Ford recently unveiled a 350-hp version of the Focus RS in a limited run of 500 units, which was reportedly sold out in the first 24 hours. The MP350 package is available for current RS owners, as well as new buyers.
The car hits 60mph in 5.4 seconds, compared to the RS500 hitting 62mph in 5.6 seconds. With the MP350 kit, RS owners will reach 100mph (161 km/h) in 12.2 seconds, and 150mph (241 km/h) in 35.0 seconds. Top speed is 165mph (266 km/h) on the car.
The upgrades won't exactly give you a proper RS500, but the power will be there. Some owners might even find it as a good thing, seeing as they won't be forced into the matte black paint scheme standard on the RS500.
The modifications consist of five key components; a new intercooler, a high-flow exhaust downpipe, a redesigned airbox, uprated fuel delivery module and recalibrated ECU. Owners will need to have the car modified either by Mountune directly, or through seven selected Ford dealerships around the country. The kit will be made available in other European markets later in the year.
Press Release
- Ford-approved 350 PS engine upgrade for new and existing Focus RS
owners - Engine modifications developed in partnership with Mountune
Performance - Full testing and durability programme ensures no impact on standard
warranty - Upgrade available through selected Ford dealers, initially in the
UK, with a European roll-out planned to follow
COLOGNE, April 9, 2010 - Owners and buyers of the current generation Ford
Focus RS 305 PS superhatch can now access a Ford-approved performance
upgrade package that boosts peak output to 350 PS and 460 Nm of torque.
The MP350 package is available from Mountune Performance via a selected
network of Ford dealers, initially in the UK, with a European roll-out
planned to follow. This is the only Ford-approved upgrade for the Focus RS
and also the only aftermarket package available which does not invalidate
the standard Ford warranty.
The engine modifications it provides are similar to those developed for
the exclusive new limited edition Focus RS500 model and were developed by
Ford's Team RS powertrain engineers in partnership with Mountune's
performance specialists.
"Ford's relationship with Mountune has produced a series of dynamic
performance upgrade packages for Ford models like the Focus ST and new
Fiesta, and we are confident that the Focus RS package will prove equally
successful," says Matthias Tonn, Focus RS500 Chief Programme Engineer.
"While the limited edition RS500 we are unveiling at the Leipzig Show today
will remain the ultimate Focus RS, this upgrade provides existing customers
with the attractive Ford-approved performance enhancement option that many
RS owners have been asking for."
The Focus RS performance upgrade increases peak power from 305 PS to 350
PS, while torque rises by 20 Nm to 460 Nm. Modifications include a larger
intercooler, a larger air filter box, a larger diameter exhaust downpipe and
an uprated fuel pump, along with an updated software calibration.
Mountune also offers Ford approved performance upgrades in selected
markets for the current Focus ST and Fiesta 1.6 Ti-VCT models, and the
previous-generation Fiesta ST.
Mountune's experience in motorsport and high-performance engines spans
over 20 years and this strong heritage even includes the original RS500, as
Mountune supplied the engines for the Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth which won
the British Touring Car Championship in 1990 driven by Robb Gravett.
Further details of the Mountune upgrade packages available for Ford
vehicles, including the Focus RS, can be seen at www.mountuneperformance.com
