New Ford Focus RS unveiled with 300 PS inline-5

Ford has revived the RS badge last seen in 2002 on the first generation Focus with the Ford Focus RS, a high performance version of the latest facelifted Ford Focus. It will be displayed at the 2008 British International Motor Show in London from the 22nd of July. The RS badge was first used on the Escort RS1600 featured yesterday.

The Ford Volvo 2.5 litre inline-5 engine in the Focus ST gets upgraded cams, a revised cylinder head and gasket, and a tuned intake and exhaust manifold to boost power up to 300 PS and over 410Nm of torque. 0 to 100km/h is estimated to take under 6 seconds. Power is channeled through the front wheels only via a limited slip differential and a 6-speed close ratio gearbox.

To help counteract torque steer and other steering disturbances due to the front wheel having to handle steering and 410Nm of torque at the same time, Ford has developed a new front suspension called the RevoKnuckle. It’s basically a MacPherson strut design but with special geometry settings that work together with the Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing LSD to minimize steering disturbances. Ford admitted considering all-wheel drive at first, but decided on this setup as it was lighter and produced similiar results in terms of handling, traction and performance.

The Focus RS has a 40mm wider track, stronger and longer driveshafts, new springs and dampers as well as a thicker and longer rear anti roll bar. The ESP system can be completely disabled, and the car’s handling was developed with the ESP system fully off. The ESP is configured only to kick in on the very edge of danger to ensure it is a pure safety function rather than helping the car with handling. The brakes are 336mm ventilated discs at the front and 300mm discs at the rear. Wheels are 19 inchers wrapped with Continental 235/35R19 tyres.

The car that will be displayed at the motorshow is done up in a special bright green paint that pays homage to the Le Mans Green colour Ford Escort RS1600. Other parts of the exterior trim such as parts of the front bumper and housings for the foglamps are done in glossy piano black.

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