The much-anticipated production version of the new Ford Focus RS will make its driving premiere at the Wales Rally GB that runs December 4-7. Behind the wheel of Ford's fastest-ever European production car will be 'Flying Finn' Marcus Grönholm. , Even though he won't be in competition, the former double World Rally Champion and ex-Ford WRC driver will give spectators at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium a taste of the road-going Focus RS's capabilities. The new flagship Focus model which goes on sale early in Spring next year, is powered by a turbocharged Duratec 2.5-litre, five-cylinder engine producing 305HP and 440Nm peak torque.
Combined with a six-speed manual transmission, the front-wheel-drive Focus RS accelerates from standstill to 100km/h in 5.9 sec and achieves a maximum speed of 263 km/h or 164mph. Ford supports that that the combination of Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing limited-slip differential and a new RevoKnuckle front-suspension system allows a class-leading balance of traction, handling and performance to be derived from front- as opposed to all-wheel drive, with consequent power-to-weight advantages.
The Cardiff stage of Wales Rally GB, the last round of the FIA World Rally Championship, takes place on 6 December.
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