Hey car enthusiasts, let's dive into the awesome Ford Focus RS 2005 ficha tecnica! This legendary hot hatch really shook things up when it came out, and understanding its technical specifications is key to appreciating just how special it is. We're talking about a car that was built for performance, straight from the factory, and the details behind its engineering are seriously impressive. So, buckle up, guys, as we break down what made this machine tick and why it's still a sought-after icon today. We'll be looking at everything from its heart-pounding engine to its razor-sharp handling, giving you the full picture of this performance marvel. Get ready to geek out over the specs of one of the coolest Fords ever!

Engine and Performance: The Heartbeat of the RS

When you're talking about the Ford Focus RS 2005 ficha tecnica, the engine is where the magic truly begins. Ford didn't just slap a bigger engine in a regular Focus; they engineered a beast. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.0-liter turbocharged Duratec RS engine. Now, this isn't your average four-cylinder. Ford Performance Vehicle engineers worked their tails off to give it some serious punch. We're talking about a healthy 215 horsepower coming out of this relatively small displacement, which was a big deal back in 2005. But horsepower is only part of the story, right? The torque figure is equally impressive, with around 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) available. This means that when you put your foot down, the RS doesn't just accelerate; it launches. The turbo spools up with a satisfying growl, pushing you back into your seat. It’s this strong mid-range torque that makes the car feel incredibly potent, whether you're overtaking on the highway or powering out of a tight corner on a track day. The engine's responsiveness is tuned for spirited driving, with a noticeable but not intrusive turbo lag. It’s designed to deliver power when you need it most, making the driving experience engaging and exhilarating.

To handle all that power, Ford fitted a robust Quaife automatic torque-sensing limited-slip differential (LSD). This is a crucial component that sets the RS apart. Unlike open differentials, an LSD distributes power more effectively between the front wheels, preventing wheelspin and ensuring that both tires are always working to put that power down. This is especially important in a front-wheel-drive car like the Focus RS, as it significantly improves traction and reduces understeer, allowing you to carry more speed through corners. The transmission is a 5-speed manual gearbox, perfectly suited to the car's sporty character. It’s known for its crisp, precise shifts, which allow for quick gear changes when you're really pushing the car. The clutch is also designed to be strong enough to handle the engine's output. The acceleration figures are pretty staggering for its time: 0 to 60 mph (0-97 km/h) in about 6.4 seconds. Top speed? You're looking at around 144 mph (232 km/h). These numbers might not sound record-breaking by today's standards, but for a hot hatch in 2005, they were absolutely phenomenal and placed the Focus RS firmly in the performance league of much more expensive sports cars. The exhaust system is also tuned to provide a sporty note, enhancing the overall auditory experience without being overly obnoxious. It’s a symphony of turbocharger whistles and engine growls that let everyone know you’re driving something special.

Chassis and Handling: Grip That Sticks

Now, let's talk about how the Ford Focus RS 2005 ficha tecnica handles the road, because that's where this car truly shines. Ford didn't skimp on the chassis modifications; they gave it a serious overhaul to make it handle like a proper sports car. The track was widened significantly compared to a standard Focus, by about 50mm at the front and 40mm at the rear. This wider stance dramatically improves stability and reduces body roll, allowing the car to corner flatter and faster. The suspension system was also heavily revised. You get stiffer springs and dampers, and a thicker front anti-roll bar (28mm). These upgrades are crucial for controlling the body's movements during aggressive driving. The steering feel is also a highlight. It's a power-assisted rack and pinion system, but Ford tuned it to provide excellent feedback. You can feel exactly what the front wheels are doing, which builds confidence when you're pushing the limits. The steering ratio is also quicker, making it more responsive to driver input.

One of the most distinctive features is the unique front suspension setup. Instead of a standard MacPherson strut, the Focus RS uses a re-engineered front suspension with a "RevoKnuckle". This innovative design separates the steering pivot from the wheel bearing, significantly reducing torque steer. Torque steer is that annoying phenomenon where the steering wheel tugs violently under hard acceleration, especially when cornering. The RevoKnuckle effectively combats this, allowing you to keep the throttle pinned even when turning, thanks to the aforementioned Quaife LSD. This engineering marvel is a huge part of why the RS feels so planted and predictable. The brakes are also uprated to cope with the performance. Up front, you'll find 330mm Brembo ventilated discs with four-piston calipers. At the rear, there are 280mm solid discs. This powerful braking setup provides excellent stopping power and fade resistance, essential for track days or spirited drives on winding roads. The car sits on 18-inch alloy wheels, typically shod with performance tires like Michelin Pilot Sport IIs, usually in a 225/40R18 size. These tires offer fantastic grip, complementing the sophisticated suspension and braking systems. All these chassis and handling improvements combine to create a car that feels incredibly agile, balanced, and confidence-inspiring. It’s a driver’s car, through and through, designed to deliver an engaging and rewarding experience on both road and track. The focus wasn't just on straight-line speed, but on creating a cohesive package that could devour corners with precision and control.

Design and Aerodynamics: Looking Aggressive, Acting Functional

Let's move on to the Ford Focus RS 2005 ficha tecnica and talk about its looks, because, wow, this car looks the part! Ford didn't shy away from making the RS stand out from its lesser siblings. The exterior design is all about aggressive aesthetics combined with functional aerodynamics. Up front, you'll notice a more aggressive front bumper with larger air intakes. These aren't just for show; they're designed to feed more cool air to the engine and the intercooler, helping to maintain optimal performance, and also help cool the uprated Brembo brakes. The hood features a prominent power bulge and vents, which not only add to the muscular look but also help to dissipate heat from the engine bay.

The side profile is equally striking, thanks to the wider wheel arches that accommodate the wider track and larger wheels. These flared arches give the car a planted, muscular stance, hinting at the performance lurking within. Subtle side skirts also contribute to the aerodynamic package. Moving to the rear, the RS-specific rear bumper features a prominent diffuser element. This diffuser helps to manage airflow underneath the car, reducing drag and increasing downforce, which is crucial for stability at higher speeds. The iconic large rear spoiler is another defining feature. This isn't just a cosmetic addition; it's a functional piece of aerodynamic equipment designed to generate significant downforce over the rear axle, improving grip and stability during hard braking and cornering. It gives the car that unmistakable rally-inspired look. The overall design language is cohesive, with every element serving a purpose, whether it's cooling, downforce generation, or simply making the car look incredibly menacing.

Inside, the design continues the sporty theme, though it remains based on the standard Focus interior. The most noticeable upgrades are the Momo "Ford RS" branded bucket seats. These are deep, supportive, and feature blue or grey accents, providing excellent bolstering to keep you planted during spirited driving. You'll also find a Ford RS branded gear knob and unique floor mats. The dashboard features additional gauges for boost pressure and oil temperature, mounted in the center console, giving the driver immediate access to vital performance information. The steering wheel is usually a leather-wrapped unit, often with blue stitching, matching the seats. While the core dashboard layout is familiar, the RS touches elevate the cabin ambiance to something special, making you feel like you're in a purpose-built performance machine. The materials used are generally good quality, and the ergonomics are typical of the Focus, meaning everything is within easy reach. The combination of aggressive exterior styling and a driver-focused interior makes the Focus RS 2005 a true icon, a car that looks as good as it performs and delivers a truly immersive driving experience for any petrolhead.

Dimensions and Weight: The Foundation of Agility

Understanding the Ford Focus RS 2005 ficha tecnica also involves looking at its physical dimensions and weight, as these play a crucial role in its agility and handling characteristics. While it shares its platform with the standard Ford Focus Mk1, the RS version underwent significant modifications that subtly altered its overall footprint and weight distribution. The car measures approximately 4,186 mm (164.8 inches) in length, 1,771 mm (69.7 inches) in width (excluding mirrors), and 1,430 mm (56.3 inches) in height. The wheelbase remains the same as the standard Focus at around 2,615 mm (103.0 inches), which is a relatively long wheelbase for a car of its size, contributing to its stable ride and handling.

The key difference lies in the wider track – approximately 1,505 mm (59.3 inches) at the front and 1,495 mm (58.9 inches) at the rear. This increase of around 50mm at the front and 40mm at the rear compared to the standard Focus is fundamental to its improved cornering ability and stability. It allows for a larger contact patch for the tires and reduces the tendency for body roll, making the car feel more planted and responsive.

In terms of weight, the Ford Focus RS 2005 has an unladen weight (kerb weight) of approximately 1,460 kg (3,219 lbs). This might seem a bit hefty compared to some smaller hot hatches, but it's important to consider the robust engineering and the components that make the RS special. The strengthened chassis, the larger engine, the heavy-duty transmission, the Quaife LSD, and the powerful Brembo brakes all add to the overall weight. However, Ford's engineers did a superb job of balancing this weight and distributing it effectively. The weight distribution is relatively balanced, which is critical for achieving neutral handling characteristics. This balance, combined with the wider track and sophisticated suspension, allows the RS to feel incredibly agile and dynamic despite its weight. It's a testament to clever engineering that a car with these dimensions and weight can deliver such a thrilling and engaging driving experience. The dimensions also contribute to its practicality as a hatchback, offering decent interior space for passengers and cargo, making it a viable option for those who want a performance car that can also be used for everyday tasks. The slightly larger dimensions and wider stance also contribute to its aggressive road presence, making it instantly recognizable as a serious performance machine.

Conclusion: A Modern Classic Defined by its Specs

So there you have it, guys! The Ford Focus RS 2005 ficha tecnica reveals a car that was meticulously engineered to be a performance benchmark. From its potent 2.0-liter turbocharged Duratec RS engine producing a spirited 215 hp and a healthy dose of torque, to the revolutionary RevoKnuckle front suspension that tames torque steer, every aspect was designed with driving dynamics in mind. The addition of the Quaife LSD, massive Brembo brakes, and a wider track further cemented its reputation as a true driver's car.

It wasn't just about straight-line speed; it was about creating a cohesive, engaging, and confidence-inspiring package that excelled in the corners. The aggressive, functional styling, combined with a driver-focused interior, completed the picture, making the RS a true icon. Even today, the specs of the Ford Focus RS 2005 speak volumes about its capabilities and the passion poured into its creation. It remains a highly desirable hot hatch for collectors and driving enthusiasts alike, a testament to brilliant engineering and an unforgettable driving experience. If you ever get a chance to drive one, you'll understand why it's so special!