Body style: Hatchback
Segment: Compact
Production years: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
The 2008 Ford Focus RS was the car that threw away the theory that said that an FWD car with more than 200 hp is a torque-steer nightmare. And proved that some theories are just targets.
The 3-door Ford Focus RS received major modifications compared to other versions of the car. From the outside, the front bumper was bigger and received a spoiler plus a huge air scoop. Two air-vents were installed on the hood and, in the rear, a massive wing with winglets replaced the ordinary rear roof spoiler. From the side, the air-vents on the front fenders and the side-sills warned that that was not an ordinary Focus.
The interior was carefully crafted to match the outside look. The Recaro high-performance sports seats were specially designed and trimmed in authentic motorsport microfiber. Each seat is color-matched to the exterior. As an option, Ford offered Ebony black, partial-leather seats. On the dashboard, new analog-dials appeared, showing specific information about boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure.
Underneath the bodywork, there was a new suspension system on the front with a system named RevoKnuckle, a system that limits the torque-steer. Another system involved in diminishing the torque-steer was the limited-slip Quaife differential. Thus, the 305 hp, 5-cylinder engine could send its massive 440 Nm (324.5 lb-ft) torque to the front wheels without causing troubles. The Focus RS looked like an angry dog, but with a bite that matched its bark. And it proved it on the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 8m26 seconds. And that was very fast for that era.
ENGINE SPECS - 2.5 6MT (305 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L5 |
Displacement: | 2522 cm3 |
Power: | 224 KW @ 6500 RPM 305 HP @ 6500 RPM 300 BHP @ 6500 RPM |
Torque: | 325 lb-ft @ 2300-4500 RPM 441 Nm @ 2300-4500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Turbocharged Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 163.4 mph (263 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 5.9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 235/35 R19 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 173.3 in (4402 mm) |
Width: | 72.5 in (1842 mm) |
Height: | 58.9 in (1496 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 62.4/63.2 in (1,585/1,605 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 103.9 in (2639 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 3.9 in (99 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 13.6 cuFT (385 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.38 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3236.4 lbs (1468 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4100.6 lbs (1860 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 17.6 mpg US (13.4 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 33.6 mpg US (7 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 25 mpg US (9.4 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 225 g/km |