Ford Focus RS

The most eagerly anticipated fast Ford for years made its global debut at the British Motor Show today. The Focus RS is powered by a 296bhp version of the 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged engine from the Focus ST, making the new RS the most powerful model Ford of Europe has ever produced. No official performance figures are available yet, but Ford RS boss Jost Capito estimated a 0-60mph time of less than six seconds. Top speed is likely to exceed 150mph.

Revealed in a lurid shade of green, the Focus RS certainly wowed crowds – and Stephen Odell, chief operating officer for Ford of Europe, said that if enough visitors to the show say that they want the colour, the company will make it available. The bright hue harks back to the original 1960 Escort RS1600, and also honours Ford’s partner in its World Rally Championship campaign, BP.

While the rally cars are four-wheel drive, the RS feeds its power to the front wheels, but it gets a new differential created by gearbox specialist Quaife and a new suspension system that's designed to cope with the extra power. “We thought about four-wheel drive,” said Jost Capito, “but it adds weight and cost. When we combined the suspension with the new differential, we were amazed at how well they worked together. It was as if the two systems were made for each other.”

Capito went on to explain that the Focus RS still has some development ahead of it, but this will be completed within six months. Sales will start early next year, with the car carrying a price tag of £25,000. A production run of 10,000 models is expected.

EXCLUSIVE BRITISH MOTOR SHOW 2008 FOCUS RS VIDEO HERE!

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