Focus RS8

[taz_rocks_miami]

Ford Racing Performance Parts took a European-spec Focus RS and turned it into a tire-melting, rear-wheel-drive, V-8-powered project car to showcase their new modular V-8 crate engine.Focus RS8
Combining V-8 power and small car agility has stirred the enthusiast's soul ever since Ford introduced the Flathead V-8 in 1932.

Now, Ford Racing Performance Parts has unwrapped the ultimate expression of big power in a small package. The modified Focus RS8 cranks out a pavement-pounding 420 naturally aspirated horsepower and illustrates the versatility and performance potential of Cammer crate engine installation in an otherwise stock-looking vehicle.

The RS8's 5.0-liter DOHC "Cammer" produces 420 horsepower.Using the European Focus RS as a launch pad, FRPP worked its engineering magic to slip the new all-alloy, 5.0-liter four-valve Cammer crate engine into the engine bay of the Focus and convert it to rear-wheel drive. It was no small task.

The drivetrain was refitted. New front and rear suspensions were designed. Four-wheel discs put the brakes on 18-inch European RS alloy wheels, and an exhaust system was custom-fabricated. Mated to a Tremec five-speed transmission with Ford Racing clutch kit and prototype shifter, the RS8 rallies all 420 horses at 6700 rpm and 370 foot-pounds of torque at 5000 rpm.

"We've said all along that we intend to grow the interest in overhead-cam technology," says Dan Davis, director of Ford Racing Technology. "There's no reason why a crate engine can't start, run and perform in an aftermarket setting as well as the engines in today's production automobiles and trucks. We see the 5.0-liter Cammer crate engine as the future for tuners, project-vehicle builders and aftermarket car and truck enthusiasts."

Thanks to handsome European Focus RS styling cues and shimmering Blue Pearl Coat exterior paint treatment, this street sleeper Focus also is a head-turner. Inside, it is a composite of RS seating, Ford Racing gauges, Sirius Satellite systems and Infinity amps and speakers.

Source: http://media.ford.com/newsroom/featu...?release=16182



Does anyone have any more info on this car?

[@wall]

oh my that is nuts. how does the poor car handle all that power

[taz_rocks_miami]

oh my that is nuts. how does the poor car handle all that power

I would love to drive it and tell ya!!

[fpv_gtho]

Being the Euro spec Focus, most people claim its chassis is one of the best of current hatches, so whilst a 420hp/RWD V8 conversion may surely be pushing the limits, im sure its handling it much better than many other cars.

[lightweight]

This is a rather old model. It's a year old or more. Anyway, I thought that the Clio V6 was brutal for a hatch. but this? It's like Hulk. Meant to be easygoing, but turns into a monster! It should vibrate as hell with the big V8. After a few thousand miles I suppose the chassis will make funny noises from the distortion forces.
I'd still slot in a big supercharger though!!!

[NuclearCrap]

This is a rather old model. It's a year old or more. Anyway, I thought that the Clio V6 was brutal for a hatch. but this? It's like Hulk. Meant to be easygoing, but turns into a monster! It should vibrate as hell with the big V8. After a few thousand miles I suppose the chassis will make funny noises from the distortion forces.
I'd still slot in a big supercharger though!!!

It really doesn't matter, this one looks better than the new one, but still, your right, the Renault do sound better.

[Ferrer]

Overengineered? Anyway, the Hartge Series 1 V8 might have found a rival...

[Coventrysucks]

The new Euro Focus RS is getting 350bhp and awd.

[Vindesh17]

this is one focus I would actually consider buying. that is if it can be imported to canada.

[Matra et Alpine]

Being the Euro spec Focus, most people claim its chassis is one of the best of current hatches, so whilst a 420hp/RWD V8 conversion may surely be pushing the limits, im sure its handling it much better than many other cars.

yeah, but remember fpv, THAT chassis is front wheel drive and different suspension.
Would be nice to see if they make it handle well ( from a SPORTING pov ) and let it loose on track and stage. Finally the Ford devotees woudl stop buying MarkII Escorts

[Niko_Fx]

Does anyone have any more info on this car?

Here's a comparo against a Gallardo. It's amazing that the Focus got a better lap time:

http://motortrend.com/roadtests/coup...bo/index7.html

[Matra et Alpine]

Not really.
Reading it, it was a tight track so the weight of all that AWD is goign to hurt and for not a lot of benefit as it was dry !!
The Lambo was street legal, the RS8 had race tyres, no Cat, race exhaust etc !!
They made much of the driver "threw the Lambo into corners like a rally car, relying on the all-wheel drive to scratch for traction" WTF ! Reeks of driving to make sure it hurts the lap times Rally drivers drive cars like racing drivers on tarmac - throwing it in is for gravel !!!

Of course also in the middle of the article it poiints out there was a fault in the Lambos' fly-by-wire throttle !!

Also, they do NOT indicate if they were runnign all the smarts when doing the Lambo laps. MOST drivers will do faster lap times WITHOUT the car computers trying to second guess what is "safest"

SO, an artilce with dubious facts, dubious comparisons, dubios conclusions.

BUT it "proves" that a US built Focus can beat a Lambo so it must be correct

[spi-ti-tout]

Anybody forgetting the MR and STi?
IF this IS going to happen I reckon someone will start losing a lot of money
But I'm not holding my breath. 5 years and Ford still hasn't been able to crank up anything decent
If it does happen, good. But I think Ford already have a "reputation" that I'm not going to trust.
ALSO note its 3 door, I suppose not only a weight factor but mass and control as well...
Don't forget the most-definite humangous price hike
I'd be more ready to agree if Mazda told me that it's MS6 was coming to the markets very soon
The Focus WOULD beat the 6 on reliability though...but I'm not thinking anyone else on THAT matter...

Question: Have Ford FINALLY got it right?

[Coventrysucks]

But I'm not holding my breath. 5 years and Ford still hasn't been able to crank up anything decent

Ford aren't going to build this. It was just to show off their new engine.

Question: Have Ford FINALLY got it right?

350bhp awd Focus RS, as mentioned previously.

Seeing as the new Focus ST with 220bhp and fwd went to the 'Ring and blitzed the old RS's time (the old RS wass developed at the 'Ring, the new ST wasn't), it should be fast enough to knock the socks off all but the most hardcore MR FQ.

[ScionDriver]

Can it even get off the line without burning the tires? That is just excessive, I'm sorry. Its still kind of cool but totally impractical.