With the unveiling of the all-new Ford Focus, finally there will be some proper flagship(sports) models in the pipeline. Initially there will be the ST, which has been penciled in for a late-2005 launch. The ST will be powered by an impressive 2.5litre Turbocharged engine from the Volvo S40 and will produce 220bhp. This model will be quicker than the current RS flagship, so it should be able to do 0-60 in well under seven seconds. The ST will feature sporty figure hugging seats and sporty bodykit. The ST will be avaliable in either 3/5dr Hatchback and later the 5dr Estate. The ST will be the flagship Focus in till mid-2006 when the new RS is set to be launched. The RS will be more stripped out than the current model and will feature a 300bhp 2.5litre Turbo from the Volvo S60R and V70R. The RS will be gunning for the likes of the Subaru Impreza and Mitsubishi Evo when it is launched. Then the Cosworth is set to arrive, based on the RS it will be enhanced in every way. The engine will remain the same but will offer around 350bhp mated to a AWD-system. Don't expect the RS Cossie before 2008. So the future looks bright for the new Focus and Ford bosses assure us that there will be a proper sporting flagship, unlike the original RS and Cosworth which were both shrouded in speculation for years.
10-31-2004, 04:03 AM
