Autoblog

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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Ford Focus RS500 hacks out onto the Internet ahead of schedule

Chris Paukert — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:55:00 EST

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

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

We've been waiting patiently for the digital reveal of the stonking new Ford Focus RS500, but apparently others aren't quite so couth. According to one of our inside sources at the Blue Oval, the RS500's site was breached and the pictures have begun leaking out onto desktops in Europe. In response, Ford of Europe has announced that "Due to overwhelming interest shown for the new Ford Focus RS500, Ford has decided to release more information today." Uh-huh. Admittedly, while we can't condone the hacker's methodology, judging by these photographs we can understand their hurry, because Ford's latest limited-edition hot hatch looks to be a real corker.

Powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder that gives 350 PS and 460 Nm of torque (that's 345 horsepower and 339 pound-feet to us Yanks), the RS500 offers an appreciable boost over the standard - and still bonkers - Focus RS and its 305 horsepower and 325 lb-ft. We're assuming that like the 'base' RS that all that power gets funneled through the front wheels, which, even with Ford's trick RevoKnuckle front suspension and Quaife limited-slip differential, figures to be something of a handful. An entertaining handful, we're sure, but a handful nevertheless. Ford hasn't released full details yet, but the current RS hits 62 mph in under six seconds and blasts to 162 mph.

If you see one of these beasties on the road (you'll know them by ~~the trail of dead~~ their 19-inch wheels and serialized one-of-500 dashboard plaques, and at least judging by the pictures above, their matte black paint), you might want to take ask for a ride - or at least take a picture. The entire 2011 production run will be spread out over 20 European markets, with the U.K. predictably getting the most (101 units), Germany getting 55 cars, France receiving 50, tiny Belgium punching above its weight with 50 units of its own, and trickling on down until the hatches get to the likes of Denmark, the Czech Republic, and Greece (five units each) and Ireland, which will receive just three.

If you're interested in picking one up and you live in one of the twenty EDM markets that the RS500 will be sold in, might we kindly suggest that you stop looking at your computer screen and get on the phone to your local dealer now? For everyone else, you'll want to check back on Wednesday, March 31 when Ford releases more information, along with added frippery like ringtones, video snippets and so on. Top tip, Helmut!

Gallery: 2011 Ford Focus RS500 (Europe)

[Source: Ford]

Ford Focus RS500 hacks out onto the Internet ahead of schedule originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:55:00 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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Ford to merge U.S. and European performance lines; Focus RS coming to America?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:32:00 EST

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

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

Our friends across the pond in Europe have always good things to say about the Ford Focus RS, leading to a great deal of angst in America since the Blue Oval Boys have never brought the hi-po Focus Stateside. News from Jost Capito, the man in charge of aligning Ford's performance divisions all around the globe, has us anxiously awaiting the time when that gross oversight is finally corrected.

Automobile recently got the chance to sit down and chat with Capito, and the conversation quickly turned to the new global Ford Focus platform that was recently unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show. According to Capito, Ford is still deciding what to call the next-gen high-performance Focus, saying only, "I don't see RS in Europe going away, and I don't see SVT in the U.S. going away."

Regardless of what it's called, we could very well see the speedy Focus take on multiple forms - similar to the path Ford has taken with the car in Europe with both a Focus ST and top-level RS. Previously, we heard rumors that a 240-horsepower Ecoboost-powered Focus ST could hit the scene within 18 months, followed by the latest RS, which could sport a 350-horsepower all-wheel drive hybrid powertrain, within the next three years.

There are plenty more interesting tidbits in the interview, click here to follow along.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (green)

[Source: Automobile Magazine]

Ford to merge U.S. and European performance lines; Focus RS coming to America? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:32:00 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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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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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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