It's Official - the RS is GOD

[zetec]

Ford Focus RS

Test date 22 February 2009 Price as tested £24,995


The Focus RS manages to redefine all expectations of what a front-wheel-drive car is capable of

What is it?

It’s hard to know where to start when describing the all-new 163mph, 301bhp Ford Focus RS. In simple terms this is the second generation of a car which cost Ford an awful lot of money at the beginning of this century, but that also did lots to restore the public’s faith in the RS brand.

What’s more, the new Ford Focus RS will turn a profit for the Blue Oval this time round – assuming Ford can find homes for the 8000 examples it intends to build over the next two years. How so? Because at last Ford has worked out a way of making the Focus RS on a regular Focus production line, a rather more economically sound method of production compared with the “I’ll build this bit, you build that bit, and maybe we’ll get someone else to fit that part before we paint it” construction technique of first-generation model.

The most controversial aspect of the car is its drivetrain, which remains front, not four-wheel drive. Ford’s engineers have developed and patented a system called the RevoKnuckle which, they claim, eradicates torque steer by keeping the kingpin offset angle very consistent, even under heavy load. And when you have 301bhp and a whopping 324lb ft on tap courtesy of a heavily modified version of the 2.5-litre turbo motor found in the Focus ST, this is crucial.

The chassis has been stiffened by approximately 30 per cent and there are bigger driveshafts, a much wider track, lower ride height and a faster steering rack.

In the raw the RS looks like a proper thug-mobile. From its gaping grille to its 19in wheels and tyres and enormous wing, the RS leaves you in no doubt about its intentions.
What’s it like?

The big question, of course, is whether Ford really has managed to develop a front suspension system that enables the RS to deploy its 301bhp and 324lb ft without feeling like an unguided Exocet missile. And we’re glad to report that the answer is a resounding, faintly befuddled “you bet”.

What happens when you select second gear and give it full beans in the RS frankly feels like some form of miracle, because even on a rough or wet surface the car takes off without drama, feeling for all the world as if it is four, not two-wheel drive. Considering how much raw thrust there is – Ford claims 0-60mph in 5.9sec, 0-100mph in 14sec dead and a top speed of 163mph – it’s quite weird to begin with. You even wonder whether they’re fibbing about how many wheels are being driven.

In the event this is just one of many tricks which the extraordinary new Focus RS has up its sleeve. What we are talking about is a car that really does shred the rule book on front-wheel-drive dynamics, but one that’s also civilised and well mannered enough to live with every day.

And when you do go for it, do not expect to be disappointed. Even with as little as 1800rpm showing it goes, and goes hard, in all of the first five gears. In sixth you need to wait until just over 2000rpm before the whirlwind of torque begins to blow you, and then throw you, towards the horizon.

If anything the Focus RS feels faster than the raw numbers suggest, partly because of the huge wallop of torque so low down, but also because of the noise. It really is a key part in the transformation from relatively humble ST to altogether more meaningful RS. The same can’t quite be said about the gearchange, unfortunately, which is shorter and sharper than the ST’s but not short or sharp enough to do the rest of the drivetrain justice.

On the other hand, the chassis more than makes up for this most minor of issues. With the previous RS Ford may have dropped a whoopsy on the finance front, but it also made one of the sharpest handling front-wheel-drive cars there has ever been. It has gone at least one, if not two steps better this time round.

The way the RS puts its grunt down is truly incredible, but beyond that it’s also a lovely car to hussle along a good road. The steering is just delicious in the way it telegraphs so clearly what’s happening beneath the fat Continental front tyres. Yet it’s what happens at the other end of the car that provides you with the biggest confidence booster. The way in which the car neither under nor oversteers, but just hangs on is, well, breathtaking.
Should I buy one?

In a word, yes. Remortgage the house, rob a bank, sell yourself, sell your own grandmother, just do whatever it takes to put an RS on your drive. Because it really is one of those cars.
Steve Sutcliffe


http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/....5T-RS/238343/

[geckoGT]

Please FPV, bring it here. I would trade the Mini Cooper S in on one of these. Then once we have the new F6-E as well we could have a 3 FPV driveway.

[MISTA FIESTA]

Official Booklet Thingi:

http://www.ford.co.uk/cs/BlobServer?...210&blobkey=id

[zetec]

Originally Posted by MISTA FIESTA

Official Booklet Thingi:

http://www.ford.co.uk/cs/BlobServer?...210&blobkey=id

Nice find Damo!!!!

[zetec]

I reckon Ford or FPV, doesn't matter. Just get it here!!!!!

[MISTA FIESTA]

To keep the wettness going:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fp_az13NYs

[Falc'man]

If/when it arrives down under what would it sell for? 50k? Or does FPV want to have some involvement if it was offered, and hence not available until Focus is built here? It would be a shame to wait that long, and to be honest, I'd rather it not had an FPV badge...

Originally Posted by MISTA FIESTA

To keep the wettness going:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fp_az13NYs

Can't wait for part two...

[Tj-zetec]

Not what I want to see just having bought an XR5.

[zetec]

I know. It's like seeing Scarlett Johansson walk in in a bikini, undo a strap then walk out...

[Martyvan]

There is only one line i like in that entire Article...

Originally Posted by zetec

The big question, of course, is whether Ford really has managed to develop a front suspension system that enables the RS to deploy its 301bhp and 324lb ft without feeling like an unguided Exocet missile. And we’re glad to report that the answer is a resounding, faintly befuddled “you bet”.

I cant wait for one J Clarkson to get his hands on it.... This would be a walk up start for Episode 1 of the new season.... Lets hope FORD bring this here, and not let the RS badge be tainted by FPV fiddling with it. Or let FPV's involved be limited to reconstruction from a CKD kit...

If you look at exchange rates for the XR5, you would expect this to be mid 40's when it arrives.......

Originally Posted by zetec

I know. It's like seeing Scarlett Johansson walk in in a bikini, undo a strap then walk out...

LMAO!!! well Said, although you could probably said, just walked in in a sarong, and turned around to adjust it, before looking back your way..... lmao!!!

[zetec]

Well I guess I can say that I've fondled Scarlett's Breasts then...

Here she is...



MMMmmmmm : : :

[819_FLY]

Knowing Ford, they will put a premium onto the RS's Price tag purely because it is both their flagship model for the focus, and also because it is an import. 50 Grand wouldn't be too big a suprise if it did land on our shores. It would be funny owning one here in Aus, because so many people would underestimate it and then be destroyed. But then others would be wary because they have respect for the RS badge and anything bearing the badge should be respected....

P.S. FPV shouldn't touch it, they will brand it as their own vehicle when it isn't. Let them stick to Falcons and Territories.

[Bucknaked]

Pity it won't make it here. I hope I'm wrong. I think I'd definatley have to buy one depending of course on the price. I'd get it in Green and match it with a Green ZX10.

[jweb]

AHHHH why dont we get it!!!!!!!!!!!

[FPV8U]

Ford Aus.. Please.. Please x 1000.. pretty please bring it here.

[Peuty]

One question. Why isn't it AWD?

[melbzetec]

Weight and Revoknuckle

[MISTA FIESTA]

What is Revoknukle?

http://www.not2fast.com/chassis/revoKnuckle.pdf

[graham_h]

I guess you've all seen it on the recent episode of Fifth Gear.
Available on channel BT
Plato rates it well, although it does seem a little mild.

[MISTA FIESTA]

Fifth Gear Review

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTY3NS1ardE

[RSgerry]

i think i just soiled myself.

[F6 R-Spec]

Absolutely stunning, well done Team RS. :

[zetec]

Mmmmm yummy.

I just can't forget that sound... it's perfect

there's only one other car on the planet with a sexier, more tuneful (NOT LOUD AND SNARLY) engine note...

The Lamborghini Diablo 6.0 V12

[Corzza]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdAGKNogdAw

[Fast Eddie]

Mista Fiesta's Post #6 with the interview with Mr. Capito is EXCELLENT.

[Stefan]

24,990 Pounds is nearly $53K add taxes, import costs, compliance costs. If Ford were to bring it here it would need to be $65-$75K. No-one would pay that for a Focus when they can by an FPV that will absolutly embarress a Focus RS in the performance stakes for less.

[Martyvan]

Just remember, if the XR5 was converted using UK RRP it would be well over 40 also. I would imagine price of the RS if it ever made it here, would be closer to 46-48 before onroads.....

[zetec]

Originally Posted by Stefan

24,990 Pounds is nearly $53K add taxes, import costs, compliance costs. If Ford were to bring it here it would need to be $65-$75K. No-one would pay that for a Focus when they can by an FPV that will absolutly embarress a Focus RS in the performance stakes for less.

Poms like poofy little hatchbacks, but it would not suite our conditions.

There's more than the odd potential RS owner who'd relish the chance to prove you wrong against any Australian built car ever. It'd put up one hell of a fight.

Comments questioning anyone's sexuality on these forums will be reported, especially of the nature that many people leave in this small car section. Consider this a warning.

[Stefan]

Originally Posted by zetec

There's more than the odd potential RS owner who'd relish the chance to prove you wrong against any Australian built car ever. It'd put up one hell of a fight.

Comments questioning anyone's sexuality on these forums will be reported, especially of the nature that many people leave in this small car section. Consider this a warning.

Jeez, I hardly questioned anyone's sexuality...

[zetec]

Originally Posted by Stefan

poofy little hatchbacks

I beg to differ.