Brand New Focus RS

Performance cars have been in Ford’s DNA for over 100 years, since Henry Ford won the Sweepstakes Racer in 1901. For over forty years, Ford’s RS models have thrilled drivers and racers alike and now Ford has announced the launch of the new Focus RS.

The new Focus RS will continue a grand tradition of performance hatchbacks and is expected to go on sale in 2015. Keep reading to find out more.

The first Ford RS model in Europe was the Escort RS back in 1970. Since 2002 the Focus RS has been popular with both motorists and experts with CarBuyer calling it ‘a thrilling car to drive’. Now, Ford has announced the launch of a new Focus RS which will be available across the world for the first time.

Industry experts believe that the third generation Focus RS will be powered by the same turbocharged 2.3 litre EcoBoost engine seen in the recently launched Mustang. This is expected to provide around 330bhp and will be coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive. Autocar says that the car will again have a mechanical limited-slip differential and the RevoKnuckle front suspension system.

Adam Ferdinando, head of new Ford car sales at Sandicliffe, said: “A brand new Ford Focus RS is always hotly anticipated and this third generation RS is no different. While it is likely to be more powerful than its predecessor, the EcoBoost engine will mean that fuel economy improves and it is set to be lighter, aiding performance.

“And, for the first time, the new Focus RS is also going to be available in all Ford markets across the world under a new Ford Performance banner. Sales of the RS should therefore rocket and we expect a strong demand for this flagship model.”

Over recent years the demand for performance vehicles has grown, with sales up 14 per cent in Europe since 2009 and by 70 per cent in the USA during the same period. Ford Performance is set to develop and deliver more than 12 new Ford performance vehicles in the next five years as well as developing innovations in electronics, aerodynamics, performance and fuel efficiency.

“Ford remains committed to performance and pushing the limits through innovation,” Mr Nair added. “Ford Performance ties together racing, race engineering, performance vehicles and performance parts and accessories to take advantage of the synergies to meet the unique needs of different customers around the world, both on the road and on the track.”

Ford says that the new Focus RS will go into production in 2015 and the first deliveries will be made sometime in 2016.

Mr Ferdinando from Sandicliffe added: “Full details of the design are expected to come next year although we expect the styling to continue the grand RS tradition with a bodykit, rear wing and rear diffuser as well as a lowered sports chassis.

“Full pricing and specification will be announced in 2015. I expect a strong demand from drivers for this new RS and look forward to introducing our customers to it in 2016.”