Autoblog

Ford will probably never offer two RS models at the same time

Zach Bowman — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 08:45:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Ford

Autocar has some sour news for fans of go-fast Ford products. According to Roelant de Waard, Ford's president of marketing in Europe, the automaker will probably never offer more than one RS performance model for sale at the same time. That statement runs contrary earlier rumblings that suggested Ford would launch its next-generation Focus RS in 2015 and follow the hatch with a spate of other vehicles with an RS badge. But de Waard has made it clear that Ford of Europe is now focused squarely on the next Mustang, even though there may be more RS models on the way eventually.

"What is clear is that the RS shouldn't be a series, or a car badge that we have in our portfolio all the time. It is an extreme car - something more than ST," he said.

That philosophy makes plenty of sense. We loved the old Focus RS - shown above in RS500 trim - because it was generally bonkers and plenty exclusive. Diluting either aspect is sure to end in disappointment for everyone involved.

Ford will probably never offer two RS models at the same time originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Focus RS could get 350-hp EcoBoost, E-diff

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Ford

We may have to make due with the Focus ST here in the United States (note: we are not complaining), but an even hotter version - the Focus RS - has historically been quite a hit in Europe. And according to a report in Auto Express, the next-generation RS should be one hot little number when it launches in 2014.

Rather than simply turning the ST's 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four up to 11, Ford's European performance division - Team RS - will likely use a larger-displacement mill for development of the hotter-than-hot Focus. The most likely candidate is a new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine - rumored to be shared with the 2015 Mustang - that will produce around 350 horsepower.

Ford will likely offer the Focus RS with a six-speed manual transmission, but engineers have not ruled out the possibility of using a version of the company's PowerShift dual-clutch 'box. The main concern from Team RS is that using a DCT will add weight, though the engineers understand that the trend in this segment is to use dual-clutch gearboxes.

Auto Express reports that the new Focus RS will retain its front-wheel-drive architecture, but Ford is already working on new technologies to reduce the sort of squirreliness that comes with sending that much power to a car's front wheels. An active limited-slip differential - an E-diff - would "really optimise traction in all situations," according to Team RS powertrain engineering manager Len Urwin.

It's unclear whether or not the Focus RS will come to the US, despite the company's One Ford global product strategy. When it launches in Europe, Auto Express expects the RS to retail for about 25,000 pounds - just shy of $40,000 based on current exchange rates.

Ford Focus RS could get 350-hp EcoBoost, E-diff originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Nov 2012 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Ford Focus RS could see 330 horsepower

Zach Bowman — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Europe, Hatchback, Ford

Here's some fun news. Auto Express reports the next-generation Ford Focus RS could pack as much as 330 horsepower courtesy of a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. That's a substantial jump over the 247 hp found in the new Focus ST. Matthias Ton, the chief program engineer for global performance cars at Ford, admits the turbo 2.0-liter in the ST is too close to its power ceiling to glean any more grunt without a substantial revision of the turbo and fuel systems. If Ford decides to build another Focus RS, Ton continues, the hotter hatch will bow with a variant of the Ecoboost 2.3-liter.

The last generation RS hit showrooms with 301 horsepower from a turbo 2.5 five-cylinder, though the special-edition RS500 shown above poured 345 horsepower to the front wheels. Auto Express reports that if Ford does build the more aggressive RS, it will likely touch down with a new mechanical limited slip differential to help keep the car pointed straight and handle regular track abuse.

Next Ford Focus RS could see 330 horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Could Ford's Fiesta RS outmuscle Focus RS production hopes?

Jeff Sabatini — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 19:01:00 EST

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

While we wait patiently for the fall launch of the 2013 Ford Focus ST - and for Ford to decide whether the U.S. market is worthy of the three-door Fiesta ST - our English-speaking friends overseas are consumed with other worries. Like whether the next Focus RS will, in fact, be a Fiesta.

Autocar says Ford still hasn't decided what form the next generation of its ultrahatch will take, and that it is weighing the pros and cons of using both models for the next RS. On the one hand, the Fiesta is already being campaigned in the World Rally Championship with RS badging. The pint-sized hatchback is also available as a three-door (although not in the U.S.), a bodystyle that is reportedly viewed as more befitting an RS model. But the larger Focus will likely fetch larger profits, not to mention being more suitable for sale in the States, Autocar guesstimates.

Hey, at this point, we'll take either. Or both.

Could Ford's Fiesta RS outmuscle Focus RS production hopes? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2015 Ford Focus RS to get five doors, turbo four and active noise cancellation

Noah Joseph — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST

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

Engines keep getting smaller, but that doesn't mean they're getting weaker. Case in point: Ford, which is developing a new 2.3-liter four with turbocharging and direct injection. It's rumored to go into the Mustang in a couple of years, but sources from across the pond (read: Hot Hatch country) expect it to power the next Focus RS.

The engine would crank out at least 320 horsepower, and replace the 2.5-liter inline-five that Ford borrowed from Volvo (from which it has since divested) for the previous Focus RS. If you're worried that a turbo four would lack the roar of the previous five, Ford is reportedly preparing to equip the new Focus RS with active noise cancellation and pipe in sound to replace it.

Ford is reportedly ruling out the all-wheel drive you'd expect from other hot hatches like the Subaru WRX or Volkswagen Golf R, due to high weight and cost, in favor of the RevoKnuckle torque-steer compensation system found in the previous Focus RS, and similar to the systems used in the Renaultsport Megane and Vauxhall Astra VXR.

Since the new Focus has yet to appear in any form other than four-door sedan, five-door wagon or five-door hatch, Top Gear expects the new Focus RS to pack five doors where the previous model had three.

2015 Ford Focus RS to get five doors, turbo four and active noise cancellation originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford confirms next-gen Focus RS

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Ford, Australia

We're waiting patiently - very patiently - for the 2012 Focus ST to show up in the showroom of our local Ford dealership. Meanwhile, our friends around the world have been able to play with the top-tier Focus RS, and they're already waiting on the next generation. They won't have to wait much longer, though, as Ford in Australia has reportedly confirmed the next-gen RS.

The current Focus RS boasts 300 horsepower, all of which is sent to the front wheels. It sounds like a recipe for an intense forearm workout, but the Focus RS utilizes the revoknuckle front suspension setup to quell torque steer. Ford insists they can push power figures higher, and the next generation RS will aim to prove just that.

Look for the current RS' Volvo-sourced, turbocharged, 2.5-liter inline-five to be replaced with a higher-output version of the company's 2.0-liter EcoBoost four - the same engine that we'll be getting in the less-powerful Focus ST. As for exact power numbers, Ford's Australian bosses have said that output numbers as high as 350 or 380 hp are possible.

Ford confirms next-gen Focus RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: EVO pits Audi RS3 vs. Subaru WRX STI Spec C vs. Ford Focus RS vs... Ferrari Enzo?!

Zach Bowman — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, Hatchback, Audi, Ford, Subaru, Ferrari

Evo Magazine hot hatch comparison - Click above to watch video after the jump

Occasionally, we can't help but think we were born in the wrong corner of the globe. With our penchant for diesel fuel, wagons, hatchbacks and forced-induction four-cylinders, something tells us we would have been right at home growing up on the old continent.

Why all this musing on our misplaced youth? The boys at Evo Magazine have just released a new teaser video for the rag's upcoming issue, and the cover story is rife with all sorts of metal we don't get to play with here in the Land of the Free. The editors lined up three of the meanest hatchback bruisers available in the EU and matched them up against a mighty Ferrari Enzo. That's right, an Enzo. Go big or go home, fellas.

The contenders include a Ford Focus RS, a Subaru WRX STI Spec C and the blistering new Audi RS 3 Sportback. For those of you who are keeping score, our chubby Yank hands won't even get close to touching any of that hardware in our neck of the woods. How'd the three musketeers stand up to the might Italian stallion? Your guess is as good as ours. We'll have to pick up the next Evo Magazine to find out. In the meantime, check out the video after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Georgian!

[Source: EVO via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: EVO pits Audi RS3 vs. Subaru WRX STI Spec C vs. Ford Focus RS vs... Ferrari Enzo?!

Video: EVO pits Audi RS3 vs. Subaru WRX STI Spec C vs. Ford Focus RS vs... Ferrari Enzo?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Ken Block crashes his Ford Focus RS

Chris Shunk — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Ford, Racing

Click above to watch the video after the jump

We can't seem to get enough of Ken Block's Gymkhana videos. The skill and exactness necessary to entertain us for but a few minutes of magical drifting confounds us, but the formula that leads to success for Block and his crew comes down to plenty of practice and preparation. And if practice is needed to create a few well-planned stunts, just imagine how much work goes into competing in Rally GB. As this post-jump video proves, even Ken Block can lose control.

In the footage, Block is, along with co-driver Alex Gelsomino, testing his Ford Focus RS rally car at the M-Sport proving grounds in some pretty inhospitable conditions. The dirt trail is covered with a few inches of slush, while the surrounding terra firma is coated with a hefty helping of snow. Block's in-car camera shows the world-class driver slicing and dicing through the challenging course with relative ease until... well, until he loses control. Hit the jump to watch the video yourself. The incident occurs at about 1:45 into the clip, followed by a second shot at the carnage courtesy of a second camera mounted to the driver side rear quarter panel. Thankfully, it appears both driver and navigator were uninjured and the team lived to race another day - with another car.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Ken Block crashes his Ford Focus RS

Video: Ken Block crashes his Ford Focus RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Woodward: Ford display takes over 9 Mile and Woodward

Chris Shunk — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, Misc. Auto Shows

Woodward 2010 - Click above for the high-res image gallery

Ford always comes strong at the Woodward Dream Cruise, and this year the corner of 9 Mile and Woodward is a packed as ever. And of the dozens and dozens of vehicles on display, most every model was of the Mustang variety. Ford brought along plenty of GTs and GT500s, along with a few spanking new examples of the 2012 Boss Mustang Then of course there are the many legacy Mustangs of decades past, supplied by Ford, its employees and, we're presuming, a few Mustang fan clubs.

But while the Mustang is the heart of The Blue Oval's Woodward lineup, Ford brought along some of its newer models to show off, as well. On hand were the 2011 Edge Flex Titanium and the recently unveiled 2011 Explorer. Small cars were also on display, with a stickered-up Fiesta and a pair of totally hot lime green samples of the Focus RS. Jump into the gallery below to enjoy the view of Ford Motor Company at the 2010 Woodward Dream Cruise.

Gallery: Ford display takes over Ferndale: 2010 Woodward

2010 Woodward: Ford display takes over 9 Mile and Woodward originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Aug 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Next Focus RS to get all-wheel drive with electric motors

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Hatchback, Ford, Rumormill

Despite driving only the front wheels, reviewers have heaped praise on the current Ford Focus RS's handling and its ability to put 300 horsepower to the road thanks to some nifty suspension and driveline tricks. However, when the next-generation RS rolls into town (assuming that it becomes a reality) it may well have all-wheel-drive courtesy of an electric motor driving the rear axle.

According to Autocar, the proposed car would use a higher output version of the Blue Oval's 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder driving the front wheels and an electric motor at the rear. This would allow for both on-demand all-wheel-drive and electric-only drive at low speeds. If this plan proceeds, it would be Ford's first through-the-road hybrid, although French automaker Peugeot has firm plans to introduce at least two vehicles with a similar configuration in 2011.

Other alternatives reportedly being studied by Ford are an even higher output gasoline engine (sans motor assistance), or use of the next-generation power-split hybrid that debuts in 2012. However, both of these options would involve sticking with front-wheel-drive and could be problematic if Ford wants to surpass the output of the current RS.

[Source: AutoCar]

Rumormill: Next Focus RS to get all-wheel drive with electric motors originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford of France releases 5 special edition Focus RS Le Mans editions

Zach Bowman — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:31:00 EST

Ford Focus RS Le Mans Editions - Click above for high-res image gallery

Across the pond, Ford is continuing to roll out a few tricks to keep the Focus RS tasty before its demise later this year. As such, it's unveiled five special edition models designed to commemorate its winning history at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Each of the hatches wears a unique paint scheme and wheel combo designed to invoke the liveries of storied Blue Oval racers of yore. It's easy to spot the blue and orange of the Gulf liveried GT 40 racers - those cars famously took the checkers in '68 and '69 - but more casual fans may not recognize some of the less imitated designs.

The black and silver of the '66 Mark II, red and white of the '67 Mark IV and the blue and white of the '72 RS 2600 are all replicated on one of the hottest hatches to roll out of Ford Europe in a long while. Each carries special interior treatments, including Recaro racing buckets that have been stitched to match the exterior paint. Ready for the real kicker? Ford is only selling the five you see above - no more, no less. Hit the jump for the press blast.

Gallery: Ford Focus RS Le Mans Editions

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford of France releases 5 special edition Focus RS Le Mans editions

Ford of France releases 5 special edition Focus RS Le Mans editions originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Focus RS rolls off this mortal coil with WRC-style white wheels

Zach Bowman — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Budget, Performance, Hatchback, Ford, UK

Alas, poor Focus RS, we knew ye not at all. We're not sure which is the biggest tragedy - the fact that Ford never graced the U.S. with the joy that is the company's wild hatchback or that the three-door is already being sent out to pasture. Either way, buyers in the UK can now equip their new RS models with a set of slick rally-inspired wheels. For the low cost of just $741 at current conversion rates and including the Britain's notorious Value Added Tax, Ford will be happy to install a set of white, 19-inch WRC-style wheels. Of course, that's according to the press release. Something tells us the final price tag could be well north of that figure by the time the dealership gets through with you.

Ford's UK dealers have sold the company's entire allotment of RS 500 hatches, but a handful of the standard RS models are still hanging around. While the white rollers wouldn't completely make up for missing out on the 305 horsepower monster that is the hottest of the hot, they will certainly be a collectors item in a few years. Click past the jump for the press release.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Focus RS rolls off this mortal coil with WRC-style white wheels

Ford Focus RS rolls off this mortal coil with WRC-style white wheels originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With the Focus RS500 sold out in UK, Ford creates official upgrade kit for RS

Zach Bowman — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Ford, UK

2009 Ford Focus RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford committed an outright insult to humanity when it only produced 101 examples of the Focus RS500. Even at over $54,000 at current conversion rates, the cars sold out licked-split in the UK, leaving plenty of diehard Blue Oval fans without the hottest of the company's hatches. In an attempt to right that wrong, Ford has released an upgrade kit that will give the standard 305 horsepower RS the teeth it needs to run with the big-daddy RS500.

The engineers at Ford have managed to pull an extra 45 horsepower from the turbo I5 by swapping out the stock intercooler and air box for trick Ford Racing pieces, bolting on a higher volume fuel pump and remapping the stock ECU. The whole kit will set you back around $3,000, which means you could be in an RS500 clone for nearly $10k less than what the real deal would cost you. We'll take ours in Frozen White, please. Hop the jump for the press release.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (green)

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (blue)

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading With the Focus RS500 sold out in UK, Ford creates official upgrade kit for RS

With the Focus RS500 sold out in UK, Ford creates official upgrade kit for RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Focus RS500 already sold out?

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Hatchback, Ford, Racing

2011 Ford Focus RS500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Well, that didn't take long, did it? We knew the new 2011 Ford Focus RS500 would move fast, but not quite this fast. Powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder that produces 345 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, Ford's hottest hatch one-ups even the already bonkers Focus RS with its piddly 305 horsepower and 325 lb-ft. Considering that the RS is capable of a 0-62 mile per hour sprint of under six seconds and a top speed of 163 mph, the RS500 should clock in around 5.6 seconds.

What we didn't expect was the fact that the RS500 would sell so quickly. With their matte black paint, 19-inch wheels and all that performance on tap, we certainly expected them to be a hot commodity, but if Autocar is to be believed, the whole run of 500 units has already sold out - some 12 hours after the reveal. Sales will be spread out over 20 European markets, with the UK getting 101 units, Germany getting 55 cars, France receiving 50 and Belgium scoring 50 units, with Denmark, the Czech Republic and Greece getting five units each, while Ireland receives three.

The best part of the story is the fact that all 500 units are already spoken for, even before prices have been announced. Ford is said to be sorting through the letters of intent from customers to figure out dealer allocations. And don't forget, the order books don't formally open until May. With the regular RS trading above sticker on the used car market, we're guessing there will be more than a few flippers in the initial owner group.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Focus RS500 (Europe)

[Source: Autocar.co.uk]

Ford Focus RS500 already sold out? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Five days to the Ford Focus RS500

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford

Ford Focus RS 500 on the test track - Click above to watch video after the jump

On March 31 we're going to find out about a thing called the Ford Focus RS 500. The Blue Oval has posted a video of the even-more-hotted-up Focus doing a twilight round of its European test track in Lommel, Belgium. And it sounds rather... fierce. We're trying to figure out exactly what the 500 stands for: Units? Horsepower (don't be silly!)? Something else?

While we stew, you can follow the jump and listen to the sound of it in the video. And if any of you know what's coming, feel free to let us know in the comments.

[Source: Focus RS 500]

Continue reading Five days to the Ford Focus RS500

Five days to the Ford Focus RS500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Global 'high-performance' Ford Focus variant to spawn U.S. SVT version?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Ford, Rumormill

Next-gen Ford Focus - Click above for high-res image gallery

It may not be an earth-shattering revelation or anything - Ford's own Jost Capito said about as much a couple weeks back - but Ford has reportedly confirmed at the Geneva Motor Show that it is merging its European and American high-performance divisions into one unit. First up on The Blue Oval's hi-po radar will be a hotted-up version of the new next-gen Focus.

Will the car carry an ST, RS or SVT badge? That we don't yet know. Nor do we know what engine will be powering the hot hatch, though our best guess (which goes along nicely with rumormill fodder) would be a four-cylinder EcoBoost. Perhaps Ford will find a few more ponies lurking within in its new 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected mill. We'd also gladly take the Powershift six-speed dual clutch gearbox.

All-wheel or front-wheel drive? Dunno. Hatchback bodyshell? Probably, and we hope so. Sale date? No clue, but certainly not before 2011 hits and probably well into the year. Price? We'll see. Clearly, there are way more questions than answers at this point, but you can consider our interest officially piqued by the notion of a return to real performance from Ford's neglected (in the U.S. at least) Focus platform.

Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: Global 'high-performance' Ford Focus variant to spawn U.S. SVT version? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enterprising tuners swap Focus RS engine into Ford Transit Connect

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Minivan/Van, Performance, Europe, Ford

DIY Transit Connect RS - click above for high-res image gallery

It's every pistonhead's nightmare scenario. Yes, yes, you love your kids. But what happens when the determination is made that you need a minivan. They make so much sense, and they're so practical. And when you're juggling three brats, two shopping bags and a stroller, being able to hit one button and slide the doors open is better than all the V12s in Britain. Sure, but remember this: minivan.

With that in mind, consider this: Some speed loving nutters over in jolly ol' England have gone ahead and swapped in a 275 horsepower four-banger from a 2003 Ford Focus RS into the waiting bay of a Transit Connect. That's pretty cool, eh? It actually gets a bit better. The builder installed a switch that let's you switch tanks from gasoline to LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). When running on LPG, the motor still churns out 200 hp.

Of course, just tossing in a slammer of an engine is one thing, but if you want a true sleeper you need to do more. And more is precisely what's been done. Aside from all the upgraded turbo parts and exhaust bits needed to take the normally 212 hp motor up to 275 ponies, there's the five-speed manual from the RS complete with trick quaife limited-slip diff. Then you got performance tires, Sparco seats and a boost gauge. And it's for sale for £8,000. Cool? Or should we say cool enough for enthusiast dad? Almost probably maybe yes. Full mod list after the jump.

Gallery: DIY Transit Connect RS

[Source: Ford Transit Forum via Motor Authority]

Continue reading Enterprising tuners swap Focus RS engine into Ford Transit Connect

Enterprising tuners swap Focus RS engine into Ford Transit Connect originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Suisse rolls out special edition Focus RS WRC

Noah Joseph — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Ford

Ford Focus RS WRC special edition for Switzerland - Click above for image gallery of livery proposals

While the rest of us think "rallying", the Swiss look at their snow-capped mountains and think "skiing". That's largely because the Swiss are not known to be car people. But for every rule there's an exception.

In Switzerland those exceptions include the efforts of notable speed-freaks like Peter Sauber (of F1 fame), Frank Rinderknecht (Rinspeed) and Franco Sbarro (the flamboyant coachbuilder - not the food-court pizza guy). And we can now add Ford to that list, as the Detroit automaker's Swiss subsidiary is rolling out a special edition Focus RS to pay tribute to the 40th anniversary of the company's iconic RS division, exclusively for the Swiss market.

Although mechanically identical to the existing Focus RS - not much change needed there - the Focus RS WRC edition wears a special livery submitted and chosen through an online forum. Black and green decals overlay a white background, complimented by blacked-out 19" OZ Superturismo GT alloys, while inside, a special plaque carries the Hancocks of Ford's top rally ace Mikko Hirvonen and his co-pilot Jarmo Lehtinen.

Only 50 examples will be offered, exclusively in Switzerland at a price of 55,900 Swiss francs - equivalent to about $53k in American greenbacks and representing a 2000-franc premium over the standard Focus RS. We'll see if we can grab a closer look when we descend upon the multilingual alpine nation for the Geneva Motor Show next month, but in the meantime you can view the top liveries proposed in the gallery below and, if your French, German or Italian is up to the task, check out the press release after the jump. After all, while "speed" is not among the languages commonly spoken in Switzerland, neither is English.

And if some of you longtime readers think that a 50-unit Focus WRC special edition sounds familiar, well, it should. Back in 2007, The Euro Oval did a similar package based on the Focus ST.

Gallery: Ford Focus RS WRC Swiss livery proposals

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Suisse rolls out special edition Focus RS WRC

Ford Suisse rolls out special edition Focus RS WRC originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 350-hp Focus RS Clubsport coming, next-gen RS to get hybrid power

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:25:00 EST

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

2009 Ford Focus RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's no secret that we openly covet the Ford Focus Rallye Sport. Unfortunately, the Blue Oval never found it in its heart to let the hottest version of its Focus hatchback into the United States... or any version of the European Focus for that matter. As such, we're certainly not expecting to see the rumored Clubsport model that Auto Express claims will be the current car's swan song before the new version is unveiled based on the all-new Focus.

Too bad, as the idea of 350 horsepower from Ford's highly lauded 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine sounds just peachy, as do the lightweight racing seats, lowered and stiffened suspension and suitably sticky rubber. If there's any truth to all of this, expect the run to 60 to be dispatched in just about five seconds flat. Don't be too saddened by the news, though.

The next juicy bit of internet rumormongering is that a new version of the RS has been greenlit, based on the new Focus platform that was recently unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show. This model would seemingly have a much better chance of coming Stateside, being that the next Focus will be a true global vehicle.

If you're the type that likes to save fuel while scorching asphalt, you'll like the rumored inclusion of a hybrid powertrain centering on Ford's 2.0-liter Ecoboost four cylinder. That boosted mill would reportedly drive the front wheels while an electric motor would send torque to the rear, resulting in an all-wheel drive arrangement, estimated 0-60 run of (again) five seconds and a top speed of 155 miles per hour.

Interestingly, AE reports that this is the same powertrain Peugeot used in its SR1 concept, and the French automaker is said to have co-developed the hybrid drivetrain with Ford. We won't know whether or not any of this is accurate for quite some time, as the car reportedly won't be ready for another three years, but a 240-horsepower Ecoboost Focus ST may be on the way within the next 18 months. We'll see...

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (green)

[Source: Auto Express]

Rumormill: 350-hp Focus RS Clubsport coming, next-gen RS to get hybrid power originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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McChip introduces Ford Focus RS with 401 horses - Are you lovin' it?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:59:00 EST

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

401-hp Ford Focus tuned Mcchip-dkr - Click above for high-res image gallery

There are few things we love more than hooning around in a vigorous, purebred sports car - and that's exactly how Mcchip-dkr describes its 401-horsepower Ford Focus RS. That's the Stage 2 version delivering the "whole-blood athlete," but if you want to work your way up to those heights, you can get the Stage 1 conversion for €799 ($1,142 USD). You'll take your hatch from 301 stock horsepower to 345 and bump torque by about 50 lb-ft to 383 with an ECU upgrade.

But if 401 is your lucky horsepower number and you like the sound of 457 lb-ft. of torque, then you'll need €4,499 ($6,421 U.S.). That pile of pounds will give you access to a new manifold, uprated intercooler, spark plugs, and a sports exhaust as well as the necessary ECU tweaks. Mcchip-dkr thankfully didn't do anything regrettable to the Focus RS' already terrific looks. What they've done with torque steer outside of the stock RS' trick Revoknuckle and limited-slip setup is anyone's guess.

Have a look at the press release after the jump, and there are more images of the car in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Mcchip-dkr Focus RS

[Source: Mcchip-dkr]

Continue reading McChip introduces Ford Focus RS with 401 horses - Are you lovin' it?

McChip introduces Ford Focus RS with 401 horses - Are you lovin' it? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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