Focus RS

Make
Ford
Segment
Hatchback

It was a crying shame when Ford scrapped plans to produce a hardcore RS500 variant of the already feisty Focus RS rumored to pack 400 horsepower. Fear not, however, because there is now an alternative option for those who want an RS with a similarly insane power output. Renowned Ford tuner Mountune has revealed its latest kit for the RS that gives the hot hatch a significant performance upgrade to match Ford's predicted power output for the RS500 before it was killed off.

Dubbed the Focus RS M400, Mountune's tuning package includes an upgraded turbo re-circulation valve, high-performance alloy intercooler, a recalibrated ECU and a high-flow hard pipe. These modifications increase the power output to 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. Mountune says the power increase improves the hot hatchback's acceleration both off the line and down the quarter mile, and also increases the car's 165 mph top speed. No performance figures for the M400 package have been provided, but a sprint time of around four seconds seems plausible since the standard car can hit 0-62 mph in 4.7 seconds.

If, however, you're still not satisfied and want to push your RS past 400 horses, Mountune also sells a beefed up six-speed manual, forged rods and pistons, and block upgrades to help you transform the hot hatch into an absolute monster. It's a shame Ford scrapped the RS500, but Mountune's M400 package could be the next best thing. Ultimately, while a hardcore RS500 may have been successful in Europe, Ford feared that introducing a hardcore hot hatch in the US could steal sales away from the Mustang GT and Mustang Shelby GT350. Mountune's tuning package is being sold in the UK and Europe for the modest price of 3,000 Euros ($3,905). No word on US availability yet though.