Focus RS Run Concludes With 1,500 2018 Models

Our new, limited-edition Focus RS represents accessible performance at its finest. — Jamal Hameedi, Ford Performance

Wondering if Ford’s hottest hatch would continue on for another model year? Wonder no more. Ford will build a limited run of 2018 Focus RS models in the US and Canada sporting a special package of features, including special accents and a standard limited-slip differential.

“Our new, limited-edition Focus RS represents accessible performance at its finest,” Jamal Hameedi, Ford Performance chief engineer, said. “Improving on the thrilling driving dynamics of the Focus RS is no small task – but our Ford Performance engineers have delivered a drivetrain capable of wringing every drop of performance from the engine.”

We have spent a great deal of time listening to our customers… — Henry Ford, Ford Performance

What enables those thrilling dynamics is the addition of a Quaife limited-slip differential in the front axle of the 2018 model. However, to his hot hatch apart even further, Ford paid strict attention to enthusiasts.

“To satisfy strong demand for the ever-popular Focus RS, I’m very excited that we’re bringing this limited-edition vehicle to North America,” Henry Ford, Ford Performance marketing manager, said. “We have spent a great deal of time listening to our customers, speaking to owners’ club members, reading comments and suggestions on enthusiast websites, and even studying various forum Photoshop renderings.”

The result is a package only available in two colors — Race Red or Nitrous Blue — accented by a gloss-black roof, roof spoiler and mirror caps. Inside, the limited-edition RS are distinguished by the carbon fiber wrapping on the door handles, handbrake lever, and boost gauge surround, while the Miko-Dinamica Recaro seats and all the extras from the formerly optional RS2 package are standard on these cars as well.

This limited edition run is said to be the last chance to score a current-generation Focus RS in North America and only 1,000 will be sold in the US, while 500 will be made available in Canada. So, if you want one, you better get in line this summer when the cars are available for order.