Focus RS coming to America?

Image by jonanamary via Flickr With Ford making moves to bring several of it's European models stateside, there is new found hope that we'll see the new Focus RS on domestic soil. Despite all of the hoopla over ever rising gas prices, there is still an overwhelming majority of Americans that don't want to compromise performance.

There's no denying the appeal of high performance coupled with reasonable fuel economy. Most enthusiasts want a little extra spice in their daily commute. Americans are power hungry by nature. Europeans have the same desire for performance that we do, except their gas is much more expensive than ours and their cities provide narrow roads and an underwhelming amount of parking spaces.

Enter the Focus RS, which debuted at the London Motor Show. Sporting a screaming 2.5L Duratec turbo four under the hood, the rally esque ride has drawn a tremendous response in the UK, with 1000 already ordered.

Ford of Europe has reported that it has been inundated with orders, with almost 40% of buyers wanting the car in Electric Green, the color of the show car.

Representing a return of the famed Rallye Sport badge last seen in 2002, the RS puts out 295 hp and 302 lb-ft of torque and includes extras such as a Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing limited-slip differential and a front suspension system called a "RevoKnuckle" designed to reduce torque steer. Despite lacking the all-wheel drive setup some competitors boast, the Focus RS manages an estimated 0 to 62 mph time of under 6 sec.

One can only imagine what a blast this car would be on a winding road, but naturally Ford is being cautious with the idea of bringing it stateside. But when Ford of Britain's chairman and managing director Roelant de Waard says the company is "delighted by the reaction of performance car enthusiasts to the new Focus RS and that so many want to place orders even though it will not be available until early next year," hopefully the staff in Michigan will take notice and let American drivers in on the fun, too.

Saleen Racecraft RC2 Focus - Speed on a Budget

The Ford Focus is hot right now. Thanks to rising gas prices, Ford's econobox has enjoyed a serious spike in sales the last few months while big cars and trucks on on the decline. It should come as no surprise that a hot Saleen version of the car is in the works.

Tuner cars have been the rage for quite a few years now, thanks to Sony's Gran Turismo video game and the "Fast and the Furious" movies. It only makes sense to offer a tuned version of the Focus, and Ford has done it in the past with the much heralded SVT.

Following the recently introduced Saleen Racecraft Mustang is the Racecraft Focus RC2, which was introduced at this years Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit. The car will go on sale no later than the first quarter of 2009.

According to Saleen product and program planning director Julie Zona, the RC2 "offers an exciting aesthetic, great handling, and just the right amount of performance."

The biggest selling point is the price, which is expected to be under $20,000. The RC2 will be available to enthusiasts who otherwise may not be able to afford a tuner car.

Here's a list of what that $20,000 will get you:

* A 1.6-in.-lowered Racecraft sport suspension with new specific rate springs, unique performance valves, and heavy-duty anti-roll bars.
* Larger brakes supplied by Saleen SpeedLab
* A unique dual-tipped exhaust top produce "a healthy growl"
* A Racecraft-tuned version of the Focus' 2.0L Duratec four-cylinder
* 18-in. aluminum alloy wheels with new Bridgestone rubber
* A four-piece body kit featuring a new mesh front grille and three-part rear wing spoiler
* Racecraft graphics

If you're the type of person who's always dreamed of a tuned up Mustang but are more on a Focus budget, the Racecraft RC2 could be right up your alley.

2009 Saleen Mustang Lineup

In 2009, Saleen Mustangs will be moving a little upscale. Much like your modern automotive manufacturer, Saleen can afford to bump up it's models now that it has a "base model" in it's Racecraft brand. The line will also be limited since production of the 2009 Mustang is rumored to be limited to around 45,000 units to make way for the new 2010 model.

“The campaign for the year is titled ‘the Pinnacle,’ as we intend to solidify Saleen’s position as the leader in exclusive performance vehicles,” says Marques McCammon, General manager at Saleen Automotive. “My vision is to move the brand up with more exclusivity in every model, with fewer, more substantive offerings.”

For 2009 Saleen will feature a new wheel design, various exterior details, and a special interior treatment specific to each model. The S302 model will feature 580 horsepower in S trim level.

The heritage models will be limited to two special editions, a continuation of the Dan Gurney model and a "Super Saleen" that will put out an as of now unspecified amount of power.

Add some Mustang S Style Wheels to spice up your 'Stang from AmericanMuscle.