FORD FOCUS RS
The Ford Focus RS is on its way to Australia, Ford has announced today.
Rumours last year suggested that the current-generation Focus RS would be the last. With Ford yet to confirm performance variants for the all-new 2011 model (reports suggest an XR4 Turbo will show at Paris in September), it remains to be seen if an RS variant will figure in the new Focus line-up.
For now, though, Australian hot hatch fans can at last get their hands on one of Ford of Europe's most exciting models - and with only 315 examples to be made available, its 'future legend' status is all but assured.
"Customers, the motoring press, Ford enthusiasts and hot hatch fans have all been constantly asking us about Focus RS and when it might be coming to Australia, so we're very pleased and incredibly excited to be able to confirm for everyone today that it's on its way and will be here soon," Ford Australia President & CEO Marin Burela said.
[The Focus RS will] set a new benchmark for hot hatch performance in this country, creating a whole new generation of performance car enthusiasts in the process."
Arriving in Australian showrooms early in the fourth quarter, the second-generation Ford Focus RS will be offered in just one specification level, along with three exterior colours: Ultimate Green, the signature colour of the latest Focus RS; Performance Blue, the colour of the original Focus RS; and Frozen White, a classic RS colour.
With 224kW and 440Nm generated by Ford's 2.5 litre Duratec five-cylinder turbocharged engine, the Focus RS dispatches the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds.
Suspension and handling is managed by Ford's innovative RevoKnuckle front-suspension system and Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing limited-slip differential. Braking is covered by 336mm ventilated front and 300mm rear brakes.
Pricing
Ford Australia has confirmed that the Ford Focus RS Mark II will be offered in Australia with a Manufacturer's List Price of $59,990.
A specific launch date has yet to be announced.