The 300bhp Ford Focus RS
Fans of fast fords have being waiting for a new high performance car since the last Ford Focus RS went out of production.
The Focus ST is a great car, with a superb blend of speed and comfort – but it’s a little too refined for true performance car junkies.
The Ford Focus RS has 300bhp which is sent through the front wheels. This is unprecedented (except for some bizarre US creations). But will it be enough to make the Focus RS the top hot hatch?
With an unprecedented (except for some bizarre US creations) 300bhp being sent to just the front wheels and some exceptional chassis tuning the Ford Focus RS looks set to take no prisoners in 2009.
It’s surely the car Ford fanatics have been waiting for. Reports claim 1,000 people have already signed up to own one without even knowing what colour car they can get.
In terms of speed it’s expected the Renault Megane R26.R will be able its only real competitor.
It has a substantial power deficit with around 230bhp on tap – but uses semi-slick tyres and hardcore suspension to generate massive grip and has had its performance boosted thanks to a 123kg diet which included losing the rear seats.
Acceleration from 0-62mph takes just six seconds and a top speed of 147mph is possible.
But it’s on track the R26.R really shines. It smashed the Nurburgring Nordschleife lap record for a front-wheel-drive car with a time of 8 minutes 17 seconds – 18 seconds quicker than a Ford Focus ST.
We’ll have to wait until the Focus RS is launched to see if it can beat the Renault around the tough 14-mile circuit.
Ford will be confident it can. It benchmarked the Focus RS not against other hot hatches but against cars from the class above, including the Volkswagen Golf R32 and Subaru Impreza WRX.
Do you think the Ford Focus RS is going to be a legendary Ford and the ultimate hot hatch? What will its main rivals be? And is 300bhp just too much for a front-wheel-drive car?
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11 Comments
September 12, 2008 at 4:51 pm
yes it probably will be the next best hatchback aslong as it can put the power down. I have put an order in for the car. it says on your article that green, blue and white were the most popular colours, they were the only colours to choose from on the order sheet.
September 13, 2008 at 1:32 pm
i want it…
September 14, 2008 at 1:09 pm
It’ll be a good time to pick up an ST as I suspect their prices will tumble; bet their owners are pleased….!
September 14, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Snobbery aside, I do have a lot of respect for Ford’s european division. Since 2000 they’ve been making rather good cars. I expect this will no difference in that regard, despite its fundamental disadvantage of FWD setup when compared with true performance cars. Nevertheless, much of their target demographic won’t know the difference and this will undoubtedly sell well with big numbers to wow the kappa wearing 15 year olds down the Dog and Gun. The RS cosworth of the 80s would still outshine this methinks. This is a car Ford need to do well. And it will. God help Essex.
September 19, 2008 at 12:09 am
It has nice line but could be more horse power…
September 24, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Ford r definitely onto a winner here. Currently own a focus ST and will b buying an RS come March hopefully. From wot ive heard from capito, the team at Ford sounds very quietly confident that they have made a car that can compete with the subaru and evo X. They even said that it performed better than 4 wheel drive system which is why they didn’t consider it. They did not say it was due to cost. Im very xcited. The new technology developed for the front wheel drive system sounds impressive. Afta the RS, people will know that front wheel drive too can b up there with the best of them….. jus lk at the tym the megane r26 r has set round the ring……..
December 13, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Lovin my ASTRA VXR , bought it a 18 months ago as in “my” opinion is the best lookin & most power for your £ . But Ford look to have something special in this car . I think i know what I’ll be trading up to in 18 months time , the FOCUS RS .
December 31, 2008 at 4:32 pm
The old focus rs chewed up scoobys on the track, so imagine what this will do with revonuckle suspension and 300 bhp. Renault megane cant be compared to the new Focus RS, just too outclassed. Will be the best hot hatch by far, but not better than the escort cosworth though
January 3, 2009 at 8:53 pm
The Rs Focus is awsome please dont put it in the same class as the megane.
As Ash said its not ever going to be as good as the cosworth but it definately comes close.
and yes it is the best hot hatch by far
January 20, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Megane R26.R … the benchmark now, can you beat it?
March 27, 2009 at 10:27 am
Ford the best car