Ford’s all-new Focus RS has raced up to 1,500 orders from UK buyers alone - all without a single test drive being taken
In the month before prices and specifications were announced at September’s Frankfurt Show, 500 Focus RS fans had already paid deposits to secure the first cars. And since then, Ford dealers have logged a stream of 1,000 further prospective buyers keen to be among the first to take delivery starting from March 2016; ever since the wraps first came off the 265 km/h Focus – the fastest-accelerating model ever to carry the famous RS badge – Ford dealers have been deluged by prospective purchasers keen to be among the first to take delivery.
“These enthusiasts are taking great care in building their optimum specification,” said Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director. “We expected those first in the queue, many of whom are owners of previous RS models, to be exacting about their requirements, and so it has proved, with many opting for motorsport-style Recaro shell front seats, 19-inch black forged alloy wheels, luxury pack, electric tilt/side sunroof and Ford SYNC2 navigation and sound system.”
The all-new Focus RS is a technological powerhouse featuring Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring and Launch Control technology which delivers 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 4.7 seconds. While the new all-aluminium 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine shares its fundamental structure with the four-cylinder engine in the all-new Ford Mustang, it has been upgraded for the Focus RS to deliver 10 percent more power. The engine features a new low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger with larger compressor, enhanced air intake design, and a large-bore high performance exhaust system. Standard equipment includes 19-inch multispoke alloy wheels, 350 mm ventilated front disc brakes, RS performance rear spoiler, twin high-performance exhaust, Bi-Xenon headlamps and Recaro front seats.
No news or confirmation yet whether it would make it to Singapore, but we are keeping our fingers crossed for the car to arrive.