It's the future of the hottest Focus ever - but 'R' you ready for it? Feast your eyes on the two cars That will get every fast Ford fans salivating in anticipation! According To Auto Express sources, the firm is planning a pair of new RS models. First up is a stripped out Clubsport, designed to wave farewell to the current car in spectacular style. And then there's a brand new RS, based on the Focus unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show.
The RS Club Sport (opposite) Will arrive before the end of the year. Limited to 500 models and priced at around £ 35,000, it will get a 350bhp ,2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo. There Will Also be lightweight racing seats, lowered and stiffened suspension and sticky tires, plus a dramatic paintjob. That extra punch but with Fewer pounds to carry around, It Should sprint from 0-60mph in five seconds. Axis with Renault's previous Megane R26.R, it Will be a fitting send-off for one of the best RS models in history.
Focus RS2 clubsport
Its replacement, the all-new RS (above), Will Be Crammed with technology, and offer fans a totally different experience to the current car. A revolutionary Hybrid System Will give it the option of four-wheel drive.
The outgoing RS's much-loved 2.5-liter unit, Will make way for a direct-injection turbocharged EcoBoost 2.0 in the new car. This Will Be teamed with an electric motor to offer more muscle, and cut fuel consumption and émissions.
In short, the RS Will reinvent the hot hatch. So, Where Will this hybrid powertrain come from? Well, it's revealed Already leg - in Peugeot's SR1 concept (Issue 1097). Although tight-lipped Ford Remaining at present, the French maker recently let slip to Auto Express co-develop thats it Will the new system with the blue oval.
While the SR1 uses the 218bhp 1.6-liter turbo Same as the MINI JCW, augmented by a 95bhp electric motor, the Focus RS EcoBoost Will Be Slightly mated to a less powerful unit in order to Ensure reliability.
Total Output Should Be 300bhp, and with the engine driving the front wheels while the electric motor feeds the rears, the Focus RS Will have incredible traction. Expect 0-60mph in five seconds and a 155mph top speed. What's more, thanks to the torque-vectoring system from the regular Focus, a development of the RS's RevoKnuckle Replace existing suspension set-up and dynamic cornering control, the RS's grip, stability and adjustability Will really help set the driving experience Alight.
In Addition, the car will have the ability to juggle Electric Assistance According To road conditions, a stop-start system, brake energy recovery and a dual-clutch Powershift box. Could this mean it return 40mpg and emit 150g/km of CO2.
The new model Will look the part, too, enhancing the striking lines of the Fresh Focus with a sporty bodykit. The front air intakes Boast extra - with bonnet vents All which hark back to Those of the Escort RS Cosworth. And at the rear, a venturi-style bumper dramatic and huge roof-mounted spoiler complete the head-turning looks.
Inside are Recaro sports seats and carbon fiber trim. These Will complement a sat-nav and Wi-Fi touch screen, radar cruise control and voice activation.
Unfortunately, the Focus RS will not arrive for at least another three years. In the mean time, the next 18 months Will see the debut of a high-performance non-ST hybrid with a 240bhp 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbo.
