Promoted: The RS Story

Ford Escort RS Turbo (1984)

Turbocharging came to the range in the super-exotic Group B RS200 rally car, this technology making it to the mainstream line-up in the shape of the Escort RS Turbo. A pure ’80s classic, the RS Turbo combined turbocharged performance with ground breaking chassis technology to put the power to the road. With its bodykit, Recaro seats and unapologetically sporty looks the influence on the modern-day Focus RS is clear.

Key innovation: Turbocharging

Ford Sierra RS Cosworth (1985)Hot on the heels of the Escort RS Turbo came another stone-cold ’80s classic, the legendary ‘whaletail’ Sierra RS Cosworth. The wild looks and extreme on-road performance made it the definitive performance car of its era, a reputation matched with incredible performances in touring car racing from Europe to Australia. Coveted by enthusiasts and collectors to this day, the RS Cosworth’s dominance on road and track make it a true legend.

Key innovation: Track-inspired aerodynamics

Ford Escort RS Cosworth (1992)

Where the Sierra Cosworth dominated on the circuit the Escort RS Cosworth, which actually shared much of its mechanical underpinnings, is a pure rally car in the true Rallye Sport tradition.  Things have moved on since the ’70s though – turbocharging, four-wheel drive and wings were very much de rigueur and Ford had to build near-identical roadgoing versions to satisfy the rallying regulations of the time. And with four-wheel drive having already returned to the RS range, in the form of the Sierra Sapphire Cosworth, the technology further expands and develops into a defining feature of the new hot Focus...

Key innovation: Four-wheel drive

Ford Focus RS Mk2 (2009)

The first Focus RS of 2002 follows the pattern established by the Escort RS Turbo, further enhanced with a wishlist of motorsport derived components. For the second-generation Focus RS things got a lot more serious, with a much more potent look, a muscular and charismatic 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine and further ground-breaking technology like the ‘RevoKnuckle’ front suspension. This and the power of the engine gave the Focus RS breathtaking performance and earned it a passionate following among RS enthusiasts, characteristics carried through to the new Focus RS in fine style!

Key innovation: RevoKnuckle suspension