http://www.worldcarfans.com/spyphoto...-ford-focus-rs

SPY PHOTOS: Ford Focus RS
Text by Hans G. Lehmann
Copyright by Lehmann Photo-Syndication
10-19-2006



Don’t be fooled by the looks of this test car. It is not the ordinary Ford Focus ST but the brand new Focus RS. Looking closer at the front end one can see the bigger air intakes and the driver helps drawing the photographers attention by giving him the finger and putting his foot down.


The sound of the 300bhp engine was unmistakable, just like the car’s fast acceleration with 4 wheel drive and the rally-like sound of that dump valve while shifting gears. Add some wide fenders, a more aggressive front end styling and you have the Focus RS, a true competitor to the upcoming EVO X.

 

I'ts still a focus though....

 

yah but for some reason i always like euro version of the focus .

 

Yeah, only one of the best handling and fastest hatches in the world.

 

Sadly we'll probably never see it here in the US.

 

Awesome! I was wondering which manufacturer would be the first to throw their hat in the STi vs. Evo wars.

 

You could put full leather, 24k gold accents, custom wheels and its still a focus. one ugly *** car. but thats just my 2c

 

Great, and your car is still slow, and just a Mazda... That's just my 2c though

 

Isn't the current Focus RS running 230hp on FWD?

 

Another example of why Ford is sucking fumes in the US. All their competitive cars are never sent to the US. They think everyone wants to drive their lumbering SUVs and pickups.

 

212hp

 

Hmm, Dodge Caliber anyone? 300hp, all wheel drive....

(its still a dodge tho )

 

Interior is crappy and the thing is way to tall. A high center of gravity does nothing but hinder handling. It'll go really well in a straight line but forget the corners unless Dodge can work some magic.

 

It's also still FWD...

 

We should be happy with the Mustang they give us year after year.

 

+1

If they do send it here, it'll have HUGE seats to accomodate gigantic asses, enlarged cupholders and an "optimized" ride height so we can make sure we get the kids to soccer practice safely.

 

I know I'm happy

 

well the Evo x is sitting on the same chasis as the caliber so the srt caliber could just grab the mitsi running gear

 

Sure, it's possible, but Mitsubishi isn't going to go for that. Chrysler probably wouldn't either in the interest of keeping cost down.

 

buy a caliber and then wait until someone crashes their x. then salvage the good bits and shove them ina caliber

 

Sounds simple doesn't it... I know of one person that has swapped a 4g63 into a regular Lancer which would be easier than swapping into a Caliber, I don't even know if it would be feasible to do the entire drivetrain. It's not easy nor is it cheap. If you want an Evo just buy an Evo, cost wise it's probably cheaper and you'll have a better car than something you piece together. In addition, it may be the same platform though it probably won't be the same chassis and makeup. For instance, the current Evo has over 130 extra welds in the chassis as well as various other reinforcements over the regular Lancer.

 

The American Focus and European Focus are two completly different cars IMO. Maybe I am biased because I used to own a Focus but I would hit an ST any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

 

Can't tell you how many people I pissed off having to put them in a Focus when I worked for Enterprise. Even if it had more power they would still want to kill me.

 

I'd rather be in a Focus than Cobalt or Neon/Caliber. The typical American compact rental clones.

And there is the problem. US Ford spent a lot of money at the beginning trying to build a competitive compact and they were relatively successful compared to their American competitors and some foreign makers, but then they totally sabotage it.

They basically leave the Focus line to whither and die and turn into a very average and pedestrian rental car vehicle in the US, while the rest of the world gets management that keeps the Focus alive and well.