Per the bit in Jalopnik, looks like the Fiesta RS is getting the greenlight, in Europe at least. As for the USA, I think Jalopnik says it best, "We're assuming since this would be a positively awesome car, it won't be making its way to US dealers... ever."

As for the car itself, sounds like it would, based upon speculated specs, be that positively awesome car. A turbo 1.6 four with around 200hp would be the main piece and coupled with the obvious uprated chassis.

Most interesting beyond the rather predictable aforementioned would be the stripped-down, read "lightened," interior that would help it get to 60 in a tenth as many seconds. Nice that Ford' Europe is trying to attack performance at both ends of the mass vs power equation, quite in distinction from Ford USA's sole focus on the power side of the = sign with mega-powered dreadnoughts (GT500).

That lighter weight should also have the predictable positive performance effects on handling and braking, not to mention easing the sting at the gas pump, all pointing to the attendant benefits of addressing the mass side of the = sign.

Of course, this little terror will be instantly rationalized as somehow anathema to the troglodyte US market Ford USA, who sees small cars as little more than penalty boxes to be endured by the bitter poor before stepping up to "real" cars. We'll have to see such urban warfare fighters from other more forward thinking manufacturers (Mini) before Ford USA slowly and agonizingly has its "duh" moment and realizes there is a viable market for these things (whole thriving Asian tuner and Euro sport coupe market.)

 

Looks good, I like it.

 

That car would be the perfect modded Scion(s) and Fit crusher. Yes, people do that to them here!

 

Haven't you heard, those of us who champion such a strategy are dead wrong; European compacts are massive failures in North America; GM's attempt to do this has been a disaster; Americans only want ugly cars with cheap, plasticky interiors - and arguing otherwise is a fool's errand and offensive to those who think the status quo is just fine. After all, the '08 Focus is plenty "good enough" because sales are decent a few months out of the gate.

 

ugh, once again shot down before given a taste. oh well, i am still going to td a new fiesta when they come over.