Ford Focus RS Hits Australian Roads
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Ford Australia today released one of this year's most anticipated new models: the exciting rally-bred Focus RS.
SYDNEY – Sept 24, 2010: The highly acclaimed, high-performance Focus RS will be sold locally in limited numbers - only 315 of these motorsport-derived cars are heading to Australian shores – ensuring exclusivity as well as excitement for each lucky customer.
It is something Ford Australia President and CEO Marin Burela says has been a regular topic of late.
"My team and I have received so many requests for this special model," he said.
"When we announced we had secured 315 Focus RS models for Australia I think the inquiry rate doubled, such is the passion this car generates.
"The buzz and excitement surrounding Focus RS has spread rapidly around the globe since it was introduced in Europe early last year, winning a host of motoring awards and receiving widespread critical acclaim for its outstanding combination of high-performance road car technology and every day Focus practicality.
"Now it is poised to conquer the Australia market, setting a new benchmark for hot hatch performance in this country and creating a whole new generation of performance car enthusiasts in the process," he said.
The Focus RS is available only one comprehensively-equipped specification level and limited to three exterior colours – Ultimate Green, the signature colour of the latest Focus RS; Performance Blue, the colour of the original Focus RS; and Frozen White, a classic RS colour.
Powered by a turbocharged Duratec RS 2.5-litre engine delivering 224 kW of power and peak torque of 440 Nm from just 2300 rpm, the RS is equipped with an arsenal of high-tech, high-performance components to match its exclusivity.
Focus RS is fitted with unique sports suspension, incorporating the patented Ford RevoKnuckle, along with a Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing Helical Limited Slip Differential, high-performance braking system and Tyre Deflation Detection System (DDS) for the 19-inch alloy wheels and bespoke Continental tyres.
In addition to the largest wheel/tyre combination ever fitted to a
Focus, a host of unique Focus World Rally Car-inspired design elements
contribute to the bold exterior of the RS, including:
In fact almost every body panel on the sleek three-door body has been revised or modified.
A twin-blade rear spoiler completes the exterior package, complementing the rear bumper venturi and front bumper splitter to deliver the necessary downforce and balance the overall aerodynamic profile of the vehicle.
Other exterior elements include automatic levelling xenon front headlights with washer system and rear parking sensors.
On the inside, Focus RS boasts Recaro sports seats in partial leather trim, dual zone climate control air conditioning, rain sensing windscreen wipers, auto-dimming rear vision mirror and an eight-speaker Sony audio system with six-disc CD player and USB input facility for iPod/MP3 player integration.
Bluetooth hands-free with Voice Control system is also part of the equipment package, along with the Ford Key-Free System incorporating keyless entry and keyless start via the start/stop button.
The Focus RS is offered for sale with a Manufacturer's List Price of $59,990. First customer deliveries commence at the end of this month.
