Welcome to the Australian Ford Forums forum.

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and inserts advertising. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members, respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features without post based advertising banners. Registration is simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.

Please Note: All new registrations go through a manual approval queue to keep spammers out. This is checked twice each day so there will be a delay before your registration is activated.

Go Back   Australian Ford Forums > Ford Australia Vehicles > Small and Mid Sized Cars > Focus

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 07-06-2005, 09:16 PM   #1
OZST24
Regular Member
 
OZST24's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 79
Default Ford America announce M3 Beating AWD Focus RS

http://www.pistonheads.com/news/defa...?storyId=10841

Quote:
FOCUS RS GOES INCANDESCENT

Ford plans a mega-powered, M3-beating RS

It looks likely that the forthcoming Focus RS will have up to 350bhp and 332lb-ft of torque from a high-pressure turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, driven through all four wheels. That's more than the current BMW M3's 343bhp and 269lb-ft.

According to Autocar, Ford execs are considering a plan to install the Volvo-developed engine in the RS, which is due out in 2007. The unit is an aluminium block, four valve-per-cylinder powerplant weighing just 180Kg.

Three versions will be built:

* 3.2-litre naturally aspirated with variable cam timing for inlet valves only, producing 235bhp at 6,000rpm and 236lb-ft of torque at 3,500rpm
* 3.0-litre low-pressure turbocharged with variable cam timing on all valves, producing 285bhp and 295lb-ft.
* 3.0-litre high-pressure turbocharged with variable cam timing on all valves, producing 350bhp and 332lb-ft.

The added power would put the RS at the top of the European hot hatch power ranks, and gives it massively more power more than the ST, with its 2.5-litre engine making 217bhp and 236lb-ft of torque.

Bodywork modifications include vents in the bonnet and an additional chin splitter.

The only piece of the jigsaw still missing, according to the report, is the right gearbox to handle all that grunt...
Come on Matt please tell us its coming to Aus as well :
Id buy one in a heartbeat!!
OZST24 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 07-06-2005, 09:23 PM   #2
Teki04
Clio 182 CUP!
 
Teki04's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Inner West, Sydney
Posts: 2,590
Default

WOW!!!!!!.... thats like..... awesome!!!! Is there any hatch that would compete with that?!?!?!

From what i had read i thought the next RS was going to be the same engine as the ST, just recalibrated for more power
__________________
-------------
Steven

'In fact, so good is the Clio 182 with the Cup chassis set-up that I feel moved to make a bold statement - I think it's the best hot hatch ever built.' (EVO Jan 04)
Teki04 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 07-06-2005, 09:33 PM   #3
MITCHAY
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Canberra
Posts: 13,434
Default

Sounde s prtty cool. Ive seen an M3 on the road thoufh and they are pretty damn quick if you ask me.
MITCHAY is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 07-06-2005, 10:02 PM   #4
murcod
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 1,718
Default

One question- how are they planning on fitting an inline six into a Focus engine bay?!
__________________
2016 Kuga Titanium 2.0l EcoBoost
murcod is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 07-06-2005, 10:53 PM   #5
Teki04
Clio 182 CUP!
 
Teki04's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Inner West, Sydney
Posts: 2,590
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by mondeost24
One question- how are they planning on fitting an inline six into a Focus engine bay?!
By sticking it in the rear like the Clio V6?????!!!!!!!
__________________
-------------
Steven

'In fact, so good is the Clio 182 with the Cup chassis set-up that I feel moved to make a bold statement - I think it's the best hot hatch ever built.' (EVO Jan 04)
Teki04 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 08-06-2005, 09:12 AM   #6
lincoln
Blinded
 
lincoln's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London - UK
Posts: 156
Default

The new Volvo 6 cylinder they're talking about is about the same size as the 5 cylinder. It's a very compact and light engine.
lincoln is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 08-06-2005, 09:53 AM   #7
Danny
GT4.
 
Danny's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,218
Default

Wow. An M3 Beater. Thats a huge claim and they better be able to back it up. As for how they'd fit an Inline 6 into a four cylinder engine bay.... I can't wait to see how cramped it is!!
Danny is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 08-06-2005, 11:13 AM   #8
The MaDDeSTMaN
No longer driving a Ford.
 
The MaDDeSTMaN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Posts: 2,969
Default

Sounds interesting, that I'd like to see... Then somebody could transplant that engine into my Escorts engine bay... :hihi:
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by russellw
For those who get their jollies attacking other people let me remind you that we will not tolerate this here. If you want to do that then I am sure your presence would be welcomed elsewhere.
The MaDDeSTMaN is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 08-06-2005, 11:17 AM   #9
Danny
GT4.
 
Danny's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,218
Default

hahahahah sounds good
Danny is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 08-06-2005, 02:35 PM   #10
zetec
Zoom Zoom
 
zetec's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Posts: 4,352
Default

Daaaamn I sure hope that's a true story!!! an AWD 350HP Focus?!?!?!!!!! That's plain scary!!!!!!!! First I've heard of it!!
__________________
2012 Mazda3 MPS
zetec is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 09-06-2005, 10:03 PM   #11
lincoln
Blinded
 
lincoln's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London - UK
Posts: 156
Default

I've got a copy of Autocar in front of me... it's on the front cover... if only I had a scanner :P
lincoln is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 09-06-2005, 11:41 PM   #12
zetec
Zoom Zoom
 
zetec's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Posts: 4,352
Default

Daaamn!!!!!!!!!! I Want A Copy!!
__________________
2012 Mazda3 MPS
zetec is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 09-06-2005, 11:44 PM   #13
The MaDDeSTMaN
No longer driving a Ford.
 
The MaDDeSTMaN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Posts: 2,969
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by lincoln
I've got a copy of Autocar in front of me... it's on the front cover... if only I had a scanner :P
Somebody hand over a scanner, STAT!
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by russellw
For those who get their jollies attacking other people let me remind you that we will not tolerate this here. If you want to do that then I am sure your presence would be welcomed elsewhere.
The MaDDeSTMaN is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 09-06-2005, 11:46 PM   #14
zetec
Zoom Zoom
 
zetec's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Posts: 4,352
Default

Check this out

I don't endorse it, just a publicly available site.
__________________
2012 Mazda3 MPS
zetec is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 09-06-2005, 11:55 PM   #15
Teki04
Clio 182 CUP!
 
Teki04's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Inner West, Sydney
Posts: 2,590
Default

Looks pretty good.... even though its just mags externally, and i think leather inside
__________________
-------------
Steven

'In fact, so good is the Clio 182 with the Cup chassis set-up that I feel moved to make a bold statement - I think it's the best hot hatch ever built.' (EVO Jan 04)
Teki04 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 10-06-2005, 07:19 AM   #16
lincoln
Blinded
 
lincoln's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London - UK
Posts: 156
Default

Yeah, this is one of the pics they showed in Autocar:



You can see the large intercooler. The extra flare on the front guards, indicating 4WD testing. You can also see the extra cooling vents on the bonnet. There's an extra front air splitter on the front bumper.

The reason why they're suggesting this new Volvo PAG 6 cylinder engine is that it's been designed for both transverse and longtitudinal mounting.

Everything in the Autocar article has basically been summed up in the first post.

Can't find any pics of the Autocar cover on the web, though :(
lincoln is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 16-06-2005, 01:08 PM   #17
MAGPIE
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
MAGPIE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: The Shakey Isles
Posts: 3,428
Thumbs down Ford Wields The Axe On Focus RS

MKII Focus RS Axed apparently although AE do come out with some dodgy stories.

Shame if true :

Quote:
Originally Posted by Auto Express

There will be no Focus RS - that's the shocking news from Ford. Sources close to the project have confirmed the hot hatch has been quietly shelved. The moneymen reckon the manufacturer's current financial problems, coupled with the RS's high development costs, made further work unrealistic.

The dramatic move is a blow to fast Ford enthusiasts in the UK -a key market for the firm's performance models. They're still reeling from the scrapping of the Fiesta RS project last year. The decision means the ST badge will be Ford's current sporting flagship.

The RS, which was expected to have made its debut in 2007, would have used a turbocharged version of Volvo's new all-alloy 3.2-litre straight-six motor. It's understood Jost Capito, head of Ford Motorsport, was keen to tune the Focus

RS's engine to around 350bhp - more than the current BMW M3 - for an anticipated four-second sprint from 0-60mph and a top speed electronically limited to 155mph. To lay down this massive power, the RS would have borrowed the Volvo S40's all-wheel-drive layout.

Ford never officially declared it would develop a follow-up to the original Focus RS - launched in 2002 - but it was always on the cards. Internally, the project is simply on the back-burner and could be revived - but Auto Express has been told there are no plans for that to happen. A spokeswoman said: "At the moment, our priority is a wider range of products with broader appeal, such as the SAV concept and a new Ka. A more performance-oriented car like the proposed Focus RS would be developed only once these were established."

MAGPIE is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 16-06-2005, 05:48 PM   #18
zetec
Zoom Zoom
 
zetec's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Posts: 4,352
Default

Boooo
__________________
2012 Mazda3 MPS
zetec is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 16-06-2005, 06:34 PM   #19
Teki04
Clio 182 CUP!
 
Teki04's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Inner West, Sydney
Posts: 2,590
Default

Bummer.....
__________________
-------------
Steven

'In fact, so good is the Clio 182 with the Cup chassis set-up that I feel moved to make a bold statement - I think it's the best hot hatch ever built.' (EVO Jan 04)
Teki04 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 16-06-2005, 07:49 PM   #20
b2tf
not here much anymore
 
b2tf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Sthn NSW
Posts: 22,918
Default

And here I was going to say that will most certainly be my next car.

Hope it still happens.
__________________
2024 F150 XLT
b2tf is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 17-06-2005, 09:51 AM   #21
lincoln
Blinded
 
lincoln's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London - UK
Posts: 156
Default

Appears I'll have to buy an LR RS after all :p
lincoln is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 17-06-2005, 12:30 PM   #22
MeestaNob!
XR5T - Sea Grey.
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 858
Default

Congratulations Ford!

Ford: Embracing Stupidity!
MeestaNob! is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 17-06-2005, 01:30 PM   #23
The MaDDeSTMaN
No longer driving a Ford.
 
The MaDDeSTMaN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Posts: 2,969
Default

Yet another stupid move by Ford if they don't produce it. Simple as that. Not everyone wants a mustang or falcon if they want a 'sporty' car, yet they seem to think there is only a market for big 'sporty' cars.

I'll just continue to dream about Ford making something like a modern day Escort, small, RWD, with enough performance to bring a smile to your face and the 'chuckability' that nothing they have made since the Mk II Escort has had. And I doubt that dream will ever become anything like reality. :(
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by russellw
For those who get their jollies attacking other people let me remind you that we will not tolerate this here. If you want to do that then I am sure your presence would be welcomed elsewhere.
The MaDDeSTMaN is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 17-06-2005, 05:56 PM   #24
zetec
Zoom Zoom
 
zetec's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Posts: 4,352
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by The MaDDeSTMaN
Not everyone wants a mustang or falcon if they want a 'sporty' car, yet they seem to think there is only a market for big 'sporty' cars.
:(
Hardly Troy, don't you think Ford want to do it if they supposedly have spyshots of one and they've supposedly been seen testing... If only every manufacturer in the world could do what they wanted. Problem is customers in the end don't want to/can't afford to pay for what the manufacturers want if it costs a lot to develop. To do a 3.2 straight six Turbo AWD in a hatch, something Ford have never come close to ever offering... that doesn't exactly cost as much as bolting on a few mods and hoping it'll survive. Has to be properly done, and proper = costly.

Besides, the article isn't even confirmed, for all we know, it could be a quad turbo V12 or it could be some journo's desperate grab at an otherwise boring month of news... most likely the latter.

I'd hardly say Ford aren't keen... after all they built the Focus RS MkI, they built the ST170, the Fiesta ST, Escort Cosworth... They're capable. They're back into rallying on the local scene. Let's give Ford a break and stop being greedy for a while. People find it very easy to slag off these manufacturers yet can't cough up the cash when one is released... Monaro anyone?
__________________
2012 Mazda3 MPS
zetec is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 17-06-2005, 07:59 PM   #25
outback_ute
Ute Forum Moderator
Contributing Member
 
outback_ute's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Melb
Posts: 7,227
Default

I'm sure Geoff Polites is doing everything he can to make it happen!
outback_ute is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 17-06-2005, 09:01 PM   #26
zetec
Zoom Zoom
 
zetec's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Posts: 4,352
Default

Hope so!!!!!!!!!!!
__________________
2012 Mazda3 MPS
zetec is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 17-06-2005, 11:49 PM   #27
lincoln
Blinded
 
lincoln's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London - UK
Posts: 156
Default

Let's not mention how long those cars, you mention Matt, took to come to market. Especially ST170 and RS. I can understand them putting the hero car on the backburner, I just hope we don't have to wait as long as we did for the RS Focus.
lincoln is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 18-06-2005, 02:10 PM   #28
The MaDDeSTMaN
No longer driving a Ford.
 
The MaDDeSTMaN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Posts: 2,969
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by zetec
Hope so!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope so too Matt!

Don't get me wrong, I wasn't trying to say that Ford, as a company, are not interested in building something like that, only that Ford Australia don't have a great track record when it comes to actually trying to sell anything other then a big rear-drive car to the public.

As you know it's something I'm passionate about, and I do feel that Ford Australia are missing out on sales they could get if they put more effort into not just being seen as the Falcon/Territory company.

But having said that, I do understand that, at the end of the day, Falcon and Territory are definate sales, while anything else, to a certain extent at least, are untested waters, so I can understand that it could be a financially risky move to spend money on things they may or may not end up getting money from.

I guess time will tell. I just hope that we do see something as exciting as this.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by russellw
For those who get their jollies attacking other people let me remind you that we will not tolerate this here. If you want to do that then I am sure your presence would be welcomed elsewhere.
The MaDDeSTMaN is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Reply


Forum Jump


All times are GMT +11. The time now is 12:06 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Other than what is legally copyrighted by the respective owners, this site is copyright www.fordforums.com.au
Positive SSL