The RS500 is the swansong for the current Focus, before the all-new third generation model arrives next year. As the name implies, production will be limited to just 500 examples, which Ford will be allocating across its European markets.
101 cars, the largest share, are destined for the UK. Ford thinks France and Germany are also potentially big RS500 territories, as they’ll be getting 56 and 55 units respectively. And the Belgians must be keen RS fans, because their relatively small market is to receive 50. Each car will have a hand engraved plaque on the centre console with a unique identification number from 001 - 500.
The RS500 features the same engine found in the standard Focus RS, albeit heavily modified. Ford engineers have worked with Revolve Technologies on developing the 2.5 litre Duratec turbocharged motor, focussing mainly on improving mid-range and top-end power. To help achieve this, they have given the RS500 a larger air-to-air intercooler, a bigger air filter box for increased airflow, a wider diameter exhaust down pipe, and recalibrated engine software.
As a result, power is up 44 bhp to 345 bhp, and torque has increased by 20 Nm to 460 Nm. The RS500 remains front wheel drive, and to counter torque steer it has exactly the same RevoKnuckle front suspension and Quaife limited slip differential as used on the standard Focus RS.
On the face of it, all that work seems to have had little effect on performance. 0-62 mph takes 5.6 seconds in the RS500 compared to 5.9 seconds in the normal Focus RS, and top speed is pretty much unchanged at just over 160 mph.
But to judge the RS500 on only those measures would be missing the point. The upgrades are there to boost mid-range performance and drivability. As proof of their effectiveness, Ford is claiming a RS500 could lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife in eight minutes. To put that into perspective, the best time a Nissan R35 GT-R has posted is 7 minutes 26 seconds - and that car has 478 bhp and all-wheel drive.
Other features, such as the braking system and 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/35/R19 tyres, are unchanged from the standard Focus RS, although red brake calipers and a black finish for the wheels are exclusive to the RS500.
Matching those wheels is the matt black bodywork. That matt effect is actually created by a foil, applied by 3M over Panther Black metallic paint. Ford reckons it’s a durable finish, designed to resist marks and scratches, but it’ll be interesting to see what insurance companies think of it when calculating premiums for the RS500.
The specification for the RS500 includes items such as part-leather trim on the Recaro seats, Bluetooth, automatic headlights and rear parking sensors, all of which are cost options on the standard Focus RS. The only options that RS500 buyers will be able to choose are a touch screen navigation system and full leather seats.
The price for the RS500 has yet to be announced but, given the equipment and technical upgrades, expect a not insubstantial increase over the £27,575 that Ford currently charges for the Focus RS in the UK.
