25-03-2008

Het blijft spannend voor ons Ford Focus RS liefhebbers en ook al ziet hij er uit als een 'verklede' ST II, willen we jullie dit toch even melden, ook al is het niet direct 'hot news'.

Take a look at the best picture yet of Ford’s Focus RS! Just a few months after bosses gave the new hot hatch the green light (Issue 992), we caught this striking prototype testing in Germany.

While the car wears a previous-generation Focus ST bodykit, there’s a big giveaway that it’s no ordinary model – check out the giant scoop on the bonnet, which feeds the modified 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo engine with cool air.

Twin bonnet air vents, harking back to the Escort RS Cosworth, will replace the scoop on the production car. Blistered wheelarches, a rear wing and a low front splitter will also feature.

With a larger turbocharger, remapped electronics and a bigger intercooler, the 2.5-litre Focus ST-derived unit will produce around 280bhp, enabling the RS to sprint from 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 155mph.

It’s likely that Ford will equip the newcomer with a clever electronic differential, giving the front-wheel-drive layout excellent traction.

A six-speed manual box will be fitted, but Ford’s new twin-clutch VW DSG-style Powershift transmission could appear, too. The RS will go on sale next year, priced around £25,000. A concept will be revealed at the British Motor Show in London in July.


Text: Sam Hardy / Photos: Stefan Baldauf
Bron: Auto Express

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