London Motor Show 2008 Highlights: 2009 Ford Focus RS

The most eagerly anticipated fast Ford for years made its global debut at the British Motor Show today. The Focus RS is powered by a 296bhp version of the 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged engine from the Focus ST, making the new RS the most powerful model Ford of Europe has ever produced. No official performance figures are available yet, but Ford RS boss Jost Capito estimated a 0-60mph time of less than six seconds. Top speed is likely to exceed 150mph.

Revealed in a lurid shade of green, the Focus RS certainly wowed crowds – and Stephen Odell, chief operating officer for Ford of Europe, said that if enough visitors to the show say that they want the colour, the company will make it available. The bright hue harks back to the original 1960 Escort RS1600, and also honours Ford’s partner in its World Rally Championship campaign, BP.
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lewishamiltonpimp - 7/24/2008 7:10:19 AM

+1 Boost

Nice. In a previous life (it seems) I had an RS2000. Great car for it's time.

Spectator - 7/24/2008 10:20:23 AM

+1 Boost

Awsome car, but 25,000 quid seems a bit high. That would be a $50,000 car here in the US. Thats nuts for a 295hp FWD. You could buy an STi or EVO for much less if you were looking for a road racing rally car. Heck your in 335i and S4 territory with that cash.

Carboy - 7/24/2008 11:31:21 AM

+1 Boost

It's 4WD actually.

Spectator - 7/25/2008 2:05:04 PM

+1 Boost

They way I read this is that its FWD not AWD.

(While the rally cars are four-wheel drive, the RS feeds its power to the front wheels, but it gets a new differential created by gearbox specialist Quaife and a new suspension system that's designed to cope with the extra power. “We thought about four-wheel drive,” said Jost Capito, “but it adds weight and cost. When we combined the suspension with the new differential, we were amazed at how well they worked together. It was as if the two systems were made for each other.” )