If you are among the many rally enthusiasts who fondly remember the days of the Ford RS models, then news of an all-new RS model is sure to be of interest. Ford of Europe has confirmed a new, high-performance Focus RS will be launched in 2009 and have provided some hints on how it will look with some teaser images.
The Focus RS will be developed by Ford Team RS headed up by former Rally driver Jost Capito. It will fit in above the ST in the Focus range.
‘With two consecutive Manufacturers World Rally Championship titles under our belt, the time is right to create a new Focus RS,’ said John Fleming, Ford of Europe’s president and CEO. ‘With the Fiesta and Focus ST models, Jost and his team have proved already that they can deliver exciting and practical performance road cars. The success of these models, combined with Jost’s experience in motorsport and Ford of Europe’s positive business results, mean that we now have a credible business case for a no-compromise Focus RS road car for more enthusiastic drivers.’
A concept version of the RS is expected to be put on display at Motor Shows later this year, when the first technical details will also become available.