Ford Focus V8 - 7th Feb 2005 11:16pm
Ford Racing Performance Parts know as FRPP used the amazing focus rs as a base for its project, shipping it across to the US – they converted it to rear-wheel drive and added V8 power and renamed it the focus RS8.
The engine is the new all-alloy 5.0 Ltr 4-valve "Cammer" crate engine – which produces an amazing 420 bhp!
The engine uses the Mustang Cobra sump and manifolds, which comes out through the rear spoiler. Completing the RS8's power train is the Tremec five-speed HD gearbox with a Ford Racing clutch kit.
![[Linked Image]](http://www.rs-ford.co.uk/images/2004/rs8-front.jpg)
Externally it looks like very similar to its european cousin but the switch to RWD has necessitated some fundamental changes including of designing new suspensions front and rear. FRPP engineers put together a new setup using Kugel Komponents up front, and a rear using a Ford Racing 8.8-inch differential also adjustable ride height provided by the Multimatic dampers. The newly-designed rear-wheel drive conversion kit will be sold through the FRPP catalog.
Four-wheel discs put the brakes on 18x8-inch European RS alloy wheels, using Michelin Pilot Sport 225/40 ZR18 tiresat the front and 255/45 ZR18s at the rear. (not as low profile as the european rs we know).
Externally the RS8 looks amazing thanks to the Focus RS styling. Inside, the Focus RS is similar to the Euro spec except for some pillar gauges and mish mash of ford racing dials!!
Here is the bad news - its not a true RS - its an aftermarket modification and no its not going to be available in the uk. But I have heard talk of this being offered as a conversion using LHD versions of the focus rs - so if you cant wait for the cosworth version (if it ever arrives) you could always try these guys!
![[Linked Image]](http://www.rs-ford.co.uk/images/2004/rs8-rear.jpg)
The engine is the new all-alloy 5.0 Ltr 4-valve "Cammer" crate engine – which produces an amazing 420 bhp!
The engine uses the Mustang Cobra sump and manifolds, which comes out through the rear spoiler. Completing the RS8's power train is the Tremec five-speed HD gearbox with a Ford Racing clutch kit.
Externally it looks like very similar to its european cousin but the switch to RWD has necessitated some fundamental changes including of designing new suspensions front and rear. FRPP engineers put together a new setup using Kugel Komponents up front, and a rear using a Ford Racing 8.8-inch differential also adjustable ride height provided by the Multimatic dampers. The newly-designed rear-wheel drive conversion kit will be sold through the FRPP catalog.
Four-wheel discs put the brakes on 18x8-inch European RS alloy wheels, using Michelin Pilot Sport 225/40 ZR18 tiresat the front and 255/45 ZR18s at the rear. (not as low profile as the european rs we know).
Externally the RS8 looks amazing thanks to the Focus RS styling. Inside, the Focus RS is similar to the Euro spec except for some pillar gauges and mish mash of ford racing dials!!
Here is the bad news - its not a true RS - its an aftermarket modification and no its not going to be available in the uk. But I have heard talk of this being offered as a conversion using LHD versions of the focus rs - so if you cant wait for the cosworth version (if it ever arrives) you could always try these guys!
