Ford has just made history by introducing the new high performance Focus RS500. This new ultra-hot hatchback features a 350 hp turbocharged five-cylinder engine and also comes with a mean and aggressive matt black body and some new details for more sportiness. In brief, it’s awesome!
In the RS500, thanks to some changes such as a significantly larger air-to-air intercooler to deliver a cooler, denser charge; a larger air filter box for increased airflow; larger diameter exhaust downpipe; and an uprated fuel pump, along with an updated software calibration to optimise the performance of the revised engine, the power has gone up from 305 to 350 hp and the peak torque from 440 to 460 Nm.
Therefore it does 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds, with a top speed of 263 km/h. Of course it will suffer from torque steer like the standard RS models, but that’s a small price to pay for such a delicious car! And thanks to it’s fancy differential and suspension, and 19-inch wheels with sticky 235/35/R19 tires, it would handle all kind of corners like dream.
Standard convenience features of Ford Focus RS500 includes:
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Heated windscreen
• Rear parking distance sensors
• Tyre deflation detection system
• Automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers
• Auto dimming rear-view mirror
• Ford key-free start
• Enhanced connectivity with Bluetooth®, voice control and USB port
• Sony 6-CD audio system
• Recaro sports front seats with partial leather trim
The car will makes its debut at the 2010 Leipzig Motor Show in Germany on April 9. It is limited to 500 units, each one comes with a special plate inside the cabin with its unique number.
“We were determined to mark the end of production for the current and acclaimed Focus RS with something even more special,” said Joe Bakaj, Ford of Europe’s vice president for Product Development. “From its stunning looks to its intoxicating performance, we have no doubt that the RS500 will be appreciated and quickly snapped up by performance car enthusiasts.
“This vehicle joins a long line of iconic RS Fords and is a worthy recipient of the RS500 name, which became synonymous with success on the road and track with the legendary Sierra RS500 Cosworth that dominated saloon car racing during the late 1980s,” Bakaj added.
“We wanted to be sure that serious enthusiasts could drive the Focus RS500 to the limit on track, without any concerns about the car’s stamina,” said Matthias Tonn, Focus RS500 Chief Programme Engineer. “This meant going beyond our standard test routines, and pushing the car to the edge of its performance envelope. After 500 non-stop laps of the Nürburgring, we are very confident of its durability and delighted at the way it performed, with an 8-minute lap time within reach”.
