Ford Focus RS500

Ford Focus RS500

When most people think of Ford and the words “ultimate performance” the first thing that comes to mind is probably something like the Ford GT or Shelby GT500 Mustang. Well, according to Ford both of those answers are wrong. To find the right answer you have to look to the compact and somewhat understated Ford Focus. No we aren’t kidding, but we are also holding something back; the Ford Focus in question is the new limited edition Ford Focus RS500.

Ford Focus RS500

Ford Focus RS500

Ford Focus RS500

Ford Focus RS500

The RS500 version of the Focus gets its heritage from vehicles like the Galaxy 500 and GT500 Mustang. You may also remember that Ford try to bring back the 500 numbers for what turned back into the Taurus a couple years ago. The Ford Focus RS500 is all business and has the numbers to back it up. The RS500 is powered by a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine that generates 15 percent more power than the standard European Focus RS or 350 PS (about 345 HP). No matter how you slice it, 345 U.S. HP is a lot for a three door hatchback like the Ford Focus.

Ford didn’t stop at the performance angle when designing the RS500, they also put a lot of time into beefing up the looks. The Ford Focus RS500 features a matte black ‘foil’ paint finish with matching alloy wheels, fender flares, hood vents and calipers finished in red. “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. “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.

There isn’t any talk of this car coming stateside, which is a shame because this is right up the tuner population’s alley. In fact, this type of Focus in the U.S. could really change this small cars image. Hey, we can dream.

 

[Source: Ford]