Post by TonyV on Mar 29, 2010 14:05:18 GMT -5
Last Updated: March 29. 2010 12:10PM .Ford unwraps limited edition Focus RS500
Scott Burgess / The Detroit News
The Ford Focus RS500 will debut at the 2010 Leipzig Motor Show in Germany on April 9, Ford of Europe officials announced this morning.
The limited-edition RS500 will feature a more powerful engine and retuned suspension -- and it'll create a very exclusive club. Ford of Europe plans to build only 500 units for sale in 20 European countries.
The high-performance coupe, based on the same platform as the European Ford Focus, will feature a 345 horsepower, 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine that will create 340 pound-feet of torque.
It comes in matte black paint and smoked alloy rims for its 19-inch performance tires, and will have a slew of performance parts such as brakes and shocks.
Every model will include a metal plaque on the dash with an engraved identification number, one through 500.
"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, in a news release. "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."
The regular Focus RS has gained a reputation in Europe as a premier affordable sports car with Ford selling more than 11,000 vehicles last year. Officially, Ford has not said if it will ultimately bring the Focus RS to the U.S. when the new Focus arrives next year. Enthusiasts, however, can still hope.
According to Ford's preliminary tests, the RS500 can go from zero to 60 in less than 5.6 seconds and has a top speed of 163 mph.
Ford will also offer a special interior package for the RS500. Seats will include red stitching -- regular RS models use blue stitching. Additionally, the RS500 will offer red Recaro race seats.
"We believe that customers lucky enough to secure one of the limited edition Focus RS500 models will be getting a real collectors item," said Bakaj in the release. "From its stunning looks, to its immense driver appeal and its complete specification, the Focus RS500 provides enthusiasts with the ultimate performance Ford for the road."
sburgess@detnews.com (313) 223-3217
Scott Burgess / The Detroit News
The Ford Focus RS500 will debut at the 2010 Leipzig Motor Show in Germany on April 9, Ford of Europe officials announced this morning.
The limited-edition RS500 will feature a more powerful engine and retuned suspension -- and it'll create a very exclusive club. Ford of Europe plans to build only 500 units for sale in 20 European countries.
The high-performance coupe, based on the same platform as the European Ford Focus, will feature a 345 horsepower, 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine that will create 340 pound-feet of torque.
It comes in matte black paint and smoked alloy rims for its 19-inch performance tires, and will have a slew of performance parts such as brakes and shocks.
Every model will include a metal plaque on the dash with an engraved identification number, one through 500.
"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, in a news release. "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."
The regular Focus RS has gained a reputation in Europe as a premier affordable sports car with Ford selling more than 11,000 vehicles last year. Officially, Ford has not said if it will ultimately bring the Focus RS to the U.S. when the new Focus arrives next year. Enthusiasts, however, can still hope.
According to Ford's preliminary tests, the RS500 can go from zero to 60 in less than 5.6 seconds and has a top speed of 163 mph.
Ford will also offer a special interior package for the RS500. Seats will include red stitching -- regular RS models use blue stitching. Additionally, the RS500 will offer red Recaro race seats.
"We believe that customers lucky enough to secure one of the limited edition Focus RS500 models will be getting a real collectors item," said Bakaj in the release. "From its stunning looks, to its immense driver appeal and its complete specification, the Focus RS500 provides enthusiasts with the ultimate performance Ford for the road."
sburgess@detnews.com (313) 223-3217