Ford Focus RS500

[Jazzi]

Quite a lot of you have probably saw this on NetCarShow or some other car site already, but for those who haven't, I thought I'd post it up :)

 

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af253/jazzi_bee/Ford-Focus_RS500_2011_1600x1200_wal.jpg

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af253/jazzi_bee/Ford-Focus_RS500_2011_1600x1200_-1.jpg

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af253/jazzi_bee/Ford-Focus_RS500_2011_1600x1200_-2.jpg

 

Quoted from AutoExpress

 

The Focus is set to go out with a bang with the ultimate hot hatch! For the car’s swansong, before the all-new third generation arrives in dealers next year, Ford bosses have given the green light to a firebreathing new version.

 

Taking the already potent RS as a base, the RS500 features a revised engine that will really get fast Ford fans talking. The Volvo-sourced turbocharged 2.5-litre has been tweaked by UK-based tuner Mountune. The result is a power output boosted to 345bhp – a 15 per cent increase from standard. Plus, torque has risen from 440Nm to 460Nm, to give the engine yet more mid-range punch.

 

To squeeze out all the extra power, the RS500 is equipped with an enlarged intercooler, which feeds colder, denser air into the engine. A larger exhaust downpipe and new fuel pump have been fitted to keep up with the unit’s higher performance demands.

 

In addition, the engine management system has been recalibrated to optimise the delivery of power for maximum pace. As a result, the sprint from 0-62mph now takes only 5.6 seconds – three-tenths faster than the standard car – while top speed is up from 163mph to 165mph.

 

Other than the engine changes, there have been very few modifications to the car’s chassis. The RevoKnuckle front suspension system – which reduces torque steer – remains the same, as does the Quaife limited-slip differential. The brakes are also carried over, although the calipers are painted red to help set the RS500 apart from lesser models. Ford has retained the 19-inch 15-spoke alloy wheels, too, but given them a metallic black finish.

 

To prove that the chassis could cope, as part of the car’s development programme, three racing drivers were hired to lap the infamous 12.9-mile Nordschleife section of the Nürburgring circuit in Germany non-

stop 500 times. Following the test, chief engineer Matthias Tonn confirmed: “An eight-minute lap time is within reach.” tThat would make the RS500 the fastest hot hatch at the track, eclipsing the current record of eight minutes 17 seconds, held by the Renaultsport Mégane R26.R.

 

Ford will offer only one colour – a striking matt black foil finish, specially developed for the car by American technology firm 3M. The foil is applied by hand after each model rolls off the line at Ford’s plant in Saarlouis, Germany. A unique blue and red badge is also added to the tailgate.

 

Inside, a number of modifications have been carried out. The RS500 is based on the top-spec version of the RS, so it already gets air-con, parking sensors and Recaro seats. But in addition, each car is individually numbered with a plaque on the centre console. There’s a unique red colour scheme, with red stitching for the leather on the steering wheel, door trims and gearlever gaiter. The only options are a touchscreen DVD sat-nav and red leather seats.

 

The car will make its debut on 9 April at Germany’s Leipzig Motor Show, and go on sale in the UK late in June. As it did with 2003’s GT supercar, Ford will bring 101 examples to the UK. Demand is likely to be high, despite the predicted £34,000 price. Bosses are finalising a ballot system to decide the lucky recipients of the fastest Focus ever.

 

Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/250168/official_ford_focus_rs500.html#ixzz0jb4CaCg2

 

 

 

 

Me and the Mr both agree that it is a gorgeous edition

[The Queen]

Absolutely stunning car. I am so glad they decided to make it. :D

[calster17]

Saw it on Pistonheads today, me likes it!:D

 

Although i'd still like to see a road going edtion of the Focus WRC car!

[Mb]

I fapped all day after seeing it. I want it now. :D

[T1M]

Looks amazing! :eek: Do want, certainly! :D

[BobbyV]

Most definitely my favourite affordable super car from now on. Look at it. If some1 would offer to give me Zonda or this one I would choose this baby :drool:

[t.]

Oh wow, so this means they gave it a four wheel drive platform and a Cosworth fettled lump!!!!..... Oh.. guess not.. Looks good though. *wanders off*

[chika.doctor]

Oh wow, so this means they gave it a four wheel drive platform and a Cosworth fettled lump!!!!..... Oh.. guess not.. Looks good though. *wanders off*

 

What he said.. :D

This has 345HP and would take on breaking a record set by R26.R which has *went on carfolio to look* 230HP.. ;)

I mean, these two cars are very different, the R26.R is more like trackday car, and this has air-con and stuff, but my personal opinion is that I would rather take the Renault.. ;)

 

It is nice looking, very mean, and I'm loving the matte black color and red leather seats inside, but still, at least for me, Renault is top notch! :D

 

PS. I wouldn't like to start any arguments, I was just stating my opinion.. :D

[gingervette]

I think it looks awful to be honest. Green suit this thing so much better :)

 

Still a stupid fast car though, credit has to be given to Ford.

[Kelvjy]

Looks great, I love matte black :drool: but still 345HP and FWD :zzz: More power and 4WD would be more epic :D

 

I would like one of these more to be honest :cheeky:

[T0M722]

Oh god! This car looks soooo cool. I loved the Focus RS but now this just tops it off. can't wait till the new Focus though, will be good. I'll have to take a closer look at some other websites and NetCarShow.

[zo6dude]

I'm not a Focus fan, but that looks amazing! Ford did a great job.

[DeathDriver76]

It´s been made to compete with Nissan 350Z and 370Z.

[cis4care]

That matte finish looks flaming sexy on this thing :lol:

 

But seriously, 345 BHP and FWD? Even my mom doesn't like the sound of that. :rofl:

[BobbyV]

But seriously, 345 BHP and FWD? Even my mom doesn't like the sound of that. :rofl:

Maybe she doesn't, but old RS already have managed 300bhp with front wheels only without much of a problem, so 45bhp more seem plausible at least. Modern differentials are surely capable for this.

[DeathDriver76]

Many ppl believe that a good sports car is one that have only RWD, and that is a wrong idea, because, a FWD car is more quickier and more efficient in turns than any RWD car. And of course the best all aspect sports car is a AWD car.

[Penfold]

Looks great but matte black is getting a bit old now with all the wraps about...

[Malakai]

Nahh the Matte Black looks awesome, and for a stock car thats even better :D But i will prefer it if it was an RWD...Its more fun xP But the car its still awesome, a good Ford-Tuning. Anyway, i prefer and M3 E46 Hahaha.

[CarMadMike]

It's rather black, I'd like mine in Pink.

 

But seriously, That is one hawt Hatch :drool:

[EW]

Meh 4wheeldrive pl0x?

A waste of power and money really, a ford will always be a ford.

 

For the price you could buy a much better all rounder. hot hatchs *imo* are abit queer.

I've just always thought of them as a starting car. then you get a grown up car... :p

[GTAMADDOG]

I'm sorry, but £34K for a Ford Focus is beyond madness. No amount of boy-racer styling and torque steer can justify paying £34K for a Ford Focus. I can think of much better things to spend my invisible money on.

 

In all honesty I don't really like the look of it either.

[BobbyV]

It's roughly the same price as Alfa Brera and it got at least 100hbp more and it's way faster, and grips like mad unlike Brera. It also looks great, in a different way.

[Beav]

Awsome looking car, theres one on the way to college (2010 plate :O)

[KoenigseggBG]

Stock one for me, please. :)