Ford Focus II RS has been canceled

Leonidae · May 26th, 2007, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Source: Auto Express

Ford ditches new Focus RS

According to our sources, the firm will not use the famous RS badge on the current or imminent facelifted MkII machine - due late in 2008 - because of concerns over CO2 emissions.

One potential RS customer, who had placed a deposit for the car at his local dealership, said: "I'd handed over the cash 18 months ago, not wanting to miss out. But I was told staff had to return it, as the project has been abandoned on environmental grounds."

A Ford spokesperson revealed: "Our commitment to performance cars meant that we did build a number of Focus engineering mules to test and develop high-performance parts for future products. Sadly, we never got to the point where we were ready to begin developing a business case for an RS-badged Focus."

Auto Express last scooped these cars in Issue 933. It's believed that prototypes offered around 300bhp and four-wheel drive. But the spokesperson was keen to dismiss the claim that the decision was eco-based.

"It's worth bearing in mind that it's not the green issue which is driving this decision - cars have to be profitable. While Britain is the home of RS, there's not enough interest across other markets for us to earn the kind of money that's going to give the vehicle a green light," said the spokesperson.

However, there is still hope for fast Ford fans. Potential RS versions of the MkIII Focus, due in 2010, are possible.

they're ok with pick-ups that spew fuel from the exhausts, but if the fuel is actually used to produce power, they turn into treehuggers.. hypocrites.. treehuggers..

the Interceptor · May 26th, 2007, 10:46 AM

That sucks! The hot hatch-scene had just begun to grow again, and now they just cut off the Focus RS and probably the Golf R36, too. images/smilies/mad.gif

The Focus RS would have been the high-performance bargain. Bugger. images/smilies/dry.gif

skr · May 26th, 2007, 10:57 AM

I bet that decision wasn't made in England or Germany images/smilies/mad.gif

Cobol74 · May 26th, 2007, 10:58 AM

' "It's worth bearing in mind that it's not the green issue which is driving this decision - cars have to be profitable. While Britain is the home of RS, there's not enough interest across other markets for us to earn the kind of money that's going to give the vehicle a green light," said the spokesperson.'

Well you chaps/gals (non Brits) - its all your fault, hang your non Focus buying heads in shame!

un-dee · May 26th, 2007, 11:41 AM

goddammit

The_Finn · May 26th, 2007, 1:53 PM

son of a....

American TG Man · May 26th, 2007, 3:00 PM

*kicks self*

Dsemaj · May 26th, 2007, 3:55 PM

You've got to be kidding..

BlitzR · May 26th, 2007, 4:18 PM

They could of atleast used a better excuse then that...

thedguy · May 26th, 2007, 4:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cobol74

Well you chaps/gals (non Brits) - its all your fault, hang your non Focus buying heads in shame!

(I know your joking but)

This wouldn't be a problem if they actually provided the US with the new chassis, rather than restyling the old one for a 2nd time.

And we still haven't gotten any Focus RS, a-holes!

BlaRo · May 26th, 2007, 5:39 PM

So the article states that the spokesman said it WAS NOT because of environmental issues, but the first line loudly proclaims that it was?
images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

Cobol74 · May 26th, 2007, 8:49 PM

Yes I was joking, would have been a great car, no doubt; affordable performance and handling, (now) good quality and reasonable interiors. It is just such a shame. So perhaps if Ford offered the car in all main markets it would have actually sold. And I still can't understand why NA Focus is so much worse than the European one, can't be that difficult to install a production line in NA, or can it? Actually, it would not surprise me if that decision is a Ford Management NIH issue.

otispunkmeyer · May 26th, 2007, 9:57 PM

i posted the Autocar (i think that was the mag) shots of the focus RS MkII a while ago....i was super excited to see the RS badge coming back once more. the original focus RS is still one of my favourite and coolest cars ever and even better is theyre more rare than aston martins (and thats in scum bag smoggie middlesbrough!)

its a shame its been dumped.....especially on greeny enviro-mentalist grounds...thats the most annoying part.

i would of settled for not economically viable or something.... i know it would of cost a pretty penny for the R&D work and the parts to make it...and they couldnt sell it for too much of a premium because its a ford..its supposed to be affordable for the riff raff.

EDIT: aahhh i see it was because it just wast viable money wise..... like i said the costs would of been great, and they cant sell it too expensive because people just wont buy it, yes its a fast ford but the badge doesnt have the prestige...fast fords are for the working man, and the working man has to be able to afford it. R&D costs were cited as the reason for not returning to AWD as well....it just costs too much and ford arent in the prettiest of money situations

otispunkmeyer · May 26th, 2007, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thedguy

(I know your joking but)

This wouldn't be a problem if they actually provided the US with the new chassis, rather than restyling the old one for a 2nd time.

And we still haven't gotten any Focus RS, a-holes!

well while the Mk2 focus chassis is definately better, its not a huge leap from the original, thats how good the original focus was.

Donington · May 26th, 2007, 11:51 PM

I can say, 'oh man, that sucks!' but I wouldn't have bought one anyway. The St is brilliant enough.

fbc · May 27th, 2007, 1:03 AM

Bugger - damn you financial and environmental concerns, DAMN YOU!!!

That would've been an amazing car, no doubt.

bartboy9891 · May 27th, 2007, 2:15 AM

They don't think that it would sell? If they keep it under $30K, they'd have a surefire hit in the U.S.

thedguy · May 27th, 2007, 4:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by otispunkmeyer

well while the Mk2 focus chassis is definately better, its not a huge leap from the original, thats how good the original focus was.

True. But it is better, and the new chassis does look better IMO. The other problem is, it's a damn insult to us. Ford is an American company and the biggest automotive market in the world is the US and they are shafting us. Same argument goes for the Mondeo.

I swear Ford is going to go the way of Rover at this rate.

Cobol: Ford claims to bring the mkII Focus to the US would be to expensive. Which makes little sense to me, you'd think having one design being used all over the world would have saved them money on production costs. They obviously aren't saving any more on development cause they can't be bothered to actually design a new car for the US market.

Paul_The_Aussie · May 27th, 2007, 6:50 AM

well that sucks majorly, i would have bought one if it was imported into Australia. I'd love an RS, stupid Ford, stupid decision makers. No wonder the company is in the shit.

I'm not Takumi · May 27th, 2007, 7:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bartboy9891

They don't think that it would sell? If they keep it under $30K, they'd have a surefire hit in the U.S.

Price it at 20K, and they could have a fierce VeeDub and Scion Killer.

May 26th, 2007, 10:46 AM	#2
the Interceptor I LUV MY PRIUS!!! Joined: Feb 22nd, 2005 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Germany Posts: 3,518 Car: BMW E36 323i ultraleggera (-143 kg) Rep Power: 108	That sucks! The hot hatch-scene had just begun to grow again, and now they just cut off the Focus RS and probably the Golf R36, too. The Focus RS would have been the high-performance bargain. Bugger. __________________ "We have to laugh at the Germans, because they're so riddled with guilt about their history, they can't laugh at themselves." - Jeremy Clarkson Got a question regarding Hi-Fi of any kind? Then check my general audio thread.

May 26th, 2007, 10:58 AM	#4
Cobol74 Joined: Mar 21st, 2006 Last Online: 3:20 AM Location: Southampton Posts: 8,597 Car: Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 TDI Slush box. Rep Power: 126	' "It's worth bearing in mind that it's not the green issue which is driving this decision - cars have to be profitable. While Britain is the home of RS, there's not enough interest across other markets for us to earn the kind of money that's going to give the vehicle a green light," said the spokesperson.' Well you chaps/gals (non Brits) - its all your fault, hang your non Focus buying heads in shame! __________________ Lotus 7 Registration Mark = KAR120C : Engine Number = 461034 TZ Ross Brawn genius or what?

May 26th, 2007, 1:53 PM	#6
The_Finn Joined: Feb 7th, 2005 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Worcestersheshershire MA Age: 28 Posts: 3,415 Car: 1988 Mazda 323 GTX / 1997 Saab 900s Rep Power: 57	son of a.... __________________ Proud owner of a 1988 mazda 323 GTX: The ~~poor~~ rich mans evo... "My laptop has a webcam; if I wanted to make money while making a mess, I'd be all over the internet. Hell, you'd probably have videos of me bookmarked." ~Klutch~ “Auto racing, bull fighting, and mountain climbing are the only real sports ... all others are games.” ~Ernest Hemingway~ It's all about having the right priorities. You can sleep in your car but you can't race your house -\|- Basically i go accurately and on special lines

May 26th, 2007, 3:00 PM	#7
American TG Man Banned By Request Joined: Feb 19th, 2007 Last Online: 1:53 AM Location: Lafayette, PRNJ, Amerikistan Age: 18 Posts: 2,166 Car: None... :'c LFS Status: Rep Power: 45	kicks self __________________ Sig image totally done by me, not PaperBiro... "So listen up, boy, or pornography starring your mother will be the second worst thing that happens to you today." DSRacing status: We be closed... Please support the DSRacing effort by visiting the official Wiki and blog...

May 26th, 2007, 3:55 PM	#8
Dsemaj Previously Known As Jamesd Joined: May 3rd, 2006 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Adelaide, Australia. Age: 18 Posts: 2,671 Car: '95 BMW 530i, '85 Nissan Bluebird S3 GXE Rep Power: 40	You've got to be kidding.. __________________ 1995 BMW E34 530i V8 M60B30 218HP/163kW 5sp Auto 1985 Nissan 910 Bluebird I4 CA20S 105HP/78kW 3sp Auto

May 26th, 2007, 10:57 AM	#3
skr Joined: May 25th, 2006 Last Online: November 17th, 2009 Location: Berlin, Germany Posts: 381 Car: 1992 BMW 525iA, 1999 Ford Focus Estate Ghia 1.8 Rep Power: 15	I bet that decision wasn't made in England or Germany

May 26th, 2007, 11:41 AM	#5
un-dee I hate your sig! Joined: May 21st, 2004 Last Online: November 16th, 2009 Location: Frankfurt, Germany Age: 25 Posts: 1,482 Car: Mazda MX-3 Rep Power: 35	goddammit

May 26th, 2007, 4:18 PM	#9
BlitzR Joined: May 1st, 2006 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Sydney, Australia Age: 21 Posts: 1,598 Rep Power: 30	They could of atleast used a better excuse then that...

May 26th, 2007, 5:39 PM	#11
BlaRo Lady GaGa's #1 Fan Joined: Aug 18th, 2005 Last Online: 12:35 AM Location: Assachusetts Age: 21 Posts: 11,259 Car: 1997 Yamaha Seca II, 1976 Honda CB550F Rep Power: 372	So the article states that the spokesman said it WAS NOT because of environmental issues, but the first line loudly proclaims that it was? __________________ "It is impossible to describe this kind of performance to the uninitiated. Telling a traffic officer or a safety crusader like Ralph Nader that 100 mph can be safe is like reading the Constitution to a Maoist; it is a strange and hostile concept." -Brock Yates. The body was accidentally unearthed from a shallow grave by construction workers. Because of Parkinson's.

May 26th, 2007, 8:49 PM	#12
Cobol74 Joined: Mar 21st, 2006 Last Online: 3:20 AM Location: Southampton Posts: 8,597 Car: Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 TDI Slush box. Rep Power: 126	Yes I was joking, would have been a great car, no doubt; affordable performance and handling, (now) good quality and reasonable interiors. It is just such a shame. So perhaps if Ford offered the car in all main markets it would have actually sold. And I still can't understand why NA Focus is so much worse than the European one, can't be that difficult to install a production line in NA, or can it? Actually, it would not surprise me if that decision is a Ford Management NIH issue. __________________ Lotus 7 Registration Mark = KAR120C : Engine Number = 461034 TZ Ross Brawn genius or what? Last edited by Cobol74; May 26th, 2007 at 10:00 PM.

May 26th, 2007, 9:57 PM	#13
otispunkmeyer Joined: May 15th, 2006 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Loughborough UK Age: 23 Posts: 3,359 Car: '03 Skoda Superb (Comfort) 160HP Rep Power: 39	i posted the Autocar (i think that was the mag) shots of the focus RS MkII a while ago....i was super excited to see the RS badge coming back once more. the original focus RS is still one of my favourite and coolest cars ever and even better is theyre more rare than aston martins (and thats in scum bag smoggie middlesbrough!) its a shame its been dumped.....especially on greeny enviro-mentalist grounds...thats the most annoying part. i would of settled for not economically viable or something.... i know it would of cost a pretty penny for the R&D work and the parts to make it...and they couldnt sell it for too much of a premium because its a ford..its supposed to be affordable for the riff raff. EDIT: aahhh i see it was because it just wast viable money wise..... like i said the costs would of been great, and they cant sell it too expensive because people just wont buy it, yes its a fast ford but the badge doesnt have the prestige...fast fords are for the working man, and the working man has to be able to afford it. R&D costs were cited as the reason for not returning to AWD as well....it just costs too much and ford arent in the prettiest of money situations Last edited by otispunkmeyer; May 26th, 2007 at 10:01 PM.

May 26th, 2007, 11:51 PM	#15
Donington Joined: Jan 26th, 2007 Last Online: 4:28 AM Location: Now in Plymouth, Englandshire Age: 20 Posts: 4,263 Rep Power: 176	I can say, 'oh man, that sucks!' but I wouldn't have bought one anyway. The St is brilliant enough.

May 27th, 2007, 1:03 AM	#16
fbc Moderator Joined: Jan 8th, 2005 Last Online: November 11th, 2009 Location: Melbourne, Australia Age: 34 Posts: 11,776 Car: 2006 MY07 Astra SRi Turbo Rep Power: 128	Bugger - damn you financial and environmental concerns, DAMN YOU!!! That would've been an amazing car, no doubt. __________________ www.sniffpetrol.com

May 27th, 2007, 2:15 AM	#17
bartboy9891 I'm not Moe Joined: Dec 1st, 2004 Last Online: 1:33 AM Location: University of Michigan Age: 20 Posts: 8,810 Car: 1996 Grand Am SE sedan, and dad's 2006 S60 2.5T Rep Power: 79	They don't think that it would sell? If they keep it under $30K, they'd have a surefire hit in the U.S. __________________

May 27th, 2007, 6:50 AM	#19
Paul_The_Aussie Joined: May 15th, 2005 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 284 Car: Ford Focus XR5T Rep Power: 19	well that sucks majorly, i would have bought one if it was imported into Australia. I'd love an RS, stupid Ford, stupid decision makers. No wonder the company is in the shit.

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