the ford focus rs8 - v8 and rear wheel drive
May 20, 2004 | By: Matyas Varga - SRO
Here is a compact that any muscle car lover could appreciate. Developed by
Ford Racing Performance Parts (FRPP), the RS8 was a real show stopper at
the 2003 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). FRPP transplanted
their new, aluminum-alloy, 420 HP, 5.0-liter 4-valve "Cammer" crate engine
into a Focus RS. However, in order to adopt this new power plant,
the focus had to be converted to a rear-wheel drive platform.
Sure, why not?
The RS8 is powered by Ford Racing's 5.0-liter "Cammer" crate engine installation. The "Cammer" sells for an MSRP of $14,995, available from the 2004 Ford Racing Performance Parts catalog.
"One look at the RS8 would suggest that its transformation from a production front-driver into a rear-drive pocket rocket was a study in simplicity. But in reality, Ford Racing engineers had their work cut out for them from the start."
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Before you get too excited and run out to buy an FRPP engine for your focus, you should note that some re-engineering was at play. Not only did the engine bay require physical alterations to cope with the 5.0-litre V8, a bespoke exhaust system was fabricated as well. Going further down the chassis, the drivetrain feeds power to the rear wheels via a an all new FRPP five-speed racing gearbox. Finally, the development team created a new suspension set-up for both front and rear wheels to allow the car to handle the massive increase in power and weight.
In America, the engine and drivetrain package will cost interested customers nearly $14,000. (this doesn't include a host of other modifications). Overall, it doesn't look like buyers will be getting a Focus V8 any time soon, even though sporty concepts such as the Focus Cosworth were well received. A spokeswoman for the blue oval was lukewarm on the possibility of the RS8 coming to these shores. "Next year we will introduce the new Focus, but I just don't think there would be a market for a V8 version. The majority of people want to buy economical cars, not pay an extra £9,000 for a bigger engine," she said
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