Ford confirms all-new Focus RS hot hatch for 2009
Author: Robin Brown
Published: 17 December 2007
Ford has confirmed that it plans to deliver an all-new, high performance Focus RS model for launch in Spring 2009.
The new Focus RS will be based on the new Focus ST under the leadership of Jost Capito, having recently been greenlit by Ford of Europe, but Ford is remaining tight-lipped until nearer to the launch date.
A concept version of the car is due in mid-2008, with Capito promising a ´no-compromise RS model that will become the ultimate road-going Focus´.
'Just as the Focus RS WRC owns the rally circuit, we want the new Focus RS to own the road, so we have the major competitors in our sights as we develop the car´s performance, design, handling and braking,' said Capito. That means the Subaru Impreza WRX STi, Mitsu Evo X and VW Golf R32 among others.
It´s expected that the RS will use a tuned-up version of the the 2.5-litre turbo unit that powers the Focus ST, with a lot more grunt - think 300bhp and a similar amount of imperial torques.
'With two consecutive Manufacturers´ World Rally Championship titles under our belt, the time is right to create a new Focus RS,' said John Fleming, Ford of Europe´s President and CEO.
'With the Fiesta and Focus ST models, Jost and his team have proved already that they can deliver exciting and practical performance road cars.
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Details, pictures, prices and review of all hot hatches in the UK.
The new Honda Civic S, Civic Type S and Civic Type S GT, will go on sale in the UK in January with prices ranging from £14,000 up to £19,800.
Tango orange has been the trump card in drawing the public’s attention to the advance selling programme Ford has been running for the new Focus ST hot hatch.
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