Detroit automaker Ford's European arm recently announced that a new high performance car is in the works. The Auto Channel reported that the Focus RS will be launched in 2009 and it will be a cool-looking and rubber-burning car.
According to the report, the RS version of the Focus will be created in the likes of the Focus ST and will be developed by Ford Team RS.
John Fleming, Ford of Europe's president and CEO, had this to say: "With two consecutive Manufacturers' World Rally Championship titles under our belt, the time is right to create a new Focus RS. 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 roadcar for more enthusiastic drivers." Jost Capito will be leading the development team.
Capito meanwhile added: "We have reviewed our technical options and worked closely with the Design team on how the car might look, and I'm very excited by the results. Now with the programme going ahead, the hard work really starts as the small team working on the project takes the car from prototype to production."
"We will use the redesigned 2008 Focus ST as the base for a no-compromise RS model that will become the ultimate road-going Focus. Just as the Focus RS WRC owns the rally circuit, we want the new Focus RS to own the road, so we have the major competitors in our sights as we develop the car's performance, design, handling and braking." Those are some strong and fighting words but I think that Ford can back it up and actually create a vehicle which can outperform any Acura CSX with its reliable engine mount.