2008 FORD Focus RS 2.5 6MT (305 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The 2008 Ford Focus RS was the car that threw away the theory that said that an FWD car with more than 200 hp is a torque-steer nightmare. And proved that some theories are just targets.

The 3-door Ford Focus RS received major modifications compared to other versions of the car. From the outside, the front bumper was bigger and received a spoiler plus a huge air scoop. Two air-vents were installed on the hood and, in the rear, a massive wing with winglets replaced the ordinary rear roof spoiler. From the side, the air-vents on the front fenders and the side-sills warned that that was not an ordinary Focus.

The interior was carefully crafted to match the outside look. The Recaro high-performance sports seats were specially designed and trimmed in authentic motorsport microfiber. Each seat is color-matched to the exterior. As an option, Ford offered Ebony black, partial-leather seats. On the dashboard, new analog-dials appeared, showing specific information about boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure.

Underneath the bodywork, there was a new suspension system on the front with a system named RevoKnuckle, a system that limits the torque-steer. Another system involved in diminishing the torque-steer was the limited-slip Quaife differential. Thus, the 305 hp, 5-cylinder engine could send its massive 440 Nm (324.5 lb-ft) torque to the front wheels without causing troubles. The Focus RS looked like an angry dog, but with a bite that matched its bark. And it proved it on the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 8m26 seconds. And that was very fast for that era.