2009 Ford Focus RS Full Specifications Released

Ford's RS (Rallye Sport) marque is now 40 years old. After legendary rally inspired models like the Escort RS 1600 or the Escort RS Cosworth, in 2002 the RS division launched the first ever Focus RS, which was also the first front-wheel drive RS model in history. With a limited production of only 4501 units produced, the Focus RS was restricted to only a handful of enthusiasts.

Over six years after the Focus RS Mk1 production ended, it was high time that a new version was to be on the horizon, especially since the Focus itself had went through a new generation and also a facelift.

With a whole 12 months of teaser pictures and small details spilled from time to time, Ford Europe has finally decided to spill the beans on the full specification list of the Focus RS Mk2. Contrary to earlier rumors that were probably spawned by over-enthusiastic fans, the new RS does not feature all-wheel drive or a twin-turbocharged engine.

Instead, Rallye Sport engineers decided to go with a highly modified version of the proven 2.5 liter inline five cylinder in the Focus ST and front-wheel drive.

“Front-wheel-drive was our preference all along. All-wheel-drive systems add cost, weight, inertia and consequently, fuel consumption. Compensating for the significant weight of an all-wheel-drive system requires dynamic compromises we preferred not to make. If you can achieve the performance you want without steering disturbance, then front-wheel-drive is a better performance car - lighter and with a more precise, linear steering response than AWD. With the work of our advanced research team in Aachen, we were able to achieve
this and deliver something genuinely different,” says Dirk Densing, Team RS Chief Engineer.

With 305 hp directed to the front wheels, the new RS is currently the most powerful front-wheel drive performance car in the world.

“This is a serious machine, with the performance, traction and precision to match far more exotic sports cars. The RS badge is not something we treat lightly and I believe this car
proves it.” said Jost Capito, Director, Global Performance Vehicles & Motorsport Business Development.

You can find the full specifications list in the attached pdf, but we'll leave you now with two short movies and the Focus RS image gallery. One movie is about the development of the car an one about the legacy of old Rallye Sport models. Enjoy!


Ford Focus RS Mk2 development:


Ford Rallye Sport evolution: