"Due to the overwhelming interest shown for the new Ford Focus RS500, Ford decided to release more information today, March 29, 2010." This is how American manufacturer Ford signs the birth certificate of perhaps the meanest, darkest Focus ever created.
Limited to only 500 "performance car enthusiasts", the RS500 comes packing a 2.5l 5-cylinder engine developing 345 horsepower and 460 Nm of torque. The boost over the production version has mainly been achieved by improving the engine's combustion process.
On the outside, "Darth" Focus wears a unique matt black 'foil' paint finish, completed by matching 19-inch alloy wheels. Unfortunately, the good looks and remarkable power come with a cost: the RS500 will be the last of its kind. After the 500 units are sold, the RS line from Ford will cease its existence.
“We were determined to mark the end of production for the current and acclaimed Focus RS with something even more special,” Joe Bakaj, Ford of Europe's vice president for Product Development said about the car. “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."
“This vehicle joins a long line of iconic RS Fords and is a worthy recipient of the RS500 name, which became synonymous with success on the road and track with the legendary Sierra RS500 Cosworth that dominated saloon car racing during the late 1980s,” Bakaj added.
The RS500, together with full details, will be unveiled at the 2010 Leipzig Motor Show in Germany on April 9.
Limited to only 500 "performance car enthusiasts", the RS500 comes packing a 2.5l 5-cylinder engine developing 345 horsepower and 460 Nm of torque. The boost over the production version has mainly been achieved by improving the engine's combustion process.
On the outside, "Darth" Focus wears a unique matt black 'foil' paint finish, completed by matching 19-inch alloy wheels. Unfortunately, the good looks and remarkable power come with a cost: the RS500 will be the last of its kind. After the 500 units are sold, the RS line from Ford will cease its existence.
“We were determined to mark the end of production for the current and acclaimed Focus RS with something even more special,” Joe Bakaj, Ford of Europe's vice president for Product Development said about the car. “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."
“This vehicle joins a long line of iconic RS Fords and is a worthy recipient of the RS500 name, which became synonymous with success on the road and track with the legendary Sierra RS500 Cosworth that dominated saloon car racing during the late 1980s,” Bakaj added.
The RS500, together with full details, will be unveiled at the 2010 Leipzig Motor Show in Germany on April 9.