The original Ford Focus RS is, by modern standards, a pretty tame hot hatchback. Boasting 212 horsepower from a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, it was plenty fast in the early 2000s and that number was unfathomable by those standards, but nowadays, you can get a larger and more powerful engine in a Hyundai Santa Cruz. For the Focus RS’ second generation, based on what Europe called the second generation Focus, Ford decided not to hold back, and it ended up becoming one of the most exciting modern hot hatchbacks.
Gone was the pretty ordinary four-cylinder, and in its place came something truly special. Like this generation of Focus ST, the RS used a modified version of Volvo’s B5254T3 2.5-liter turbocharged I5. As well as producing a truly angry exhaust note, the Mk2 Focus RS put out a pretty significant 301 horsepower. All of that went to the front wheels, but thanks to suspension and drivetrain trickery, the Focus RS was more than ready to handle it.
All of that was wrapped up in a wild exterior with massive bumpers, huge model-specific alloy wheels, and an even bigger, rally car-inspired rear spoiler. The Mk2 Focus RS achieved 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds and topped out at 163 mph. Today, the Mk2 Focus RS is firmly a classic. That’s especially true of the ultra-limited RS500.
