German Car Zone

Just_me · 02-23-2009, 07:41 AM

Where the Focus ST would push wide, the RS grips and goes with the efficiency of a true supercar. While the meaty steering keeps you informed with what’s going on, there’s none of the playful handling traits of a hot hatch.

Ford Focus RS | First Drives | Car Reviews | Auto Express

Just_me · 02-23-2009, 07:44 AM

Autocar:
Autocar Videos - Autocar.co.uk

CAR:
Ford Focus RS (2009) CAR review | Road Testing Reviews | Car Magazine Online

speed_kills · 02-23-2009, 08:35 AM

Seems like it can put the power without problems. Now let's put it against a EVO

martinbo · 02-24-2009, 04:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speed_kills

Seems like it can put the power without problems. Now let's put it against a EVO

I have the sick feeling in my stomach that it's going to kill both the current STI and EVO X. And with just the two front wheels being driven...

So far, rave reviews...

The highly respectable Steve Sutcliffe at Autocar gives it a fabulous review

Quote:

The way the RS puts its grunt down is truly incredible, but beyond that it’s also a lovely car to hussle along a good road. The steering is just delicious in the way it telegraphs so clearly what’s happening beneath the fat Continental front tyres. Yet it’s what happens at the other end of the car that provides you with the biggest confidence booster. The way in which the car neither under nor oversteers, but just hangs on is, well, breathtaking.

Should I buy one?
In a word, yes. Remortgage the house, rob a bank, sell yourself, sell your own grandmother, just do whatever it takes to put an RS on your drive. Because it really is one of those cars.

I'd have one - BUT...
I don't think Ford SA will be bringing any down here and that's a disaster.

Just_me · 02-24-2009, 04:21 AM

5th Gear

Ford Focus RS first drives - Fifth Gear

But torque steer - even with 300bhp going through the front wheels - has left the building. Throwing the RS around the mountain roads above Nice, there was no evidence of it while cornering. Ford's engineers say this is all down to the incredibly complicated Revo Knuckle suspension, which seems to work wonders. The only time there was hint of torque steer was when we pulled across a white line to overtake a car on a very short straight. The combination of full power, steering and low traction gave a tiny tug at the steering wheel for a fraction of a second - and that was it. So, yes, the problem that's plagued front-drive performance cars for years really has been solved.

Just_me · 02-24-2009, 04:36 AM

Video from 5th gear TV-show. Jason driving the new RS

martinbo · 02-24-2009, 05:32 AM

^ Utterly impressive thus far. I can't wait to hear what EVO and Driver's Republic have to say about the car.

It does though, beg the question: if the new RS is so sophisticated at translating all of that torque and grip to the front wheels - how long are those tyres expected to last? I reckon after 15 000 km of spirited driving, they're shot.

Just_me · 02-24-2009, 05:34 AM

Isnt the new Focus RS using a Volvo engine?

martinbo · 02-24-2009, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just_me

Isnt the new Focus RS using a Volvo engine?

Yes, the basic foundation for the engine is from Volvo which in itself has vague origins with Audi's old 5 cylinder engine.

BMW Power · 02-24-2009, 01:08 PM

looks very agressive - two thumbs up!

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German Car Zone

First drives: Ford Focus RS