S M O G - Southern Mondeo Owners Club

FOCUS RS

Six years have passed since the last Ford RS - the Mk1 Focus RS - finished its strictly limited production run. Now the famous badge has returned for its league of devoted fans and a new generation of performance car enthusiasts.

This new Ford Focus RS is the product of Ford Team RS, headed by Jost Capito, a committed car enthusiast and racer. Alongside Capito is a small team of dedicated performance car and motorsport engineering specialists, led by Chief Programme Engineer, John Wheeler, whose own expertise stretches over 20 years of Ford performance and motorsport vehicles.

The Ford Focus RS engine shares its fundamental structure with that of Focus ST, but that's where the similarities end. Powertrain manager Len Urwin knew from the beginning that simply adjusting the engine management system for more power would be insufficient for a true RS.

The objective was increasing power and torque without affecting durability. To meet that, multiple detail changes were made to the powertrain including a revised cylinder head gasket, ultra-durable metal sprayed cylinder bores, revised pistons and a bespoke camshaft profile and connecting rods, allowing bigger small end bearings.

Offering more torque than any Ford RS production car before it, the Ford Focus RS' torque curve has a steady state peak beginning at 2,300 rpm and running to 4,500 rpm, meaning torque can be appreciated in any gear and at most road speeds. The 440Nm peak torque is a 38 per cent increase over the Ford Focus ST.

The Ford Focus RS' major design features are all functional, as well as styled to create a lasting impression, with each doing an important job in managing the airflow over and into the car.

From the outset, Team RS worked with Ford's design and aerodynamics specialists to ensure performance style met performance requirements. The prominent front air splitter, twin-blade rear spoiler and rear venturi all underwent significant aerodynamic testing to achieve the right cooling and aerodynamic targets.

On the inside, the Ford Focus RS boasts a unique and appropriately performance-oriented interior, designed to appeal to customer tastes and balance genuine sports performance with a strong sense of style and quality.

The Ford Focus RS' cabin is dominated by bespoke Recaro high-performance sports seats, specially designed and trimmed in an authentic motorsport microfibre, a tactile material that also provides the grip and support necessary when driving enthusiastically. Each is colour-matched to the exterior, with ebony leather accents and 'RS' and 'Recaro' logos stitched into each backrest. Alternatively, optional Ebony black, partial-leather seats will be available with all exterior colours.

 

MAD NEW MONDEO COUPE

The forthcoming Vauxhall Insignia is set to raise the style stakes in the class, while the Volkswagen Passat CC has proved there really is demand for four-door coupés. So the time is right for the ultimate evolution of Ford’s family car to take a bow.

But the Coupé’s arrival also coincides with the blue oval’s increased European profitability. The company’s formula of good looks and strong driver appeal has been so successful on cars such as the standard Mondeo.

Upcoming products such as the new Fiesta and Ka  will continue this philosophy. The Mondeo Coupé’s role is to sit at the very top of the range, as a desirable flagship. And it has some talented machinery in its sights, including the likes of the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class. The foundations have already been laid down by the latest-generation Mondeo, so the Coupé can offer an even more desirable mix of looks, driving dynamics and luxury.

As you can see from these pictures, the newcomer is a leap forward in design terms over the current car. Inspired by the Iosis concept – which previewed the Mondeo back in 2005 – it features a rakish roofline that slopes sharply over the heads of the rear passengers, plus a host of dramatic lines.

Striking details include a larger lower grille with enormous, chrome-ringed triangular air intakes. Bold extended wheelarches and muscular shoulder lines give it an athletic stance.

A full hatchback tailgate ensures practicality is a strength, while inside, the cabin will feature a spacious and luxurious four-seater layout, with twin individual chairs for rear passengers.

Up front, an evolution of the standard Mondeo’s dashboard design is expected, with hi-tech equipment including the latest touchscreen sat-nav package. This comprises programmable driver settings, and will be offered alongside Bluetooth wireless phone technology, a docking station for MP3 players and a keyless go system. Under the skin will be a mildly updated version of the Mondeo’s suspension set-up, with electronically controlled dampers giving the driver the option of Sport and Comfort modes. This will allow the Coupé to combine agile, sporty handling with excellent refinement at cruising speeds.

Engines will be sourced from the top end of the Mondeo line-up, and will include the new 175bhp 2.2-litre diesel from the Titanium X Sport model and a turbocharged 217bhp 2.5-litre petrol five-cylinder.

There is the possibility that the car will get the option of Ford’s new Powershift double-clutch gearbox, in addition to the conventional six-speed manual transmission fitted as standard.

Also, there are rumours that, as with the Insignia, the Coupé will be available with a new four-wheel-drive system, as well as stop-start technology to cut CO2 emissions and boost economy. While Ford has yet to confirm the Mondeo Coupé officially, buyers can expect the car to appear in around 2011, with prices from £25,000.

Extracted source from auto express