Originally Posted By: LS2JSTS
Originally Posted By: rshunter
Originally Posted By: LS2JSTS
That green one is the outgoing AWD RS version, we wont be getting that. Probably just the four door hatch, but I like the three door hatch better as well.
Uh, no. The Focus RS in question
is not an AWD car. It is a FWD platform, just like its more pedestrian Focus brethren. It does use an improved front suspension design, and Quaife torque-biasing differential, to improve traction and reduce torque-steer. The power is provided by an upgraded Volvo turbocharged in-line five cylinder engine.
You can learn more about the car here...
http://www.ford.co.uk/Cars/NewFocusRS
And you can drool over it while watching this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzrJolQCONA
They do have an AWD version of the RS in Europe, or at least they did on the last platform.
Correction, apparently the AWD RS I drove in 2006-2007 was NOT a production model. I have always assumed that they went ahead and made that car available for order, the parts from the Volvo work in the application.I even know a guy here in the states that converted his SVT Focus to AWD using the Volvo stuff like was on the RS I drove.
At this point they will probably never make a hot RS/WRC all wheel drive version since the WRC rules are going to a front wheel drive ONLY Group A/Super 2000 formula next year.
Even though the teams did not have to make a certain amount of AWD 'homologation specials'(like in the past), and could use a 'kit' to convert a FWD vehicle to a competition/rally AWD ride, why bother when they could just tie-in the marketing to the FWD rally/WRC car.
If they use that same front suspension geometry/set up, and the Quaife diff, it has proven to work VERY well indeed (albeit it WILL give up
some traction in wet/icy/snowy/loose gravel conditions), and they won't have the added weight/drag/expense/reduced fuel mileage of an AWD system.