![]() The secret of good behavior for the new RS is its front suspension. (Clearly, that was not the differential’s fault, as the new RS has only the slightest hint of torque steer, a tiny tug at the wheel to remind you just how much power it is delivering to the front wheels.) The Quaife torque-biasing helical differential is actually very similar to that used in the first-generation Focus RS, which was an unruly car on anything other than a smooth racetrack. Compared with the 223-hp Focus ST, also powered by the 2.5-liter five, the RS has an aluminum cylinder block with metal-sprayed bores instead of cast-in liners different pistons, rods, and cams and a larger BorgWarner K16 turbo.Ī strengthened six-speed manual is the only transmission. ![]() The engine, a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder that started life at Volvo, has a splendid spread of torque-325 lb-ft from 2300 to 4500 rpm. But the figures do not prepare you for the smooth, comfortable way it copes with slow running as well as winding roads. Flat-out on the autobahn, the Focus RS will do a claimed 163 mph, and based on power to weight, we think it will run high-13s in the quarter-mile. The RS would likely cost about $28,000 if sold in the U.S. That price sounds steep but includes a 17.5-percent value-added tax. In the U.K., the RS was priced at £24,995 (about $34,500) when it went on sale in March. And it costs less than other cars with comparable performance. A mechanical limited-slip differential from race-car-transmission specialists Quaife aids in its remarkable cornering ability. Its front suspension has been comprehensively revised to all but eliminate torque steer. It has 300 horsepower-more than any other front-wheel-drive car available. There are many reasons why the Focus RS succeeds in Europe. Focus rides on the first-generation platform versus the third-gen version currently sold in Europe-there is a desire at Ford to include an RS version in the lineup. gets back in sync with Europe on the next-generation Focus in 2011-the current U.S. This car, developed in Germany by Ford Team RS (for Rallye Sport), is yet another example of the driving excellence of Ford’s European products, several of which will find their way into the American market in two or three years. A sweeping statement, to be sure, but if you look at Car and Driver’s favorites among these sporty but practical small cars-the Mazdaspeed 3 and the Volkswagen GTI-the latest and greatest Focus beats them in all respects. The Ford Focus RS is the world’s best hot hatchback.
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