Looks like a new Focus RS is to be launched??

[kas750]

When,how much and what does it look like?

[kas750]

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-ford-focus-rs-confirmed-production

[mexicol]

Would be nice to see them do something special with the fIesta I know the St is rather quick but seems to have lacked the attention the focus has received

[flyingpilot]

Still FWD

[loydpg]

And 5 door too!! What next? RS estate!!!

[Mogsmex]

And 5 door too!! What next? RS estate!!!

Sierra Saphire RS cosworth

[rwdrs]

Ford, oh dear, oh dear…

Are there any good reasons to buy a Ford these days?

Production of vehicles in the UK ceased with closure of the Transit plant at Southampton and even the exciting models are rubbished by Ford before even being released for sale.

The ST, only available in 5-door guise, the punter has to wait 2 years after mainstream model launch to get their hands on one.

Then the supposed "top of the range" car takes on the role of the Harrier, i.e. generate a few lines in the car mags and boost sales for the last 15 months…

Is the "RS" going to be a 5-door too?
Well, why not, there's nothing left of the original spirit of the RS cars of yesteryear anyway.
No 4-WD, despite the platform already being in existence; yeah Ford really need the Kuga to be 4-WD but not a 330 bhp super hot hatch???

Na, whoever invests a large chunk of hard earned in a Focus RS is either nostalgic for the "brand" RS or a fool.

[rwdrs]

Sierra Saphire RS cosworth

To be fair, the 3-door Sierra shell was so weak that a 4 door shell was actually an improvement, but at least you could get a 3-door.

[TugsW]

Ford, oh dear, oh dear…

Are there any good reasons to buy a Ford these days?

Production of vehicles in the UK ceased with closure of the Transit plant at Southampton and even the exciting models are rubbished by Ford before even being released for sale.

The ST, only available in 5-door guise, the punter has to wait 2 years after mainstream model launch to get their hands on one.

Then the supposed "top of the range" car takes on the role of the Harrier, i.e. generate a few lines in the car mags and boost sales for the last 15 months…

Is the "RS" going to be a 5-door too?
Well, why not, there's nothing left of the original spirit of the RS cars of yesteryear anyway.
No 4-WD, despite the platform already being in existence; yeah Ford really need the Kuga to be 4-WD but not a 330 bhp super hot hatch???

Na, whoever invests a large chunk of hard earned in a Focus RS is either nostalgic for the "brand" RS or a fool.

Good point...

When you look at Audi and BMW covering nearly every possible configuration does seem silly that Ford can't/won't produce a car with 3/5 drs. My Dad wanted a new ST Fiesta but the only come in 3dr and he wanted a 5dr so had to get some cooking model instead.

If the new FRS looks anything like the render then Subaru have already covered that base a few years ago. Its not something I can get excited about I hate to say, same with the last FRS.

[mrwatt]

Good point...

When you look at Audi and BMW covering nearly every possible configuration does seem silly that Ford can't/won't produce a car with 3/5 drs. My Dad wanted a new ST Fiesta but the only come in 3dr and he wanted a 5dr so had to get some cooking model instead.

If the new FRS looks anything like the render then Subaru have already covered that base a few years ago. Its not something I can get excited about I hate to say, same with the last FRS.

Just curious , have you owned a frs ??

[Frosticles]

And 5 door too!! What next? RS estate!!!

Why not??? BMW & Audi both do performance estates

I like the look of the new RS. 5 doors don't bother me in the slightest (Look at the Sapph, Impreza & the EVO)

Well done to Ford for going ahead with the car.

[rwdrs]

Why not??? BMW & Audi both do performance estates

I thought RS = Rally Sport not (supposed to be) Rather Steep (price) as for BMW & Audi.
How many rally estate cars are there?

Well done to Ford for going ahead with the car.

Even though it is a cynical exercise in monetising the last 15-18 months of the platform's life and was never planned as an "enthusiast's car" but a marketing exercise, i.e. not even using the 4-WD platform they already have?

It looks like the writing is on the wall for Ford if this is how it is conducting business, i.e. running away. They bought Jaguar because the Granada never seriously ate into the "premium sector", then sold JLR and retreated completely from that sector.

The panel van market in Europe has been lost to Mercedes (Sprinter), with the consequential loss of the Soton plant.

Now you can't even get a 3 door medium size saloon (Focus) and the hot hatch segment has been handed to VW, Seat (VW), Audi (VW) on a plate, which segment will Ford retreat from next???

This is the sort of thinking that led to the Mk5 Escort, i.e. just thinking about the numbers, regardless of whether customers actually want what you're offering them…

[Frosticles]

This is the sort of thinking that led to the Mk5 Escort, i.e. just thinking about the numbers, regardless of whether customers actually want what you're offering them…

This led to the Escorts RS Cosworth. One of the best RS's that has ever been produced.
I am just thankful that Ford are keeping the RS marque alive. Long may it continue.
There will always be moaners but these are usually ignored

[kas750]

the Escorts RS Cosworth. One of the best RS's that has ever been produced.

Agreed. An amazing car at the time......................that said when they were still available new I pondered over one and bought an Integrale Evo instead.

[grum]

New RS cars ............ ............ ain't we been here before !!!!!!