The new Ford Focus RS in Congleton

www.burnsgarages.co.uk

Before it even turns a wheel, the new Focus RS exudes the presence, sporty style and lowered, "meaner" appearance expected of a genuine Ford RS. Overt performance styling details mix with subtle revisions to create a planted, powerful stance and the promise of an exciting drive.

In Congleton, Cheshire in the North West of England we have the new Focus to see and to test drive.

A LEGEND RETURNS.

Front and rear quarter panels incorporate wider wheel arches and a wider track, complimented by revised, deeper side rocker mouldings. Two classic-style bonnet louvres are both a styling hint at the power beneath and a practical requirement, maintaining correct system temperatures.

The front bumper design incorporates a deep front airdamwith a large, mwsh lower grill in an exrended trapezoid. At the rear,a deep new rear bumper incorporates a large venturi to its lower edge.

Above, a unique twin element black RS spoiler sits at the roofline, echoing both RS models of the past and the world rally-winning Focus WRC.

Inside this theme continues with a performance-orientated interior dominated by bespoke, sculptured Recaro high-performance sports seats. The centre console is finished in a stylish gloss, carbon-look trim and metallic highlights abound from air vents, door grab handles, swithchgear and gearshift surround, to unique RS branded scuff plates on the door sills. The performance driving environment is complimented by three additional guages from the Focus ST, including turbo pressure, sitting atop the centre console and angled towards the driver.

At the heart of the new Focus RS is a specially developed turbocharged version of the Duratec 2.5 litre5 cylinder engine. Significantly revised for high performance, this has an impressive power output of 305ps and 440Mn of torque. Such significant increases are not simply the result of altering the engine management or boost pressure. Starting with the Duratec block, Ford RS engineers have developed unique camshafts, a revised cylinder head and gasket and revised intake and exhaust manifold system.

The new Focus RS, available to order at Burns Garages in Cheshire, is equiped with an innovative front suspension system which is designed to reduce unwanted steering disturbance and torque steer. Torque steer occurs during hard acceleration, cornering or driving on uneven surfaces when torque on the driven wheels exceeds grip levels. The Revo Knuckle works in cojunction with a limited slip diffreential and allows the simplicity of the McPearson strut arrangement, but with geometry settings that minimise steering disturbance and Torque steer.

Brakes have also been uprated with 336mm ventilated front and 300mm rear discs. Large calipers peek out from behind unique 19" wheels, wrapped in 235/35 low profile Continental tyres. A special version of Ford's ESP system has also been developed designed to allow a very sporty drivind style before activatng.

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