05/08/2015 13:59
A unique new Ford Focus RS was unveiled yesterday at a special Microsoft event in Cologne. Featuring an exterior designed by players of Forza Motorsport for Xbox, the striking car was driven to the event by former Top Gear star The Stig, who will also star in the Forza Motorsport 6 game for Microsoft's Xbox One console.
The event took place ahead of Gamescom, Europe's largest interactive games trade fair, which will take place from the 5th to the 9th August. Forza Motorsport 6 will make its European debut at Gamescom, going on sale to the public later this year.
Visitors to the event will be able to view the Focus RS alongside the all-new ultra high performance Ford GT the game's cover star.
Originally launched in 2002, and then updated in 2009, the new Focus RS is the third generation of the popular hot hatch.
It features a specially-engineered 350PS 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, which was developed by a global Ford Performance team. This latest RS pioneers the innovative Ford Performance All-Wheel-Drive system and is the first RS to offer selectable Drive Modes including industry-first Drift Mode and Launch Control.
Dan Greenawalt, creative director at Turn 10 Studios in Redmond, Washington, U.S commented: "In Cologne we're excited to showcase the real all-new Focus RS clad in a special paint scheme created by the Forza community. During Gamescom, gamers will also get to see the Forza Motorsport 6 cover-car Ford GT in person."
The new GT will one of the most exclusive Ford vehicles ever with limited volume sold around the world. It's aerodynamic carbon fibre body and fuel-efficient twin-turbocharged V6 EcoBoost engine combine to deliver one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any production car. The state-of-the-art Ford GT chassis features an active racing-style torsion bar and pushrod suspension, with adjustable ride height, and carbon-ceramic brake discs.