's attention. A Ford source apparently bolstered that by saying "it's likely to be the last car of this type you will see from Ford." Not just the last RS, but "the last car of this type."

We hope this is just a sales ploy, some planted hysteria to boost RS sales. Because if it isn't, and Ford really won't be doing any hot little cars, that will mean a far sadder state of affairs than merely the loss of the RS line. Unless, of course, Ford means that the next Focus RS will be 300 hp, 302 lb-ft... and electric?

[Source: iMotor Mag]

Will the new Focus be Ford's last RS? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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True Blue: First Focus RS rolls off Ford assembly line in Germany

Noah Joseph — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Ford

Click above for a high-res image gallery of the Ford Focus RS

Ford reconnected this week in earnest with the 38 year history of its RS badge when the first production Focus RS rolled off the assembly line in Germany. The 300 horsepower front-drive hot hatch is being built at Ford's Saarlouis plant, alongside the rest of the European-spec Focus line-up, but with the performance bits (including a trick differential) installed by a dedicated team of technicians.

The Focus RS is the most extreme performance version of the company's staple hatchback, taking the Focus ST we drove in Belgium as its point of departure, and then dialing it up to 11. Unfortunately, while 20 European countries are slated to receive the Focus RS when it hits the market in April, it isn't slated to reach the American market; at least not in its current incarnation. But with Ford's new focus (sorry) on integrating its products globally - including the merger of the European (TeamRS) and American (SVT) performance engineering divisions - maybe, just maybe, we could see an RS version of the next Focus Stateside.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (green)

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (blue)

[Source: Motor Authority]

True Blue: First Focus RS rolls off Ford assembly line in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Focus RS starting abroad at �24,995

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Ford

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Ford Focus RS

The 2009 Focus Rallye Sport has a price: £24,995 when it goes on sale in the UK in March. That will put you about £4,000 over a Focus ST3, but for that extra money you get a car that could be much closer to Ford's WRC competitor than it is to its ST3 sibling. The 300 horses and 325 ft-lbs is channeled through a six-speed manual to the front wheels, and a wider track joins beefier driveshafts, thicker anti-roll bars, tuned springs and uprated dampers.

The car comes with a bodykit that only an RS could wear, as well as things like heated door mirrors and windshield, xenon headlights, Recaros, and Ford's Easy Fill fueling system. Only a few options are available, the ritziest one being the Luxury Pack that will give you things like automatic climate control and rear parking sensors. Thankfully, based on how popular these cars are among the five-finger set, an alarm is also standard. You can check out the full release after the jump and the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (blue)

Continue reading Ford Focus RS starting abroad at �24,995

Ford Focus RS starting abroad at �24,995 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Ford Focus RS gets its blue on

John Neff — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Ford

Click above for high-res image gallery of the Ford Focus RS

The most popular car color in Europe may be Black, but the new Focus RS isn't one for blending in a crowd. Until now we've only seen images of the car in a bright, almost Kermit-like green color, but now thanks to iMotorMag.com based in the UK, we have a gallery's worth of new images that shows off the fastest Ford ever produced for Europe. iMotorMag tells us that we still have to wait until this Friday, December 12th, for official performance specs and pricing from Ford, but they do let slip the new RS will reach 62 mph in 5.9 seconds. That may not sound so fast for a car brandishing a 296bhp turbocharged five-cylinder engine, but remember that European Fords are famous for their balanced handling over brutal straight-line speed. That's why we're so excited Ford's turnaround plan for North America involves selling the next-gen European Focus here in the U.S. Maybe one day we'll know what it's like to drive the extroverted Focus RS. Until then, have fun in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (blue)

[Source: iMotorMag.com]

Pics Aplenty: Ford Focus RS gets its blue on originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford adds Focus Zetec S model in Europe... they can keep this one

Dan Roth — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Ford, UK

Click above for high-res gallery of the Ford Focus Zetec S

We're still ga-ga over the C1 Focus, but this one's moving the needle on the "meh"-o-meter. The Focus Zetec S is badged up and body-kitted, but otherwise a standard-issue Focus Zetec. Actually, while it's no RS, the Zetec and Zetec S are fine little cars offering a wide choice of powertrains in three- or five-door body styles that we'd be plenty pleased to cruise around in. Maybe we'd skip the optional WRC Pack that adds checkered flag decals to the rear quarter panels, but the 18-inch wheels in the Sport Pack might get our dollar...er, Euro. The S package is a pretty good deal, bundling a bunch of optional stuff together for less than half the price of selecting each item separately. While the Focus Zetec S is mostly a poseur, it's a far more attractive option, albeit one we cannot choose, than our solid-but-aged (not to mention strange looking) U.S. Focus. Follow the jump for Ford UK's press release and check out more angles in the gallery below.

Gallery: Ford Focus Zetec S

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford adds Focus Zetec S model in Europe... they can keep this one

Ford adds Focus Zetec S model in Europe... they can keep this one originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Live shots of the Ford Focus RS

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Ford

Click above for more live shots of the Ford Focus RS in Paris

Ford's new Focus RS has made its second European debut and we've managed to snag some live shots of the new car on the stand. Covered in Ultra Green paint as it is, we could hardly miss it. The new hue is meant to be "a modern interpretation of the 1970's Ford Le Mans Green." In that case, perhaps it should be called Grabber Green? Powered by a turbocharged Duratec 2.5L five-cylinder producing about 300 horsepower and 325 ft-lbs of torque, the new Focus RS is the fastest European Ford ever produced and can hit 60 mph in under six seconds. Front-wheel drive was chosen in lieu of all-wheel as the Blue Oval's 'RevoKnuckle' front suspension system along with the Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing limited-slip differential is said to remove all traces of torque steer. Expect to see the new Focus RS in European dealerships sometime in 2009.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Ford Focus RS LIVE

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (green)

Paris 2008: Live shots of the Ford Focus RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Now That's Fast: UK Ford dealers take 1000 orders for Focus RS

Noah Joseph — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Ford, UK

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the 2009 Ford Focus RS

The fastest piece of machinery ever devised by Ford of Europe, the highly anticipated Focus RS, just had its first public showing in London and is about to be officially unveiled in Paris next month. But with delivery expected to begin sometime next year, Ford dealers in the United Kingdom alone have already taken over 1,000 orders for the new hot hatch. Color options haven't even been officially announced yet - with only Electric Green, Electric Blue and Frozen White confirmed so far - but most customers have already specified their color choices.

We'll be on hand next month to bring you live shots of the new Focus Rallye Sport, so stay tuned. In the meantime, we've got a review of the Focus ST coming your way, plus a hi-res gallery of the Focus RS below and the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (green)

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Now That's Fast: UK Ford dealers take 1000 orders for Focus RS

Now That's Fast: UK Ford dealers take 1000 orders for Focus RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: 2009 Ford Focus RS revealed... again!

John Neff — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:20:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Ford

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Focus RS

Though it first debuted the 2009 Focus RS at the London Motor Show in July, Ford of Europe will do it again at the Paris Motor Show next month and today has given us even more info about the fastest European car to ever wear the Blue Oval badge. The '09 Focus RS is powered by a turbocharged Duratec 2.5L five-cylinder producing about 300 horsepower and 325 ft-lbs of torque and can reach 62 mph in less than six seconds on its way to a top speed of 162 mph. The front-wheel-drive pocket rocket will channel all that energy to the ground through a Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing limited-slip diff and what Ford calls the 'RevoKnuckle' front suspension. We couldn't explain how it works, but Ford found the system so effective at reducing torque steer that a heavier all-wheel-drive was taken off the table during development.

While we first saw the '09 Focus RS in July, Ford has released even more images of the car including details shots of the diffuser, hood louvers, wheels and fender vents. Ford has also revealed that in addition to 'Ultimate Green', buyers will be able to order their RS in Performance Blue and Frozen White. Those orders will be fulfilled sometime in early 2009 when the cars begin arriving in dealerships. Check out the new pics in our gallery below and read Ford's official press release after the jump for all the info you'd ever want to know about the 2009 Focus RS.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (green)

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Paris Preview: 2009 Ford Focus RS revealed... again!

Paris Preview: 2009 Ford Focus RS revealed... again! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Let the leakage begin: Ford Focus RS concept

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows

Click either image for a high-res gallery of the Ford Focus RS.

We've been teased twice and now we finally get our first unmasked glimpse of the Ford Focus RS concept, due to debut at the London Motor Show next month. Images of the gaudy green hatch have begun to surface on a few sites across the pond, and the aggressive body work and racy interior mean that Ford's hottest hatch has to be packing some serious kit underhood. It is.

The Focus RS will be equipped with a tweaked version of the turbocharged Duratec 2.5-liter inline-five found in the ST, and will send between 280 and 300 hp, along with 300+ lb.-ft. of torque, through the front wheels via a six-speed gearbox equipped with a Quaife limited-slip differential. With that kind of power, the RS should be able to make the run to 60 in less than six seconds - assuming you don't torque-steer yourself into a tree in the process.

The dynamic body kit, complete with gaping maw, flared fenders, side sills, rear diffuser and wing, and unfortunate fender vents, compliments the lowered ride height, 19-inch, 15-spoke wheels and upgraded brakes. Inside, color-matched, two-tone Recaro thrones join an RS-specific instrument cluster and smaller diameter steering wheel.

More information should be released in the run-up to the show. As always, watch this space.

Gallery: Leakage: Ford Focus RS

[Source: Autoblog Spanish - Translated]

Let the leakage begin: Ford Focus RS concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Focus RS info emerges after internet leaks

Dan Roth — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:53:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows, Specialty

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford Focus RS

In the magical lands where the Focus looks cool, otherwise known as Europe, new images of the hotrod 2009 Focus RS have had enthusiasts atwitter the last few days. While the images are clearly 'chops - the wheels and backgrounds look like they're in high speed motion, while the tire tread is statue-still - they're reportedly legitimate mockups that were used to illustrate internally how the car might look. Ford confirmed their legitimacy today when it released two more photos of an actual Focus RS prototype along with a press release. The two new pics show the RS prototype racing around the Nurburgring where it's being tested ahead of its launch in 2009. The press release confirms that the RS will be powered by a Duratic 2.5L engine that's turbocharged to produce 280 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Ford also claims it's got torque steer for this pocket rocket in check with a new front-wheel-drive system and limited-slip differential. As for the design, we'll get to see it for the first time at the 2009 London Motor Show in late July. Check out both the photoshopped pics and Ford's two official pics in our gallery below and read the official press release for yourself after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS

[Source: Ford, CarTribe via Carscoop]

Continue reading 2009 Focus RS info emerges after internet leaks

2009 Focus RS info emerges after internet leaks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top Gear renders the Focus RS

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows, UK

The arrival of the production version of the Focus RS won't be happening until 2009, but during the London Motor Show in July, we'll get our first glimpse of Ford's newest road rocket. Top Gear conjured up some unofficial renderings of what the new RS would look like based on the teaser image that was released earlier this year, and by all accounts, it's mix of restrained aggression and planted purposefulness hits all the right spots and leaves us even more frustrated that we won't be seeing it here in the States.

As for output, informed speculation still pegs the RS as making around 280-300 hp from its turbocharged, inline five-cylinder and sending that grunt to the front wheels. Ford has decided to opt out of equipping the RS with an all-wheel-drive system - something that may prove problematic if it still wants to compete with the Evo and STI - but Ford is assuring enthusiasts that a semi-active limited-slip differential will keep torque steer in check.

[Source: Top Gear]

Top Gear renders the Focus RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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