Category: Ford

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Ford

Ford Focus RS500 already a museum piece

Ford Focus RS500

The ferocious Ford Focus RS500 was only launched a short time ago. But already one example is readying itself for being mothballed as part of the Ford heritage collection in Dagenham, Essex.

It turns out there were actually 512 examples of the RS500 made. The quoted limit of 500 cars were for general sale, while 12 models were also made for press and marketing purposes. Indeed is it car PR001 that Ford has saved from press duties to be added to their museum.

Ford corporate affairs manager, Brian Bennett, said: “The heritage collection is the largest collection of roadworthy historic Ford vehicles in the UK and includes some of the industry’s most famous vehicles such as the Ford Model T and the Ford Cortina. Performance models feature strongly and the Ford Focus RS500 was an obvious choice to include as a future classic.”

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Ford

Ford Focus RS photo gallery

Ford Focus RS

Last week we learned Ford Australia will be importing 315 Focus RS models into Australia. They’re asking $60K plus on roads etc and Ford expect the RS to be here by October, or thereabouts. Word on the street is around half of the cars will be in the lairy Ultimate Green paint scheme, with the remainder split evenly between Performance Blue and Frozen White.

To help get Blue Oval fans in the mood a gallery of images featuring Ultimate Green and Performance Blue models can be seen after the break. If you want to see what the Frozen White looks like CLICK HERE.

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Ford

Ford Focus RS confirmed for Australia – $59,990

Ford Focus RS

Ford Australia have just confirmed they will be bringing the Focus RS down under. If you want to play with Ford’s extreme hatch you will need to pony up $59,990 plus on road fees and charges. It will be available in three colours; Ultimate Green, Performance Blue and Frozen White. The introduction of the Focus RS to Australia will be limited to 315 cars. All signs currently point to an October release date.

Marin Burela, Ford Australia President, expressed his excitement at today’s news, “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.”

In case you had already consigned the hype about the RS as yesterday’s news, it is powered by a 224kW 2.5 litre turbocharged five cylinder Duratec engine. There’s a gobsmacking 440Nm of torque on offer, as well. Powered by the front wheels only, Ford have tried to reign in that power by fitting the RS with a fancy “RevoKnuckle” MacPherson strut set up in conjunction with a Quaife limited slip diff.

At its launch early last year the Focus RS was attracting plenty of attention from the UK motoring journos, including Jason Plato from Fifth Gear and Steve Sutcliffe from Autocar. Even Mark Webber has had his say.

So, what do you think; has the moment passed for the two-year old RS? Is it’s $10K premium over the all-wheel drive Golf R too much to ask? Is that Ultimate Green paint job having a laugh, or could you see yourself behind the wheel of this extrovert?

Ford’s full press release is available after the break. Further information can be found in the UK sales brochure, which can be downloaded in PDF format HERE (724kb).

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Ford

Dark art

Ford Focus RS500

Local fans of the Blue Oval’s finest hot hatch will have to endure more misery with the announcement of this cooking Focus RS500 model. Ford Australia, in their wisdom, have decided that we cannot buy Ford Focus RS. Sure we can get the Focus XR5 (ST), but if Volkswagen is willing to offers  its top-end Golf R in addition to its iconic GTI, why won’t Ford play ball also? Of course, that means there is virtually no chance of ever seeing the hot RS500 down under.

In fact, its so damn hot it has chargrilled itself into a very stealth, and very awesome, matt black finish. It’s a combination of Panther Black duco and a specially designed film, described by Ford as being a”foil” finish and has been developed in conjunction with 3M.

It used to be said that 200 horsepower was the maximum amount you could put through a front-driver before things got a bit hectic. Ford have already thrown the rule book out with the 2.5 litre Duratec inline five cylinder found in the regular RS. But this 500 model, throws the rule book even further away with peak power of 350PS. That’s an impressive 15 per cent gain over the “garden-variety’ RS, if there could ever be such a thing. Torque has been boosted as well, up 20Nm to a new peak of 460Nm.

Gains have been made via the usual route for hi-po turbocharged engines, with tweaks such as a more free-flowing exhaust system—including larger downpipe, uprated intercooler, better air intake, revised high-pressure fuel pump and a new ECU tune to maximise those mods. Gunnar Herrmann, Ford’s global C-car vehicle line director says, “The engine’s improved breathing has allowed us to increase power without having to raise turbo boost pressure significantly. This has made it possible to enhance peak performance while maintaining the excellent driveability, fuel consumption and emissions of the standard Focus RS.”

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Ford

A closer look at the 2011 Ford Focus

2011 Ford Focus

It’s now a couple of weeks since Ford presented the 2011 Focus at the Detroit Auto Show. With the dust settled, let’s take a closer look at the funky sheet metal carving a new direction for Ford. They call it “kinetic design” and there’s a real hint of Chris Bangle flame surface going on. Not that this is entirely new, as the current Fiesta is also cut from the same cloth.

Look closely at the pic above and the way the rear light cluster extends towards the front of the car. At first glance it looks okay, but picture it on a silver or light coloured car. Is that forward extension going to look just a bit too much?

The fuel cap slotting in underneath is also an interesting solution. Again, at first glance it’s a nice way to tuck the lid away. But would a more conventional round lid, as shown on the Focus sedan, have been a better result? Is “kinetic design” trying a bit too hard?

In the last image below, which shows the sedan version from the rear three-quarter angle you get a great look at the creases extending over the wheel arches and the shoulder line along the doors. In theory, the way they run past each other simply shouldn’t work. Maybe it’s the choice of the silver paint and the studio lighting, but there’s something pleasing about the craziness going on there.

The new Focus and the “ONE Ford” global car platform strategy holds great hope for the US carmaker. Despite some reservations I think thew new Focus is a good step forward (on the outside at least). But will this bold new direction pay the required dividends?

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Ford Formula 1 Renault Volkswagen

Mark Webber’s hot hatch test

Mark Webber speaks with the Telegraph

Mark Webber has spent some time on the off-season trying his hand as a motoring hack. At least, that’s how it’s been presented in UK daily newspaper the Telegraph. Given the icy conditions it was little more than a bit of hit and giggle really. But, if you’re a hot hatch fan then of course you’ll want to know what he thought of the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Renaultsport Megane 250 and Ford Focus RS.

When asked if the hot hatch genre was respected back home Mark’s reply would have gone down well at the recent Summernats festival, “Nah mate. Anything less than five litres ain’t big back home.”

For the full text follow the link below. Images of the test trio, without the snow, can be seen after the jump. Click on the pics to load 2000px wallpaper-friendly versions.

[Source & main pic: Telegraph.co.uk | Thanks to Rick for the tip]

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Ford Motor Shows

Detroit: 2011 Ford Focus

2011 Ford Focus

Ford has just released new images of their 2011 Focus at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Production will commence later this year, with European and North American sales to commence simultaneously in early 2011.

The new Focus has been developed by a worldwide team with major input from Germany, Britain and the United States. The Focus will initially be built in three plants— Saarlouis (Germany), Michigan (United States) and Chongqing (China). In a true global car program the Focus will share parts from a minimum of 80% in all markets.

“The new Ford Focus is a clear demonstration that our ONE Ford strategy is providing global consumers with great products that harness the best of Ford Motor Company,” said Alan Mulally, Ford’s president and CEO.

“The efficiencies generated by our new global C-car platform will enable us to provide Ford Focus customers with an affordable product offering quality, fuel efficiency, safety and technology beyond their expectations,” he added.

From the initial pics it looks as though Ford have thrown their current Focus RS model in the blender with the best of Chris Bangle’s flame surfacing from BMW, smoothed the edges out a bit and voila—a new Focus! Ford call it “kinetic design”.

Overall, though, its cuts a striking shape and definitely stands out among its mid class rivals. The interior, though, is a bit out of control. The main dash cluster and instruments are all screaming for the driver’s attention, you don’t really know where to look.

Since 1998 the Focus has been acknowledged as one of the class leaders when it comes to driving duties and overall handling. I guess we shall expect this new model to follow suit, as well.

More pics of the hatch and sedan models follow after the jump, along with an extensive press release from Ford UK. More to follow as it comes to hand.

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Ford

Would you like fries with that?

Ford Focus RS Mcchip

According to some the Ford Focus RS already has too much power for its front wheels to handle. But German tuner Mcchip-dkr clearly doesn’t think that way. If you hand them your RS, along with €4500, they will return it to you with a new intercooler, enhanced sports exhaust, revised inlet manifold, specialised spark plugs and, of course, they’ll have fiddled with the ECU for you, as well.

Okay, that sounds good, but what are the numbers you ask? How does 401PS sound! Or, in our language, they will boost your car’s standard 224kW up to an extraordinary 295kW. Peak torque also gets a massive rush, going from an already stupid 440Nm to a stupendous 612Nm.

About the only thing modest with this Stage 2 up size is the increase in top speed, which goes from 263km/h to 278km/h. Mcchip-dkr also offers an engine warranty program for extra peace of mind. All this adds up to one very happy meal.

[via WorldCarFans]

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Ford Volkswagen

Autocar: Scirocco R v Focus RS

Scirocco R v Focs RS

This video from Autocar, featuring the Volkswagen Scirocco R and the Ford Focus RS is a bit of a tease really. You see, neither car is currently available in Australia. Worse, it doesn’t look like that situation is going to change anytime soon.

However, that minor inconvenience doesn’t make either car less desirable. Indeed, in the Scirocco I probably have something of an unhealthy infatuation. I was recently in the market for a new car and, were the Scirocco available to me, I dare say it would have been right at the top of my list.

Written reviews for the Scirocco R have been around for a few weeks now, but somehow, I managed to miss this video review.

Check out the clip after the jump and see what you think. Which would you buy—the Volkswagen or the Ford?

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Ford WRC

Block and Atkinson to form Monster WRC duo

Ken Block in action

Reports are emerging that gymkhana phenomenon Ken Block and Australian rally driver Chris Atkinson are set to join a new Ford WRC team backed by Monster Energy drinks. This could explain why the two guys were recently filmed behind the wheel of an old skool Escort.

The deal is expected to be finalised before Christmas and should be a three-year agreement. Block’s high profile would be a welcome introduction for the WRC and should help the category establish itself in North America, where it is currently barely heard of.

WRC promoter Simon Long was quoted by Autosport as saying, “Ken Block is an iconic figure in US motorsport and a major box office personality. It wouldn’t get much better than this for the WRC going into North America.”

Indeed, and not a bad return to WRC for Atkinson, either, who has had limited exposure to the sport since the demise of the Subaru World Rally Team.

Should the deal come to fruition Block and Atkinson would most likely compete in around half of the events scheduled for 2010, possibly in 2009-spec WRC Focus machines, before launching an all out assault on the 2011 season.

[Source: Autosport via autoblog | Pic: Ken Block Racing]

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Ford Motorsports Video

How much fun is this thing!

Ken Block and Chris Atkinson in action

Want to see what Ken Block and Chris Atkinson can do with a seriously tricked out Ford Escort rally car? Thought so.

The old Ford might look old skool on the outside, but it’s a little bit fancy on the inside. The two rally lads were let loose in the Escort around the track at the Team O’Neil Rally School. Check out the footage after the jump.

[Thanks to Sean for the tip]

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Ford Motorsports

Peak Performance – It’s no Climb Dance, but it’s still pretty good

Peak Performance - Marcus Gornholm

Back in 1990 Jean Louis Mourey gave the motoring and cinema world Climb Dance. A five minute epic, if there can be such a thing, capturing Ari Vatanen‘s mad scramble up the famous Pikes Peak Hill Climb.

Fast forward 19 years and here is the latest short film centred around the Pikes Peak event. This time Marcus Grönholm is featured. The two-time world rally champion is at the wheel of an 800hp Ford Fiesta.

Boil the kettle, make yourself a cuppa, click the jump and enjoy.

[Thanks to Mark & John for the tip.]

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