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Ford Focus RS

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Ford Focus RS
Overview
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
Production2002-
AssemblySaarlouis, Germany
Body and chassis
Body style3-door hatchback
LayoutFF layout
RelatedFord Focus

The Ford Focus RS (Rally Sport) is a low-volume high-performance version of the Ford Focus positioned above the ST model within the Focus range. The Focus RS manufactured in Germany (Saarlouis) but developed by the British Ford TeamRS - in the headquarters Dunton, England. The Mark 1 Focus RS was a limited production run available in 21 European countries. The Mark 2 Focus RS based on the second-generation Focus is in current production, the last 500 of which will be offered as a limited edition, serialized special model designated Focus RS500.[1] The 101 units designated for the UK (with RH drive) were sold out within days of its launch, so a kit was offered to upgrade any RS Mk2 to the RS500's power, if not its exclusivity.[2]

Focus RS Mark I

Ford Focus RS Mk 1
Overview
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
Production2002-2003
4501 produced
AssemblySaarlouis, Germany
Body and chassis
Body style3-door hatchback
LayoutFF layout
PlatformFord C170 platform
RelatedFord Focus SVT
Ford Focus
Powertrain
Engine2.0 L I4 Zetec-E
Transmission5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2615 mm
Length4183 mm
Width1762 mm
Height1440 mm
Curb weight1278 kg
Focus RS Mk I

The Focus RS Mk I was produced from 2 October 2002 to 11 November 2003 and was Ford's return to the RS badge after the demise of the tweaked Escorts, particularly the fabled Ford Escort RS Cosworth. Production was limited to about 4500 from the outset, and the car was built on its own assembly line in Ford's Saarlouis plant. The RS was offered all over Europe, but 2147 were sold in the United Kingdom, by far its largest market.[3]

Development

The development of the Focus RS was undertaken by Ford TeamRS and Tickford Engineering in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom. Originally it was to be released as the Racing Focus[citation needed], however after the poor selling Racing Puma[citation needed], Ford decided to revive the RS badge.

Design

More bespoke than the prior Ford Focus SVT (rebadged the Focus ST170 in Europe), the Focus RS upgraded or replaced 70% of the standard Focus mechanicals. The turbocharged straight-4 engine produced a minimum of 220 PS (162 kW; 217 hp) and 310 N⋅m (229 lb⋅ft) of torque, which was then mated to the 5-speed MTX-75 and not the Getrag transmission used in the ST 170. Mechanically, most notably, the car incorporated a Quaife automatic torque biasing differential to improve traction from the front-wheel drive setup. The steering used a similar quick-ratio rack as the ST170 while the brakes used fixed-caliper, four-piston Brembo units with 324 mm discs at the front and single-piston floating calipers and 280 mm discs at the back. Wheels were 18" alloys specially developed by OZ Racing. The engine was heavily modified with forged aluminium pistons,hardened valve seats, sodium-filled exhaust valves, stainless steel exhaust system. The forced induction system comprised a Garrett turbocharger with a water-cooled charge air cooler and an electric water pump. To transmit the higher torque an uprated AP clutch was used.

Styling

The Focus RS was available in one metallic colour, Imperial Blue. The body looked similar to the standard Focus or to the ST170, although the RS featured unique front and rear bumper assemblies required for the wider wheel arches which accommodated the 65 mm wider front track. Internally, the theme is blue and black with sections of blue leather trim on the door trim panels, the steering wheel and the Sparco seats which were trimmed in blue/black leather and Alcantara. A green starter button starts the engine. The instruments have a blue background and in place of the coolant temperature gauge, the RS was equipped with a boost pressure indicator (up to 1.5 bar). The gear lever knob, handbrake lever, and pedals were all custom made by Sparco.

Performance

All-around performance was roughly equal to its other competitors, including hatchbacks such as the Honda Civic Type-R and some four-wheel drive cars in the same price field.[citation needed] Power was a diminished priority and the handling on a track, courtesy of the front differential, was considered by most observers to be its strongest characteristic. In a Top Gear review, Jeremy Clarkson noted that "it lacks the straight-forward oomph of a Subaru Impreza. [...] The reason it was quick round our track is simple: this car handles like it's in a cartoon." Clarkson and other motor journalists also commented on its torque steer and poor suspension.[citation needed]

Figures

  • 0-60 mph (97 km/h): 6.0 s[4]
  • 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 6.5 s[4]
  • 0-100 mph (161 km/h): 16.4 s[4]
  • 100 mph (161 km/h)-0: 4.1 s (1.0 g in braking)
  • Top speed: 238 km/h (148 mph)[4]
  • Power-to-weight ratio: 168.88 bhp/ton[4]
  • Turns lock-to-lock: 2.9[4]
  • Standing ¼ mile: 14.8 s @ 98 mph (158 km/h)[4]
  • Standing km: 26.2 s @ 201.0 km/h[4]

Focus RS Mark II

Ford Focus RS Mk 2
Overview
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
Production2009-
AssemblySaarlouis, Germany
Body and chassis
Body style3-door hatchback
LayoutFF layout
PlatformFord C1 platform
RelatedFord Focus
Powertrain
Engine2.5 L Straight-5
Transmission6-speed manual
Dimensions
Length4,402 mm (173.3 in)
Width2,020 mm (79.5 in)
Height1,484 mm (58.4 in)
Curb weight1,467 kg (3,234 lb)
2009 Ford Focus RS
2009 Ford Focus RS at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2009
Problems playing this file? See media help.

When Ford completed the production run of the Mk I, Ford of Britain's managing director Paul Thomas said "We always knew Focus RS would be a sales winner, but we could never have predicted its fantastic reception and the effect it had in re-igniting passion for the Ford RS brand."

In 2008, Ford revealed the new Focus RS in "concept" form at the British International Motor Show. Contrary to speculation,[5] the new Focus RS does not have twin turbochargers or all-wheel drive. The Volvo-engineered 5 cylinder[6] engine was upgraded to produce 305 PS (224 kW; 301 hp)[7] and 440 N⋅m (325 lb⋅ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration was quoted to be under 6 seconds. The car remains front wheel drive, but to reduce torque steer uses a Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing LSD, and a specially designed MacPherson strut suspension at the front called RevoKnuckle,[8] which provides a lower scrub radius and kingpin offset than traditional designs while avoiding the increased weight and complexity of double wishbone and multi-link suspension setups.[9] Ford UK claim: "It’s as close as you’ll come to driving a full-spec rally car (Ford Focus RS WRC).[10]

Figures

  • 0-100 kilometres per hour (62 mph): 5.9 s[11]
  • 31-62 miles per hour (100 km/h): 5.3 s (in 4th gear)[11]
  • Top speed: 263 kilometres per hour (163 mph)[11]
  • Kilometer from a standstill: 25.4s (the fastest front wheel drive car in this particular exercise - this time was recorded by the Belgian magazine "Le Moniteur Automobile")

Styling

At the rear a large venturi tunnel[12] and a dramatic rear spoiler create a purposeful look. Focus RS available in three expressive exterior colours: Ultimate Green, Performance Blue and Frozen White.[13] Focus RS has an exclusive ‘Ultimate’ Green classic 1970s Ford Le Mans Green of the Ford Escort RS1600 era.

  • Ford Focus RS Ultimate Green
    Ford Focus RS Ultimate Green
  • Ford Focus RS Ultimate Green
    Ford Focus RS Ultimate Green
  • Ford Focus RS Ultimate Green
    Ford Focus RS Ultimate Green
  • Ford Focus RS Ultimate Green
    Ford Focus RS Ultimate Green

Motorsport

The Mikko Hirvonen Ford Focus RS WRC 08 at the 2008 Rally Catalunya.

Rally Sport

Main article: BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team
Main article: Ford Focus WRC

BTCC

Main article: Team Aon

Third generation

Ford Focus RS Mark III - developed globally

Following the merger of Ford's North American Special Vehicle Team (SVT) and the European TeamRS divisions[14] to the development of Ford's global performance vehicles, Ford's Advanced Product Creation and Performance Vehicles director Hermann Salenbauch announced that the decision to sell Ford Focus RS to North America depends on feedback from the media and customers.[15] However, the product would only appear 2 years after the release of the third generation Focus models.[16]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Ford unwraps limited edition Focus RS500 | detnews.com | The Detroit News". detnews.com. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  2. ^ "Ford Focus RS Upgrade Kit Launched As RS500 Sells Out". Theautochannel.com. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  3. ^ "NUMBER'S UP FOR FORD FOCUS RS". media.ford.com. 2003-11-11. Retrieved 2008-02-27.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h "2002 Ford Focus RS technical specifications". Carfolio.com. 2008-04-03. Retrieved 2008-06-11.
  5. ^ "It's official: Focus RS on the way". topgear.com. 2007-12-19. Retrieved 2009-03-12.
  6. ^ "2009 Ford Focus First Drive on Inside Line". Insideline.com. 2009-02-27. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  7. ^ "Engines and gears". Ford of Britain. 2008-12-12. Retrieved 2009-01-15.
  8. ^ "TECH REPORT: Ford RevoKnuckle – John's Journal on Autoline Detroit". Autolinedetroit.tv. 2009-02-24. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  9. ^ "Suspension Projects - The RevoKnuckle" (PDF). not2fast.com. Retrieved 2009-01-26.
  10. ^ "Driving technology - Ford of Britain". ford.co.uk. Retrieved 2009-01-26.
  11. ^ a b c "Focus RS eBrochure". Ford of Britain. 2008-12-18. Retrieved 2009-01-11.
  12. ^ Ford Focus RS 300Hp: 22 High Res Images and Full Technical Details, Carscoop.blogspot.com, 2008-07-03.<
  13. ^ Ford Focus RS500 - Car-Center.co.uk
  14. ^ Ford names new head of SVT and TeamRS, performance models to be developed globally
  15. ^ Ford considers bringing 305-hp Focus to U.S. market
  16. ^ Rumormill Entry No. 3,256 - North America could get next-gen Ford Focus RS
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