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Blue Bullet
In 2002, the Ford Focus has officially replaced the legendary Escort Cosworth, giving birth to the first model that after years and years was worthy to show off the “RS” badge. Despite a more sober and less extravagant look, the Focus RS Mk1 is now an instant classic, and if initially divided critics and fans, it seems that the things has changed a little with the passing of years. Like wine, that the more grows old, the more it becomes good, the Focus RS should be appreciated a little by little. There are not huge spoilers or Cosworth badges (in fact, under the hood, there’s the much-disputed 2.0cc Duratec/Zetec engine), there is no all-wheel drive, there are no horses more and the weight of the car is also increased. The secret of the Focus RS is in its drive, in what it delivers behind the wheel, in a period of transition between the classical and the modern sportscars of which we are now accustomed today, with hundreds of horses, endless electronic devices and a driving , sometimes too muffled. The Mk1 is genuine, much closer to the Escort Cosworth that the second-generation of Focus RS. The 4-cylinder engine, in stock version, outputs about 212 horses helped by a big Garrett turbocharger and it’s able to put on the ground about 310 Nm. The problem is that this happens only on the front axle and this, in spite of a quite good limited slip differential, creates some problems when cornering you push hard on the throttle and the turbocharger makes its entrance, ruining the car’s cornering and making you live the worst moment of your life. Apart from this, the Focus RS is fast: 6.3 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 kph and a top speed of around 245 kph. The original exhaust system emits a sound fairly quiet and the handling, finding the right balance in narrow roads, is remarkable. Only with the manual transmission (5-speed), the new generation of Ford RS, brings with it the feeling of classic cars that are mechanically noisy without relying on a thousand electronic devilry. So, the Mk2, although different and more powerful, makes you appreciate the previous series, for what it really is able to offer.
The 2003 Focus RS that you see in this review is of our reader from the Valle d’Aosta (Italy). André took home this particular one (2581 of 4501) for a little over a year and needless to say he put his hands heavily under the hood, wrapped in carbon-look. Forged pistons, new rods, exhaust, ECU and other interventions have transformed this RS in a small bomb which look much more menacing than in an original layout. The Recaro seats are restraints but comfortable and have the classic blue and black pattern. One of the best features of this car is the Brembo braking system (as standard) that ensures exciting braking and stopping distances, even at high speeds. Hanging on to the fat steering wheel, you hear exactly everything that happens under you and you’ll be able to dose the throttle at the right time, having a nice boost from 3000 rpm and up to 6500; at that point there will be a small nap of the turbo, but as soon as you upshift, the blue bullet will continue to push your back against the seat.
Thanks to André and Valentina. Go find them at the Ice Track Le Rosiere in Saint-Rhémy.
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