Ford Focus RS500 debuts in Europe
Powered by a 2.5L 5-cylinder that gives 345 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, the RS500 offers an appreciable boost over the standard 305 hp Focus RS. We’re assuming that like the ‘base’ RS that all that power gets funneled through the front wheels, which, even with Ford’s trick RevoKnuckle front suspension and Quaife limited-slip differential, figures to be something of a handful. An entertaining handful, we’re sure, but a handful nevertheless. Ford says the car hits 62 mph in 5.6 seconds and manages 165 mph.
If you see one of these on the road, with their 19-inch wheels and serialized one-of-500 dashboard plaques, and matte black foil, you might want to take ask for a ride. The entire production run will be spread out over 20 European markets, with the U.K. predictably getting the most at 101 units, Germany getting 55 cars, France receiving 50, tiny Belgium punching above its weight with 50 units of its own, and trickling on down until the hatches get to the likes of Denmark, the Czech Republic, and Greece and Ireland.
