RS500 on thin ice.

[4Vman]

I've gone one step further and sought clarity on the conflict point.

[jpd80]

I could go on and on but this journo doesn't understand what "One Ford" really means
and how it applies or not in this situation.

Ford is seeing a big slump in US sales coming in 2017-2018, that's their main profit engine
and they are currently reviewing a lot of programs, financials come first.

[Futura]

Would not take this article seriously. There are so many hot hatches to choose from, would not bother me if Ford made an RS500 or not. Futhermore, even if ford made a RS500 how many would make it here to australia??

[FTe217]

Futura, yes in some case's lets take it seriously, sure, thats ok BUT EU have been used to having this type of hipo FWD/AWD Ford variant just as us being used to having our hipo Falcons.
The rally Ford DNA goes back a loonnng time in EU so yes Ford should be in the hot hatch game as being one of the players of the past not let the opponents clean it up for themselves.
To date excl RS we never saw the hot EU Ford variants and I don't expect us seeing these in the future.

jpd, your last paragraph rings true - being so US domestic centric is the Export markets killa

[jpd80]

Would not take this article seriously. There are so many hot hatches to choose from, would not bother me if Ford made an RS500 or not. Futhermore, even if ford made a RS500 how many would make it here to australia??

That's the problem with Exclusivity, all those customers in the
rest of the world prepared to pay a premium miss out.

Happens all the time and Ford is not alone n doing this.

[4Vman]

That's the problem with Exclusivity, all those customers in the
rest of the world prepared to pay a premium miss out.

Happens all the time and Ford is not alone n doing this.

I spent an extended period in a 2017 M4 Convertible last night.

$185K car, possibly the fastest ca ive ever experienced, just a fantastic driving car with every possible driver convenience.

0-100 in 3.7 seconds, 1/4 in 12.1.... The standng start acceleration was absolutely brutal, V8SC fast.

This car reset the bar for me.

It would be an absolute travesty if we couldn't enjoy these kinds of cars from ALL manufacturers, not just the euro's who clearly see the value in offering their ranges here.

On a slight side note the Dealer from BMW who lent us this car said they simply cannot meet demand.

[FTe217]

Good report Norm.
This 4series has gained ground pretty fast, its shape and this later tweak of external design looking lower, sharper and more aggressive has been bimmers fight back incl their other series numbers.
For a while audi touched them up but they have come back for the fight.
Damn, reset the bar eh. thats big.

[Futura]

Futura, yes in some case's lets take it seriously, sure, thats ok BUT EU have been used to having this type of hipo FWD/AWD Ford variant just as us being used to having our hipo Falcons.
The rally Ford DNA goes back a loonnng time in EU so yes Ford should be in the hot hatch game as being one of the players of the past not let the opponents clean it up for themselves.
To date excl RS we never saw the hot EU Ford variants and I don't expect us seeing these in the future.

jpd, your last paragraph rings true - being so US domestic centric is the Export markets killa

Just drove the RS focus. Definately a track weapon. This has to be the most easiest manual car i ever driven. Was really impressed with the handling and razor sharp steering. Really impressive car. However, can do with some more power.

Well done Ford.

[FTe217]

yer, reminds me how I felt after driving my KB Laser S, can I say that without people LOLing themselves to death

I thought it was the ducks guts in manual handled like a go kart, easy as but needed more powa.
Sounds similar no LOL.....