Ford Focus RS will hit 164mph

The 2009 Ford Focus RS - Good for 164mph

Ford in Austria has finally let loose some concrete information on the much anticipated 2009 Ford Focus RS, which looks set to be one barn-stormer of a car.

With almost 300bhp, a 0-60 time in the high 5 seconds and a top speed of 164mph, the Focus RS looks an enticing package for the boy racers. Austrian prices are quoted at €39,000, which at today’s rotten rates equates to about £32.5k. But not to worry, by the time the car gets here in the early New Year, the UK price is likely to be around the £25k mark.

The RS will get upgraded springs and dampers, as well as beefed-up roll bars to cope with the power. There is also a limited slip diff. which is said to be a big improvement on the MK I RS. But what about that Achilles Heel of front-wheel drive performance cars, torque-steer? Well, Ford has an answer to that – Revoknuckle! That’s some name. Anyway, it’s supposed to keep the power feeding in progressively and curb the torque steer. Clever stuff.

Colour options are a little limited. You can either have Indianapolis Blue, Performance Green or Frost White, with a green or blue interior. There is a black leather option as well.

This car will make the hot hatch market sit up and take notice. But whether it will be better than the best in class – the Megane and the new Evo X hatch – is hard to tell. Still – it will sell well.