Description

The Ford Focus RS MK2 was launched in 2009 as one of the most powerful front-wheel-drive cars of its time. Using a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine producing 305 hp (264 kW) and 440Nm of torque, the car was capable of 0-100km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.9 seconds and offered a top speed of 263 km/h (163 mph).

The powertrain is based on the one used by the Focus ST MK2 but features numerous updates including a revised cylinder head gasket, ultra-durable metal sprayed cylinder bores, revised pistons and a bespoke camshaft profile and connecting rods, allowing bigger small end bearings. The most obvious changes are the new intake system, exhaust manifold and Borg Warner K16 turbo which offers a maximum steady state boost pressure of 1.4 bar (double that of Focus ST’s 0.7 bar) – to generate the car’s 35% power increase.

The combination of wider track and RevoKnuckle front suspension is the reason Ford has been able to do what was thought impossible previously: develop a 300hp front-wheel-drive car that is not only driveable every day, but faster in many situations than all-wheel-drive performance cars. Large 336mm x 30mm, ventilated front discs are gripped by stiffer, single 60mm piston callipers, supported by 302mm x 11mm rear discs. Anti-lock braking with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) is standard, as is Ford’s Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), here tuned specifically for the car, to allow a high level of sporty driving before intervening. The ESP system can be deactivated for circuit driving. Extensive wind-tunnel testing was conducted to refine aerodynamic performance, with a target of delivering about 40 points of downforce at the front and 10 points at the rear. The resulting aerodynamic elements for Focus RS achieve these targets, creating 26 per cent more downforce than Focus ST, yet with a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.38.

On the exterior, the Focus RS MK2 featured a unique bodykit with a redesigned front and rear bumpers and integrated side rocker mouldings with a sporty look. At the front a larger air intake and a gloss black front splitter are both functional, providing enough cooling for the engine and more downforce. Significant aerodynamic analysis also went into the design and construction of the rear venturi tunnel and twin-blade rear spoiler. 19-inch, 15-spoke polished alloy wheels echo the look of their World Rally equivalents. Also unique is the ‘Ultimate Green’ colour, inspired from the livery of Focus World Rally Cars, while the car was also available in the classic RS choice of Frozen White or Ford Performance Blue, the colour of the original Focus RS.

The cabin is dominated by bespoke Recaro high-performance sports seats with ebony leather accents and ‘RS’ and ‘Recaro’ logos stitched into each backrest. Rear seats are sculpted, featuring the same detailing and high side bolsters as the front sports seats, making Focus RS a genuine four-seat vehicle. The centre console is finished in a carbon-look trim and metallised highlights include air vents, door grab handles, switchgear and gearshift surround and unique RS-branded scuff plates on the door sills. These highlights contrast with a black-trimmed roof lining. Finally, there is a three-spoke steering wheel with RS signature and shorter-throw gear lever, aluminium foot pedals and three additional gauges, including turbo pressure, sitting atop the centre console and angled toward the driver.

Photos