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Focus RS MK1 Features
The Ford Focus RS is a very special car. From its distinctive appearance to its wonderfully rewarding performance, every aspect has been fashioned with imagination and passion. But unlike many performance road cars, the Focus RS is no stripped-out racer. Indeed, it is one of the most comprehensively equipped cars in its class, with a range of features designed to enhance your comfort and safety. Inside, the Focus RS is graced by a pair of body-hugging Sparco road-race seats. Swathed in luxurious black and blue leather and black Alcantara, they will hold you securely in place, even when exploiting the RS's agile handling.
The split-fold rear seats are clad in the same trim, with the two-tone theme continuing throughout the interior. Sitting prominently on the carbon fibre centre console is the green starter button - inspired by the Focus RS WRC. This button and the vehicle ID number disc are strong reminders of the car's racing heritage. Designed around the driver, the dramatically styled instrument panel is enhanced by a set of blue-faced dials. Naturally, there's a turbo boost gauge and a prominently sited rev counter, complete with a unique RS logo. Further interior highlights include a Sparco alloy gear knob, a knurled Sparco handbrake grip, bright metal door release handles and stylish sill scuff plates, again embossed with the RS script. Air conditioning and a superb-sounding 6-disc CD autochanger simply add to your comfort. Because at Ford we believe that the more comfortable you feel, the more in control you will be.
Naturally, the Ford Focus RS helps to look after your safety too. The ultra-stiff passenger safety cell and energy-absorbing crumple zones are designed to provide optimum passenger protection. Front airbags are fitted as standard for the driver and front passenger*. And both front doors feature high-tensile boron steel-alloy bars, designed to minimise side intrusion.
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Using the acclaimed Ford Focus chassis as its foundation, the Focus RS delivers a stable ride and crisp responses. After all, the standard Focus is already more than a match for any comparable car. But its wider track (identical to the WRC car), specially-tuned suspension, Sachs dampers and the fastest-responding steering ever fitted to a Ford road car, put the Focus RS on a different plane.
To deliver the power from the 2.0i 16V turbocharged Duratec RS engine to the road, Focus RS drives through an uprated MTX-75 5-speed transmission. A short-throw shifter, revised gear ratios and an AP Racing clutch give it a punchy, competition feel. But the really good news for a front-wheel drive car is the vast amount of traction available - and a marked lack of torque steer. Much of this is due to the Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing Differential. By sensing which wheel has better grip and biasing power to it without ever completely removing power from the other wheel, the Quaife ATB helps the Focus RS maintain traction and cornering ability - without the need for electronic traction aids. Nestling behind the fabulous OZ Racing alloy wheels (identical in design to the WRC tarmac wheels) and unique 225/40 R18 tyres - specially developed by Michelin for the Focus RS - are seriously large ventilated disc brakes, gripped by Brembo calipers at the front for confident stopping power. Inspired by the victorious Ford Focus RS WRC car, the Ford Focus RS is the best driver's Ford yet. It captures the very essence of the WRC experience. And is guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel.