While you think of file-breaking performance motors, your mind probably goes immediately to supercars with screaming V8S or EVs with instant torque. But again in 2010, Ford constructed something that broke all of the guidelines — a front-wheel-drive, guide warm hatch so wild it’s still the most powerful of its type. Meet the Ford Focus RS500, a matte-black monster that remains the king of guide FWD performance even 15 years later.
Why the Focus RS500 Still Stands Out
Front-wheel pressure layouts are notoriously complex in relation to setting down severe strength. The front tyres have to cope with the whole lot — steering, braking, and acceleration. Most manufacturers play it safe; however, Ford didn’t. As an alternative, it doubled down with engineering magic and a turbocharged 2.5-litre inline-5 that cranked out a terrific 345 horsepower and 339 lb-feet of torque — through the front wheels and a six-speed guide.
That made the focal point RS500 the most effective front-wheel-drive guide vehicle ever constructed — an identity it nevertheless proudly holds in 2025.
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2010 Ford Focus RS500 Specs At A Glance
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five |
| Power | 345 hp |
| Torque | 339 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| 0-60 mph | 5.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 163 mph |
| Production | 500 units |
Built To Tame Torque Steer
To keep all that power from ripping the steering wheel out of your hands, Ford gave the RS500 some clever tech: a Quaife limited-slip differential and a RevoKnuckle suspension system. These upgrades helped reduce torque steer and improve cornering grip — making the RS500 more controllable than most high-power FWD cars of its time.
And while it wasn’t completely free of torque steer, that little tug on the wheel actually added to the car’s raw, analog charm — the kind of feedback enthusiasts crave.
More Than Just A Paint Job
Unlike some “special editions” that are all show and no go, the RS500 wasn’t just a cosmetic refresh. Ford’s engineers went under the hood and completely reworked the engine setup:
- Larger intercooler for better cooling
- Larger airbox and gas pump for stepped forward airflow and fueling
- Upgraded pistons, rods, and head gasket for reliability
- A new engine tune to push output to 345 hp
The result? A snarling, turbocharged five-cylinder that sounded like nothing else on the road — and still gives modern hot hatches a run for their money.
Exclusive Matte Black Beast
Each RS500 came in a sinister matte black end, entire with black wheels and a numbered plaque inside marking which of the 500 gadgets you owned. Internal, Ford introduced purple-stitched trim, carbon-look panels, and non-compulsory crimson Recaro leather seats.
And unlike most modern performance cars, the RS500 didn’t nickel-and-dime you for features — it came loaded. Heated windshield, automatic lights and wipers, and tyre deflation monitoring were all standard.
Worth A Fortune In 2025
If you’re dreaming approximately adding one in your garage these days, better have a deep wallet. According to conventional.com, the average public sale charge for a Ford awareness RS500 sits around $90,000, with easy examples attaining $130,000 or greater in the UK and Europe.
That’s a large jump from its unique rate tag — and proof that this once-underrated hot hatch has grown to be a critical collector’s item.
The Modern Rival: Honda Civic Type R FL5
If you want similar thrills without the collector tax, look no further than the 2025 Honda Civic Type R FL5 — the modern manual FWD king in the U.S. market.
With 315 hp, a six-speed guide, and a confined-slip diff, it channels the same spirit as the RS500 — however, with contemporary refinement and a guarantee.
| Specification | 2025 Honda Civic Type R FL5 |
|---|---|
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.0L inline-four |
| Power | 315 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph | 4.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 170 mph |
| Price (USA) | From $45,895 |
For half the cost of a used RS500, you get one of the best-handling front-wheel-drive cars ever made — and you can actually buy one new in America.
Final Thoughts: The RS500’s Legacy Lives On
The 2010 Ford awareness RS500 wasn’t simply fast — it turned into fearless. It confirmed that with the proper engineering and a bit of insanity, even a front-wheel-power hatchback may want to become an authentic performance icon.
15 years later, it’s still the most powerful manual FWD car ever built, and its spirit lives on in every great hot hatch that followed — from the Civic Type R to the Golf GTI Clubsport.
Some cars make you smile when you drive them. The RS500 made you grin like a maniac.
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