Final hurrah for Ford Focus RS

Ford has rekindled the hallowed RS500 moniker on a steroidal Focus performance flagship that will be unveiled at the Leipzig motor show on April 9.

The alphanumeric designation was last applied to the 'jelly-mould' Sierra RS500 Cosworth, which dominated touring car racing in Europe and Australia in the late-1980s... until the all-conquering 'Godzilla' (Nissan GT-R) entered the fray.

Befitting the RS500 badge, Ford will produce just 500 examples of the stove-hot Focus, each one individually numbered and destined for customers across 20 European markets (but, alas, none earmarked for Australia).

Intended as a final hurrah for current Focus RS production, the newcomer gains an uprated 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo engine that belts out 257kW at 6000rpm and a bruising 460Nm from 2500 to 4500rpm.

Ford quotes a 0-100km/h split of 5.6sec, 0-160km/h in 12.2sec and top speed of 265km/h, easily earning it top bragging rights among hot-hatches.

The blue oval says it achieved the required balance of muscular mid-range and top-end performance via a package of enhancements aimed at improving the engine's breathing and combustion.

The changes include a significantly larger air-to-air intercooler to deliver a cooler, denser charge; a larger air filter box for increased airflow; larger diameter exhaust downpipe; and an uprated fuel pump, along with an updated software calibration to optimise the performance of the revised engine.

The standard Focus RS already benefited from a substantially upgraded front-wheel-drive chassis -- featuring a wider track, 'RevoKnuckle' front suspension design and a Quaife helical limited-slip differential -- and the same set-up features in the RS500.

The high-performance braking system, 19-inch wheels and 235/35/R19 tyres are also carried over unchanged from the standard vehicle, although red brake calipers and a dramatic black finish for the alloy wheels are unique to the RS500.

Ford TeamRS engineers and a trio of works drivers thrashed the development mule for 10,000km of non-stop driving around the daunting Nürburgring Nordschleife -- an exercise that's claimed to be equivalent to competing in 10 consecutive Nürburgring 24-hour races without a break.

"We wanted to be sure that serious enthusiasts could drive the Focus RS500 to the limit on track, without any concerns about the car's stamina," said Matthias Tonn, Focus RS500 chief programme engineer. "This meant going beyond our standard test routines, and pushing the car to the edge of its performance envelope.

"After 500 non-stop laps of the Nürburgring, we are very confident of its durability and delighted at the way it performed, with an 8-minute lap time within reach."

The car's visuals have also been worked over, and the distinctive matte black bodywork is complemented by metallic black alloy wheels. Gloss black finish also features on the lower front grille and splitter, twin-blade rear spoiler and the rear venturi, which manages airflow beneath the rear of the car.

Small flashes of colour around the vehicle -- including the red brake calipers, blue RS badges, and the special blue and red RS500 badge on the tailgate -- provide some welcome contrast.

Inside, there's an individually-numbered metal plaque on the centre console, and the cabin is distinguished by a special red colour scheme, notably on the stitching of the leather trim on the steering wheel, door trim and gear lever gaiter, and on the floor mats.

Customers also have the option of specifying the bespoke Recaro front sports seats in full red leather.

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