Ford Focus RS500 unveiled in Europe

While the Ford Focus is a bit of a rental-fleet joke in the Middle East, the hatchback is rather popular in Europe, with various versions that even include the hot 305 hp Ford Focus RS hatchback. While an all-new Focus will hit the streets for the 2012 model year, the current model is getting one final hurrah in Europe in the form of the ridiculous Ford Focus RS500.

Powered by a 2.5-litre 5-cylinder with 345 hp and 460 Nm of torque, the RS500 offers an insane level of power to be fed through the front wheels. Ford already tries to control the side-to-side torque steer in the standard RS with gimmicks such as the RevoKnuckle front suspension and Quaife limited-slip differential, but this will take uncontrollable acceleration to a whole new level.

The result of this outsourced tinkering by Revolve Technologies is a 0-100 kph time of 5.6 seconds, with a top speed of 265 kph.

The RS500 also receives matte-black foil, metallic black paint underneath, black alloy wheels, red cabin stitching, optional red Recaro seats, red brake calipers, and 1-of-500 RS500 badges, considering the car is limited to 500 units.

Priced at the equivalent of Dhs 180,000 in Britain, the production run ends by September 2010, and all units will be spread out over 20 European countries, so there are none earmarked for any GCC countries. Meanwhile, if you still want to get your hands on a 105 hp tarmac-scorching Focus in the UAE, check out the Ford Focus buyer guide.