Even hotter Ford Focus RS is go
Ford Focus RS500
THE Ford Focus RS hasn’t been around for long, but work on an even hotter version is already under way. Spied on test for the first time, the four-wheel-drive megahatch could resurrect the RS500 name, with a tweaked chassis and even more power.
Our spies caught the RS test mule doing the rounds at Germany’s Nürburgring race track. There are subtle yet important changes to the bodywork, including altered front air intakes and vents on the bonnet to dissipate heat from the turbocharged engine.
An insider told Auto Express that all body panels on the standard RS have a function and are there “for a specific reason”, meaning changes to this prototype are unlikely to be purely cosmetic. The vents and intakes will aid cooling and boost performance, potentially raising the top speed and slashing the car’s 0-62mph time.
The previous Focus RS500 was a limitedrun special RS, with power boosted to 345bhp – which, incidentally, is the same as the current car. If this is a new RS500, expect power to rise to around 380bhp – more than the Mercedes-amg A 45.
More power won’t be the only alteration for a hotter RS. Many manufacturers are focusing on making cars lighter, so Ford will probably strip out any unnecessary luxuries from the cabin and shave kilos with lightweight chassis components. Given the current Focus is one of the heavier hot hatches on the market, this is expected to be a priority for the RS500.
Tweaks to the chassis and brakes will further boost driver appeal, with more focus on track ability. Whether or not Ford will join
‘New RS500’ spied on test Set to deliver up to 380bhp News
A faster, lighter and racier version of the Mercedes-amg GT has landed, called the GT R. Officially revealed at last weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, it will go on sale in November as a limited-run model.
Power from the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 rises from 503bhp to 577bhp, while torque is up by 50Nm to 700Nm. The dual-clutch gearbox software has been tweaked for faster shifts, too, helping the AMG GT R cover 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds and hit 198mph – that’s two tenths and 4mph faster than the GT S it’s based on. To scrub off all that speed, the standard brakes have been uprated, while optional carbon ceramic discs are available.
Mercedes-amg has been rigorously testing the GT R at the Nürburgring, with the striking AMG green hell magno matt paint a reference to Germany’s fearsome race track. But the aggressive looks don’t stop there; the arches are also 46mm wider at the front and 57mm at the rear to accommodate a wider track.
The body design is inspired in part by the AMG GT3 racer, with a new vertical slatted grille, chunky air intakes, a huge black rear wing and double rear diffuser. Lightweight 10-spoke forged wheels are also fitted with wider, track-biased Michelin Cup 2 tyres.
Mercedes-amg has put the GT R on a strict diet. A lighter (and noisier) exhaust system has been added and aluminium suspension components reduce unsprung weight. Carbon-fibre panels, engine mounts and chassis components feature, too, all of which saves 15kg. Aerodynamics also played a big part in development; as well as the wing (which generates 155kg of downforce) and diffuser, a new active front splitter has been fitted. Underbody panels direct airflow to the diffuser to reduce lift, while grille louvres can open and close to manage engine cooling.
There’s also new three-mode adaptive suspension designed for track use. The coilover set-up gets stiffer bushings and a thicker rear anti-roll bar. Active rear-wheel steering is brought in – a first for the AMG GT – as is a new nine-way traction control system.
Mercedes hasn’t overhauled the cabin much, though. The standard electric seats have been ditched for manually adjustable, lighter bucket seats trimmed in leather.
Prices haven’t been disclosed, but we expect the GT R to cost significantly more than the GT S, which starts at £110,510.
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