Flying Finn steers Ford Focus RS into spotlight

Spectators at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium for the final stage of the second leg of Wales Rally GB in December will be treated to a world-first spectacle - the driving debut of Ford’s fastest-ever European production car, the new Focus RS.

Behind the wheel of the Performance Blue machine will be a man well qualified to appreciate the Focus RS’s awe-inspiring capabilities – 'Flying Finn' Marcus Grönholm, former double World Rally Champion and ex-Ford WRC driver. But this time he won't be in competition.

The much-anticipated Focus RS, which goes on sale early in Spring next year, will take pride of place at the stadium in a cavalcade of heritage Rallye Sport (RS) cars stretching back nearly 40 years.

The new car is powered by a turbocharged Duratec 2.5-litre, five-cylinder engine. With its unique camshafts, revised cylinder head and gasket, intake and manifold system, the unit is designed to deliver 300PS and 440Nm peak torque.

Combined with a six-speed transmission, this translates to 0-62mph acceleration in under six seconds and a targeted top speed of 161mph. Yet the designers have succeeded in combining high performance with a car that is eminently practical for everyday use.

The combination of Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing limited-slip differential and innovative RevoKnuckle front-suspension system allows a class-leading balance of traction, handling and performance to be derived from front- as opposed to all-wheel drive, with consequent power-to-weight advantages.

A wider track, enhanced drive-shafts and rear anti-roll bar, revised springs and dampers, retuned steering and uprated brakes all contribute to outstanding sports handling. A specially developed version of Ford's ESP system provides added safety.

The metallic Performance Blue of the car Marcus Grönholm will drive reflects the livery of Ford's World Rally Championship Focus cars, though the RS will also be available in 'Ultimate Green' and Frozen White.

Similarly, the black twin-blade rear spoiler echoes both RS models of the past and the World Rally-winning Focus RS WRC that inspired the latest version.

The RS badge was last seen on the first-generation Focus RS in 2002. Over 38 years it has also graced Fiesta, Escort and Sierra models, as a Cardiff RS cavalcade will reflect.

The Cardiff stage of Wales Rally GB, the last round of the FIA World Rally Championship, takes place on 6 December. It looks set to attract big crowds, keen to see the much-anticipated Ford v Citroen battle at close quarters.

Until this year, Marcus Grönholm would have been a competitor. The 40-year-old driver started his rallying career in a Ford Escort in 1987, going on to win 30 world rally victories, and becoming World Champion in 2000 and 2002.

In 2006 and 2007 he drove the Ford Focus RS WRC and helped secure two world manufacturer titles for Ford before retiring from full-time competition.

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All New Ford Fiesta named Scottish car of the year

The all new Ford Fiesta has been named "Scottish Car of the Year 2008" at the 11th annual Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW) awards dinner in St Andrew's, Scotland.

A jury of 17 Scottish automotive journalists reviewed every new car available and, in an exhaustive selection process, short-listed eight category winners. At the ceremony, the new Fiesta was crowned with the prestigious award thanks to its qualities of style, dynamic driving and value for money.

This is the second successive year that the ASMW has honoured Ford with the title of Scottish Car of the Year – in 2007 the award went to the Ford Mondeo. Also this year, recognition was given to the new Ford Kuga, which collected the category award for "best 4x4 crossover" vehicle.

The awards were presented by President of the ASMW, Bill Caven, who commented: "To win the Scottish Car of the Year once is a marvellous achievement for any manufacturer. However to triumph again the following year is absolutely unbelievable.

"The all new Ford Fiesta was simply streets ahead of everybody else when it came to offering something fresh, dynamic and value for money. Within hours of getting our first drive in the car we were all blown away by the experience. And when you consider the high calibre of the other new models up for consideration it is a truly tremendous feat by the Blue Oval."

Bill added: "There is always a degree of trepidation amongst motor manufacturers when it comes to replacing a best-selling model with the next generation car. Will it live up to past reputation and appeal? Will it take the brand forward? Ford has maintained from the outset that the all new Fiesta would set the benchmark in its sector. It has certainly delivered big time and been true to its word. This is going to be an enormous seller for them in the coming months, and deservedly so."

On receiving the award, Ian Slater, Vice-President Communications and Public Affairs for Ford of Europe, said: "We are delighted the all new Ford Fiesta has been voted the 2008 Scottish Car of the Year. I am especially pleased for the Fiesta project team of designers and engineers, that their vision and hard work has been so generously rewarded. Everyone at Ford joins me in thanking the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers for this accolade."

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