- Ford previews all-new Focus RS; high-performance hatchback pioneers advanced technology to deliver the ultimate fun-to-drive experience
- Third-generation Focus RS will be available in major markets around the world for the first time and follows the reveal last month of the new Ford GT supercar as part of a new era of Ford performance that will deliver 12 new vehicles by 2020
- Developed by the Ford Performance team, RS features ground-breaking new Ford Performance All-Wheel-Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring for class-leading cornering speed and limit handling
- 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine developed for RS and specially engineered to deliver in excess of 320PS. Dramatic exterior design offers enhanced aerodynamics and cooling
- New Focus RS will be the 30th vehicle to wear the RS badge since 1968; will be built in Saarlouis, Germany, starting late this year
- Professional rally driver and star of Gymkhana films Ken Block teamed with Ford as a consultant on the development of Focus RS
Cologne, Germany, 3 February 2015 – Ford today previewed the all-new Ford Focus RS, a high-performance road car that debuts the innovative Ford Performance All-Wheel-Drive, delivering class-leading cornering speed, thrilling performance and unbridled driving enjoyment.
The Focus RS – equipped with a special 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine engineered to produce well in excess of 320PS – is the latest vehicle to be unveiled as part of a new era of Ford performance that will bring more than 12 performance vehicles to global customers by 2020.
In addition to pleasing enthusiasts, these vehicles help deliver the company’s One Ford plan for profitable growth, product excellence and innovation in every part of its business.
“The all-new Focus RS is a serious machine with high-performance technology and innovative engineering that sets a new benchmark for driving exhilaration on the road and track,” said Raj Nair, group vice president, Global Product Development, Ford Motor Company. “The RS line has a proud history of technical breakthroughs that have migrated to mainstream Fords to benefit all of our customers, and the new Focus RS is no exception. It’s a great example of our passion for innovation through performance and creating vehicles that make people’s hearts pound.”
Developed by a small team of Ford Performance engineers in Europe and US, the new Focus RS is the third generation of Focus RS cars, following models launched in 2002 and 2009. It will be the 30th car to wear the legendary RS badge, following such technology trendsetters as the 16-valve 1970 Escort RS1600, the turbocharged Sierra RS Cosworth of 1985 with its radical aerodynamics, and the four-wheel-drive 1992 Escort RS Cosworth.
Sporting a dramatic exterior design that delivers enhanced aerodynamics and cooling, the new Focus RS offers technologies new to the RS marque including Ford SYNC connectivity.
The all-new Focus RS is the first ever RS model that will be sold around the world and will be produced for all markets at Ford’s Saarlouis, Germany, manufacturing plant beginning late this year.
“The new Focus RS represents Ford at its passionate best – delivering innovation, unmatched driving dynamics and stunning performance that was previously the sole province of high-priced performance luxury marques and exotics,” said Jim Farley, president, Ford of Europe, Middle East and Africa. “We are acutely aware of the benchmarks we have set ourselves with RS performance models through the years, and rest assured that this new car raises the game to a new level.
“Just as important is the fact that with technologies such as EcoBoost, we are able to demonstrate how an innovation that powers almost every car in our range can also be the heartbeat of our finest performance cars.”
Gymkhana and World Rallycross star Ken Block was brought on as a consultant on the all-new Focus RS and joined the Ford Performance team at the preview event in Cologne, Germany – the city where the RS legend was born in 1968 with the Ford 15M RS
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