COLOGNE, Germany, March 25, 2015 – Ford’s all-new high-performance hatchback, the Focus RS, will next week make its first appearance in America, revealing exclusive new signature colour Nitrous Blue at the New York International Auto Show.
This is the first ever Ford RS vehicle to be sold in the U.S. and will be offered in markets all over the world. Ford confirmed deliveries to customers in Europe will start early 2016.
“Customers have begged for the Focus RS to come to the United States for years,” said Raj Nair, group vice president, Global Product Development, Ford Motor Company. “And now we can say that they are getting one of the most innovative, powerful and best-looking RS cars ever. That is special.
“The RS line has a proud history of technical breakthroughs,” Nair added. “It’s a great example of our passion for innovation through performance, and creating vehicles that make people’s hearts pound.”
One of 12 new performance vehicles Ford will bring to customers globally through 2020 as part of a new era of Ford performance, the all-new Focus RS features the innovative Ford Performance All-Wheel-Drive system and a specially engineered 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine.
Ford Performance All-Wheel-Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring delivers a new level of handling capability and driver enjoyment, combining outstanding traction and grip with unmatched agility and cornering speed. The high-performance hatchback’s EcoBoost engine shares its fundamental structure with the all-aluminium four-cylinder engine in the all-new Mustang. This engine has, however, been significantly upgraded through a comprehensive package of design changes to deliver a projected output well in excess of 320 PS.
The all-new Focus RS also introduces advanced performance technologies, and is the first Ford RS equipped with selectable Drive Modes – including an industry-first Drift Mode that allows controlled oversteer drifts – and Launch Control.
The exterior design of the all-new Focus RS is both dramatic and functional, with a more powerful and muscular character. It will be offered in a choice of four-coat metallic finish Nitrous Blue and a further four striking exterior colours, including Stealth Grey, Shadow Black, Magnetic Grey and Frozen White.
“This is the ultimate Focus – stunning to look at and entirely fit for purpose,” said Joel Piaskowski, director, Design, Ford of Europe. “RS models have always been striking, high-performance cars where function is paramount. This new Focus RS is true to that heritage.”
Developed by a small team of Ford Performance engineers in Europe and U.S., the new Focus RS is the third generation of Focus RS cars, following models launched in 2002 and 2009. The 30th car to wear the legendary RS badge, the Focus RS will be built in Saarlouis, Germany, starting late this year.
Further details about the all-new Ford Focus RS are available via the online press kit.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 187,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.
Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 47,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and approximately 66,000 people when joint ventures and unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 23 manufacturing facilities (12 wholly owned or consolidated joint venture facilities and 11 unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.
