Fast Ford lovers rejoice.
Ford’s RS badge is a true power to the people initiative. A simple model can be given a boost to make it a more affordable performance car. The latest Focus RS nameplate is now available. This is all you need to know.
RS
Have you ever wondered what RS stands for? Rally Sport has the answer.
Mk1 Escort 1600 was the first car to sport the RS badge. Rally-prepared Escorts enjoyed a lot of success all over the globe and the Blue Oval wanted to capitalize on these high-profile victories. Over 20 RS models were produced between 1970 and 2015’s launch of the new RS.
Mk1
This car is the genesis for the Ford Focus, and the RS moniker. It is smaller, wider and more powerful. It is all the hallmarks and characteristics of an RS.
A turbocharged 2.0-liter engine produced 212 horsepower. This might seem small by today’s standards, but it was still a significant figure for hot hatchbacks in 2002. The car could run 0-60 miles per hour (0-100 km/h) in 5.9 seconds. If left alone, it would reach 143 mph (230 km/h).
The original Focus RS’s most controversial feature was its ability to reduce power. The Sierra and Escort Cosworth were fast Fords that sent power to all four wheels. The Mk1 Focus RS, however, was front-wheel driven — this is sacrilege!
Ford lost money on all 4,501 cars it sold, which is quite interesting.
Mk2
The second-generation Focus RS was a wild animal. It was one of the most intimidating-looking hot hatches ever made. The combination of Ultimate Green paint and flared arches made it stand out.
Under the bonnet was a 5-cylinder turbocharged 2.5-liter engine producing 301 horsepower. At 5.7 seconds, the car was able to go from 0-60 (100-100 km/h) in a matter of seconds. However, its top speed increased dramatically to 163 mph (262 km/h).
The RS was still front-wheel driven and many believed that pushing so much power through the front tires would only lead to disaster. The RevoKnuckle was the result of Ford engineers. This suspension system, which was an improvement on the MacPherson setup, separated the steering from suspension actions in order to reduce torque steer and keep the car under control. It worked, sort of.
Mk3
This all-wheel-drive Ford Focus RS is the hot car of 2015.
Although the engine is smaller than its predecessor at 2.3 liters instead of 2.5, it still produces 345 horsepower. This RS can go from stationary to 62 mph (0-100 kph), thanks to the all-wheel drive’s improved traction. It takes 4.5 seconds. Maximum speed? Top speed: 165 mph (266 km/h).
Ken Block, a motorsport legend, was involved in the creation of the new Drift Mode. This mode allows the driver to have sideways fun, while the electronics keep the danger at bay — tires RIP.
Black Beauty
Ford Focus RS500 was a limited-edition model that was available for purchase in the Mk2 RS.
These rare cars were 500 in number. 101 came to the UK in 2011, while others were sold around the world. The power was increased from 301 horsepower to a Mk3-rivalling, 345 horsepower.
The anticipation was so great that someone broke into the official site to leak images and hack the ‘teaser.’ People began to walk into dealers to make deposits for a car that didn’t officially exist. It took only 12 hours for all 500 cars to be claimed after the order books opened.
Rumours abound that the Mk3 will receive an RS500 edition.
Money Maker
The Focus and RS cars have held their value for a long time.
High mileage Mk1 cars selling for more than PS10,000 (or $12,963 at current exchange rates) or closer to PS20,000 ($25.930). The second-generation Focus RSs with lower mileage are around PS25,000 ($29.166), while the new Mk3 model sells for about the same price.
A Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth from the past sold at auction for PS115,000 ($149,000). This suggests that the Focus RS could also be a collector’s item.