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Cologne, December 17, 2007 –
Ford of Europe is confirming its plan to deliver an exciting all-new, high
performance Focus RS model for launch in 2009. A design image released by the
company today hints at the exciting direction the new model is taking.
The new Focus RS will be based on the dynamic new Focus ST. It
will be developed by Ford Team RS, a specialist team led by Jost Capito who, as
previously announced, is being appointed to the new role as Vehicle Line
Director for Ford of Europe Performance Vehicles from January 1, 2008.
"With two consecutive Manufacturers' World Rally Championship
titles under our belt, the time is right to create a new Focus RS," said John
Fleming, Ford of Europe's President and CEO. "With the Fiesta and Focus ST
models, Jost and his team have proved already that they can deliver exciting and
practical performance road cars. The success of these models, combined with
Jost's experience in motorsport and Ford of Europe's positive business results,
mean that we now have a credible business case for a no-compromise Focus RS
roadcar for more enthusiastic drivers."
The basic concept for a new Focus RS has been under
development within Ford Team RS under Capito's leadership for some months
already. Now that the programme has been given the 'green light', Capito and his
team will be concentrating fully on this programme.
"We have reviewed our technical options and worked closely
with the Design team on how the car might look, and I'm very excited by the
results," said Jost Capito, "Now with the programme going ahead, the hard work
really starts as the small team working on the project takes the car from
prototype to production."
Stay Tuned
Ford of Europe will not reveal
any of the technical details of the new Focus RS until closer to launch in 2009.
The company plans to show a concept version of the car publicly for the first
time in mid-2008.
"We will use the redesigned 2008 Focus ST as the base for a
no-compromise RS model that will become the ultimate road-going Focus," Capito
added. "Just as the Focus RS WRC owns the rally circuit, we want the new Focus
RS to own the road, so we have the major competitors in our sights as we develop
the car's performance, design, handling and braking."
"We're not ready to confirm any of the technical details of the new
Focus RS yet - Jost and his team have a lot to do to finalise the exact
specification and styling," said Fleming. "But make no mistake, I can assure you
that ultimately, the car we plan to launch will be worthy of wearing the coveted
Ford RS badge."
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