Focus RS8
New crated engine offers V8 power to car builders. Ford used a Focus to demonstrate the capabilities.
This week in Las Vegas, the tuning world is convening for the Specialty Equipment Market Association show (SEMA). It's like a Max Power show for grown ups. All sorts of customised cars and accessories, with support from the manufacturers too.
Ford are there with a new motor - the five litre V8 "Cammer" crate engine. It's got 420 horsepower and has been designed for sale to specialist manufacturers or restorers seeking a modern V8 for their projects.
The foundation of FRPP’s hot new 5.0-litre "Cammer" crate engine is rooted in the Ford SVT Mustang Cobra 4.6-litre four-valve engine family. However, the crate motor's flanged cylinder liners help provide 94mm (instead of 90.2mm) cylinder bores, creating the extra displacement. And while the motor employs the 2003-04 SVT Mustang Cobra "Terminator" forged crankshaft with six-bolt mains and Manley "H-Beam" connecting rods for superior strength, the block itself is specially reinforced in the crankcase web areas for high torque loads.
Other key differences include forged pistons, an 11.0:1 compression ratio, ported heads, higher-lift cams and beehive-shaped valve springs. The crate engine also features higher-flow fuel injectors and a magnesium variable-geometry intake manifold, similar to the FR500 intake manifold currently offered in the 2004 FRPP catalog.
Wiring harness comes with the engine making installation that little bit easier. The crate engine, including the wiring harness kit, will sell for a MSRP of $14,995 and will be available from the 2004 Ford Racing Performance Parts catalogue (USA).
Ford Racing Performance Parts (FRPP) are there too and they've used a Ford Focus to demonstrate the capabilities of the engine. The car is a Focus RS converted to rear-wheel drive and with the V8 power – a nice touch 
Using the European Focus RS as a starting point, FRPP dropped the all-alloy, 5.0-litre into the engine bay. Although a handful of aftermarket firms have successfully mated Ford V8 power with a Focus, the RS8 was built to show the versatility of a "Cammer" crate engine and "plug-and-play" engine electronics installation in a pure stock-looking Ford Focus.
One look at the RS8 would suggest that its transformation from a production front-driver into a rear-drive pocket rocket was a study in simplicity. But in reality, Ford Racing engineers had their work cut out for them from the start.
Beyond fitting the drivetrain, there was the challenge of designing new suspensions front and rear. FRPP engineers put together a prototype setup inspired by Kugel Komponents up front, and a rear unit locating a Ford Racing 8.8-inch differential while offering adjustable ride height using Multimatic dampers. The newly-designed rear-wheel drive conversion kit will be sold through the FRPP catalog.
Four-wheel discs put the brakes on 18x8-inch European RS alloy wheels, wearing Michelin Pilot Sport 225/40 ZR18 tires up front and 255/45 ZR18s in the back.
"This isn't the typical sport compact modification project, but it sure will get attention out on the streets ," exclaimed Dan Davis, director of Ford Racing Technology. "With rear-wheel drive and over 400 horsepower, the Focus RS8 will make itself known at the drag strip and any road course. We're even going to take it drifting! "
Link : www.semashow.com
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