Ford confirm 2009 Focus RS

[Holdenhsvgtsr]

FORD CONFIRMS NEW HIGH PERFORMANCE FOCUS RS IS ON THE WAY

Cologne, December 17, 2007 – Ford of Europe is confirming its plan to deliver an exciting all-new, high performance Focus RS model for launch in 2009. A design image released by the company today hints at the exciting direction the new model is taking.

The new Focus RS will be based on the dynamic new Focus ST. It will be developed by Ford Team RS, a specialist team led by Jost Capito who, as previously announced, is being appointed to the new role as Vehicle Line Director for Ford of Europe Performance Vehicles from January 1, 2008.

"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. The success of these models, combined with Jost's experience in motorsport and Ford of Europe's positive business results, mean that we now have a credible business case for a no-compromise Focus RS roadcar for more enthusiastic drivers."

The basic concept for a new Focus RS has been under development within Ford Team RS under Capito's leadership for some months already. Now that the programme has been given the 'green light', Capito and his team will be concentrating fully on this programme.


"We have reviewed our technical options and worked closely with the Design team on how the car might look, and I'm very excited by the results," said Jost Capito, "Now with the programme going ahead, the hard work really starts as the small team working on the project takes the car from prototype to production."

Stay Tuned
Ford of Europe will not reveal any of the technical details of the new Focus RS until closer to launch in 2009. The company plans to show a concept version of the car publicly for the first time in mid-2008.

"We will use the redesigned 2008 Focus ST as the base for a no-compromise RS model that will become the ultimate road-going Focus," Capito added. "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."

"We're not ready to confirm any of the technical details of the new Focus RS yet - Jost and his team have a lot to do to finalise the exact specification and styling," said Fleming. "But make no mistake, I can assure you that ultimately, the car we plan to launch will be worthy of wearing the coveted Ford RS badge."

Ford
has finally confirmed that the new Focus RS will go into production, and has released this official teaser photo ahead of its expected 2008 debut (most likely at the British Motor Show). The new model is expected to follow more closely in the footsteps of the Escort RS Cosworth than the old Focus RS.

Power will, apparently, come from a tweaked version of Volvo’s 2.5 litre turbocharged motor (similar to the one in the ST) developing 280bhp and a gearbox-melting 400lb-ft of twist – power is expected to be transmitted through a four-wheel drive system.

Expect the usual stiffened suspension and bigger brakes, along with flared wheel arches, extra vents and big spoilers – most likely to be called ‘rally inspired’. Interior treatment is likely to be similarly standard fare, with (probably) Sparco seats and loads of carbon fibre.

 

[Turbo Lag]

Well, I cant wait for this. I (for some reason) love the new Focus. Looks like a WB kit is coming too, if you can see the pic.

 

[Leonidae]

well, it better be 4wd with that much power.. otherwise it'll just torquesteer off the road like some unnamed, overpowered FF's from Europe..

 

[McLaren]

It better come to the US this time....

 

[ExigeEvan]

Sweeeeet.

I hope it is 4wd also. And if it's £20K again....

 

[kikie]

I'm curious if this car will have a sequential gearbox.

Power will, apparently, come from a tweaked version of Volvo’s 2.5 litre turbocharged motor (similar to the one in the ST) developing 280bhp and a gearbox-melting 400lb-ft of twist – power is expected to be transmitted through a four-wheel drive system.

 

[Jim Prower]

The EvoSTi we wont' be getting.

How Depressing.

 

[Leonidae]

Kikie, Expectations are just like assumptions.. = uncertain.

 

[JCE]

If this becomes a reality then it will be brilliant. Finally a new Focus that will stick it to the Evo/STi...but with a much better interior and exterior design.

 

[V1P3R]

It better come to the US this time....

Not going to happen because it makes too much sense to bring a car over that would actually sell. xD

 

[JCE]

I wish they would bring over the Euro Focus, I got to drive a new Volco C30 (its cousin) yesterday and it was just magnificant in person. It was black on black, and you didn't even notice the odd looking rear hatch--infact I dare say its a beautiful car in person. The interior was top notch and the noise was really nice.

 

[Holdenhsvgtsr]

couple of pictures with the brightness altered

 

[Joey D]

A Focus like this won't come to America until we get the updated chassis. I don't really understand why Ford doesn't just sell a single platform Focus world wide.

 

[Jim Prower]

Because they havent' implimented lean manufacturing, yet?

I heard that it's because the Euro Focus would sticker for Fusion money. I wish they'd at least stuff the Mazda 3 mill in the stupid Mk I. Hopefully, they'll learn a thing or two from the Malibu, perhaps even bring it over as a Mercury....

Heeey, now THERE's an IDEA! Saturn-ify Mercury! Sell the Mondeo and Focus II as Mercs!

 

[Tornado]

Am I the only one who thinks the Focus RS looks like a Mondeo?

 

[Jim Prower]

No, It's just that it's just part of the European Corporate "Kinetic" look. It didnt' really surprise me.

 

[Philly]

Heeey, now THERE's an IDEA! Saturn-ify Mercury! Sell the Mondeo and Focus II as Mercs!

And then they could bring over their Aussie cars and sell them as Edsels!

Maybe they have a problem selling cars that are Fords in other parts of the world as something else over here?

 

[JCE]

Heeey, now THERE's an IDEA! Saturn-ify Mercury! Sell the Mondeo and Focus II as Mercs!

You sir are a brilliant man. 👍 I would do everything possible to ensure that I get a Euro Focus with the same engine/interior. *edit*Which is why I love the Volvo C30 so much.

 

[YSSMAN]

A Focus like this won't come to America until we get the updated chassis. I don't really understand why Ford doesn't just sell a single platform Focus world wide.

1. The people who run Ford are all idiots, Mullaly included

2. They say its "too expensive" despite the fact that they sell the Focus for $13,000 at the local Mazda dealer...

3. Did I mention that they're making $80 Kazillion on the revamped MKI Focus? Well, they've got to sell them first... They're still eating babies after all!

===

As for Mercury getting the Euro-Fords, its a good initial plan, but in the long run, it won't work. Ford is planning on aligning world-market vehicles in all markets (much like GM and Chrysler) shortly after the close of this decade, so it would completely negate having Mercury only carry the Euro models.

...So much for Ford actually doing something right for once...

 

[Muzaffar]

Meh, It looks brilliant! Way better than any USDM Focus.......
The performance stats seems quite good and we all hope that there will be 4WD. I wouldn't mind if a few of these will make it here in Malaysia..... (but I doubt it will be likely....)

 

[Turbo Lag]

Am I the only one who thinks the Focus RS looks like a Mondeo?

I was just about to say that. It certainly is a good looker though, and if it gets the 4wd system, it should hopefully be a killer 👍

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

-> Great, another news on a car that won't arrive here in the US.

->This forum section should be divided into 6 parts (USDM, Euro, Asian, Australian, JDM, other).

BT-> It's really a great news for people who lives outside the US. My question is; will it outdo my current favorite rally-hatch, the Subie STI?

 

[kikie]

Maybe I could ask a friend of mine who test Frods Fords. He told me about the Focus RS a couple of years ago and I forgot all about it.

Maybe he isn't allowed to tell me these things, I don't know that, yet.

 

[Jim Prower]

-> Great, another news on a car that won't arrive here in the US.

->This forum section should be divided into 6 parts (USDM, Euro, Asian, Australian, JDM, other).

BT-> It's really a great news for people who lives outside the US. My question is; will it outdo my current favorite rally-hatch, the Subie STI?

Two fewer doors? Possibly lighter? (Most euro market cars are) Already outdoing them in WRC?

yeah, I could see that happening. I could see it not happening either, but let's hope the Blue Oval boys from across the pond can put that glorified Corolla in it's place....

If they'd offer it here, i'd switch my Mitsubishi loyalty in an instant.

 

[JCE]

For anyone in the USA I have a request. Go out and drive a Volvo C30, and while driving said C30 imagine slightly more sporty-like handling and a better exterior. That is the closest thing you will ever get to the European Focus. The Mazda3 doesn't count because it doesn't get the fantastic I5 Turbo.

 

[Joey D]

Except the C30 is what? Double the price of a Focus?

 

[Dave A]

That's not his point, he was just saying that the C30 is as close as you can get to a MKII Focus and even then the Focus is better.

 

[JCE]

That's not his point, he was just saying that the C30 is as close as you can get to a MKII Focus and even then the Focus is better.

That is exactly my point. 👍

 

[YSSMAN]

You could presumably do much the same to the basic Mazda 3, its the same car after all, but of course they've got the Mazdaspeed3 for that. Oh well, Ford screws us again.

...We won't even see the MKIII Focus until 2010 or later. Great...

 

[JCE]

...We won't even see the MKIII Focus until 2010 or later. Great...

The Americans won't even see a MkII Focus in 2010 much less a MkIII. Face facts, Ford US is screwing you guys--and me because I live here. Damn you Ford...damn you. The absolute best thing Ford makes as a world company has to be the MkII Focus. Its just that good.