RE: Focus RS - the next generation
Discussion
Can you have an RS focus now when Ford dropped the RS Focus from its rally program some years ago, it now having moved over to the 1.6 Ecoboost Fiesta?
I thought the RS models were halo versions inspired by their rallying cousins and making models now with big power and gluing on two letters to the bootlid seems to me like the brand of RS is diluted down from one that once stood for rally heritage to one of simply creating a model (any model) to go above the ST.
Sticking with FWD seems a bit half hearted too, when for years now fans have been asking for 4WD. At least since 2003 after the reviews came in from the Mk1 RS Focus and "that diff". Frankly though it was fine with only 212bhp to muster but I think if we are heading to 350bhp youd expect it to get the all wheel drive if that power is to be really nailed now regardless of all these new revo knuckles and perf-hubs etc.
I thought the RS models were halo versions inspired by their rallying cousins and making models now with big power and gluing on two letters to the bootlid seems to me like the brand of RS is diluted down from one that once stood for rally heritage to one of simply creating a model (any model) to go above the ST.
Sticking with FWD seems a bit half hearted too, when for years now fans have been asking for 4WD. At least since 2003 after the reviews came in from the Mk1 RS Focus and "that diff". Frankly though it was fine with only 212bhp to muster but I think if we are heading to 350bhp youd expect it to get the all wheel drive if that power is to be really nailed now regardless of all these new revo knuckles and perf-hubs etc.
So the new Ford Focus is 350hp?
I think I read something about different engine, no longer 2.5 litre?
Sorry for not reading every comment - it is difficult with the ''quote'' thing all over the place, re-reading things more than once hurts my mind.
Now. The Ford Focus ST 2.5 ST/RS305 are very clever! I love how they work and are very economical engines! Cheaper to drive than some Citroen Saxo VTR if you test. These engines use hardly any fuel, and make good power.
Regarding the silly diff nonsense I think Ford do need to stop aiming for 'peak' hp figures, and stop giving pub 'anchors' things to talk about while swigging beer, which will undoubtedly lead to them driving home in the aforementioned vehicle.
Without going off at a tangent, I have driven both 2.5 ST and 2.5 RS305 and aren't overly impressed. Given the choice I would happily own the older 2.5 ST 225hp (more than enough for FWD), and VERY cheap to run. The higher powered models do use more fuel (obviously), but still very good on fuel.
I have no knowledge of the RS500 never studied.
If these new engines are 2.0 litre turbo, I wonder if they've gone back to the ''old'' setup, like Ford Focus RS MK1 which is beautiful but not as cheap as the 2.5 litre that came after.
Sorry for talking too much
I think I read something about different engine, no longer 2.5 litre?
Sorry for not reading every comment - it is difficult with the ''quote'' thing all over the place, re-reading things more than once hurts my mind.
Now. The Ford Focus ST 2.5 ST/RS305 are very clever! I love how they work and are very economical engines! Cheaper to drive than some Citroen Saxo VTR if you test. These engines use hardly any fuel, and make good power.
Regarding the silly diff nonsense I think Ford do need to stop aiming for 'peak' hp figures, and stop giving pub 'anchors' things to talk about while swigging beer, which will undoubtedly lead to them driving home in the aforementioned vehicle.
Without going off at a tangent, I have driven both 2.5 ST and 2.5 RS305 and aren't overly impressed. Given the choice I would happily own the older 2.5 ST 225hp (more than enough for FWD), and VERY cheap to run. The higher powered models do use more fuel (obviously), but still very good on fuel.
I have no knowledge of the RS500 never studied.
If these new engines are 2.0 litre turbo, I wonder if they've gone back to the ''old'' setup, like Ford Focus RS MK1 which is beautiful but not as cheap as the 2.5 litre that came after.
Sorry for talking too much
DanielSan said:
The 2.5 Volvo/Ford lump economical? More economical than a VTR? 
Are you on crack?
I don't know one person who was ever getting above 24mpg average on day to day driving in an ST or an RS.
Currently averaging 27mpg in my ST, running Stage 2 mods (around 300bhp). All about the smiles per gallon - this is pistonheads after all. Are you on crack? I don't know one person who was ever getting above 24mpg average on day to day driving in an ST or an RS.
All it needs is the rwd Transit engineering dept to talk to the RS department, job done. I'm sure they might share the same building in Dunton do they not?
I've seen some 4wd RS mule types out on the roads before now so they obviously have something up their sleeve they could use to at least have some drive to the rear wheels.
I've seen some 4wd RS mule types out on the roads before now so they obviously have something up their sleeve they could use to at least have some drive to the rear wheels.
I'm still at a loss as to how you feel the 2.5 engine in the Focus ST & RS is more economical than that of the 1.6 8v in a Saxo VTR, which had a manufacturer claimed average mpg of circa 40 
The Focus RS / ST were generously claimed by Ford at being circa 30 mpg. Yet most owners I know with an RS struggle to get 26 if they're lucky, and that's regardless of whether it's standard or modified. Only way you're going to get 30+ on an FRS / ST is by pretty much driving off boost all the time everywhere which defeats the object of the car.
Based on this new info regarding economy i'm off to buy a Mk2 FRS as clearly i'll be far better off fuel economy wise in the new year when commuting than I would if i fired up my shed of a Saxo VTS
The Focus RS / ST were generously claimed by Ford at being circa 30 mpg. Yet most owners I know with an RS struggle to get 26 if they're lucky, and that's regardless of whether it's standard or modified. Only way you're going to get 30+ on an FRS / ST is by pretty much driving off boost all the time everywhere which defeats the object of the car.
Based on this new info regarding economy i'm off to buy a Mk2 FRS as clearly i'll be far better off fuel economy wise in the new year when commuting than I would if i fired up my shed of a Saxo VTS
So a Petrol Turbo engine should be 'boosted' everywhere?
Well we are clearly different people. I drive all cars with respect - and yes, it is the Focus ST/Opel VXR owners who tend to use 100% throttle, then let off quickly to make a silly noise (attention warriors).
If I owned a Ford Focus ST I definitely wouldn't 'boost' everywhere, but we are two different people and have our own opinion of how cars should be driven on the public road.
The only place I exercise full throttle is on a Dual Carriageway, where there is less chance of people getting injured (clear road, early morning/late evening). I remember using 100% throttle on Sunday evening (quick test with somebody), but can't remember when I last used 100% throttle in my own car.
Maybe that's why I see these modern engines as economical, because I don't need to drive at W.O.T. (wide open throttle) to get from A to B.
I'll check this later if I remember - and if you look at STANDARD (not tuned) image from Ford Focus ST 225hp (attached, page 20) you will see these vehicles run 14.7.1 AFR which is LEAN for petrol turbo. It is safe, obviously, but if you don't thrash your car around you will get good MPG
Also, if your car has been tuned you cannot really trust the MPG display, and I never trust them anyway.
You should fill the tank, and see what 'miles' you get from each tank (tuned or not), then you know if your car is economical, not from some 8-bit NES display in the instrument cluster
Well we are clearly different people. I drive all cars with respect - and yes, it is the Focus ST/Opel VXR owners who tend to use 100% throttle, then let off quickly to make a silly noise (attention warriors).
If I owned a Ford Focus ST I definitely wouldn't 'boost' everywhere, but we are two different people and have our own opinion of how cars should be driven on the public road.
The only place I exercise full throttle is on a Dual Carriageway, where there is less chance of people getting injured (clear road, early morning/late evening). I remember using 100% throttle on Sunday evening (quick test with somebody), but can't remember when I last used 100% throttle in my own car.
Maybe that's why I see these modern engines as economical, because I don't need to drive at W.O.T. (wide open throttle) to get from A to B.
I'll check this later if I remember - and if you look at STANDARD (not tuned) image from Ford Focus ST 225hp (attached, page 20) you will see these vehicles run 14.7.1 AFR which is LEAN for petrol turbo. It is safe, obviously, but if you don't thrash your car around you will get good MPG
Also, if your car has been tuned you cannot really trust the MPG display, and I never trust them anyway.
You should fill the tank, and see what 'miles' you get from each tank (tuned or not), then you know if your car is economical, not from some 8-bit NES display in the instrument cluster
I think nick is a bit mental.
As an owner of Focus ST for the last few years (in various states of tune) there is no way you can see better than high 20s. It is virtually impossible to drive off boost and defeats the point of having such a torque rich engine.
Not only is a scarily inefficient, but is also pants on emissions.
As an owner of Focus ST for the last few years (in various states of tune) there is no way you can see better than high 20s. It is virtually impossible to drive off boost and defeats the point of having such a torque rich engine.
Not only is a scarily inefficient, but is also pants on emissions.
It's not going to be 4wd unless they are going to charge
£50 grand, there is no way I would spend that on a hot hatch though to be fair
Some crazy fools bought the frs 500 for not much less . lot of money for a naff black wrap and not a lot else
It will just be a current st with more boost and slightly different body kit probably circa 35 grand
Or maybe it'll just be a fiesta with a similar format ,
Volvo 2.5 t more efficient than a Saxon errr your deluded sir
£50 grand, there is no way I would spend that on a hot hatch though to be fair
Some crazy fools bought the frs 500 for not much less . lot of money for a naff black wrap and not a lot else
It will just be a current st with more boost and slightly different body kit probably circa 35 grand
Or maybe it'll just be a fiesta with a similar format ,
Volvo 2.5 t more efficient than a Saxon errr your deluded sir
Would love to see Ford go do something different than the masses:
Lighter car with no power increase or a RWD but cant see either.
I cant see it going no other way than; heavier, FWD, 20" wheels and with more power to overcome the extra weight. Kind of like the MK2 but everything scaled up x 1.2
Lighter car with no power increase or a RWD but cant see either.
I cant see it going no other way than; heavier, FWD, 20" wheels and with more power to overcome the extra weight. Kind of like the MK2 but everything scaled up x 1.2
David87 said:
The 2.5T engine in the Focus has to lug around the weight of an entire Caterham 7 over and above what the Saxo's engine has to. This does not aid fuel economy.
It's also a lot bigger. So has more air to shove out the way to drive it along.Regarding small car vs large turbo hatch - for example - while hooning (on the road, so quick but not all out) my MR2 Roadster could do 35+mpg.
To get the same in my turbo'd Megane, I'd need to drive at 50mph in top on a level road.
Actually I lie. That only gets 33mpg.
In Nicks defence, I did once get an average 35mpg from my ST over 5 miles. Although it took driving at 55mph on a motorway behind a lorry!
I normally average 19-22mpg, evidently Nick hasn't ever actually driven an ST/RS for a reasonable length of time. All about the smiles and noise anyway, you don't buy a 2.5T for ecomony!
I normally average 19-22mpg, evidently Nick hasn't ever actually driven an ST/RS for a reasonable length of time. All about the smiles and noise anyway, you don't buy a 2.5T for ecomony!
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