--- title: "This RWD Ford Focus With a 725-HP V8 Is a Wild Alternate-Reality Focus RS—And It’s For Sale" date: "2024-07-17" modified: "2024-07-17" authors: - name: "Adam Ismail" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/adam-ismail" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/culture/this-rwd-ford-focus-with-a-725-hp-v8-is-a-wild-alternate-reality-focus-rs-and-its-for-sale" categories: - "Builds" - "Culture" - "For Sale" - "Ford News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "Focus RS" - "Hatchback" - "sports car" --- # This RWD Ford Focus With a 725-HP V8 Is a Wild Alternate-Reality Focus RS—And It’s For Sale ![]() *\Facebook Marketplace, The Drive\* The long, at times fraught history of the [Ford]() Focus occasionally produced some spectacular oddities. From the original RS we never got in the States, to the dreary ["second-gen"]() we unfortunately *only* got, the Focus represented the potential of what the Blue Oval could achieve when it [threw its global weight behind a small car]()—even if that potential was [rarely realized](). On this side of the pond, it did result in a few stunning one-offs for shows like SEMA, and wouldn't you know such a creation is for sale on [Facebook Marketplace](). This papaya orange build, located in Sarasota, Florida, combines one of those original RS widebody kits with a Whipple-supercharged, [Coyote V8]() delivering a purported 725 horsepower. This was well before the days of the [all-wheel-drive RS](), though, so all that power gets directed—where else—but to the rear axle. A full cage, Eaton limited-slip differential, Cobra brakes, and Tremec T45 five-speed manual complete this tuner's fever dream, which apparently dates back to the mid-aughts. You know, if the shouty paint job, absurd cowl hood, and big-ass subwoofer in the cargo area didn't give that away. [![]()]() [![]()]() [![]()]() [![]()]() [![]()]() Now, this Focus happens to look a lot like one that recently sold in January at a [Barrett-Jackson auction]() in Arizona, for $35,200. A story from *[Ford Muscle]()* says this build, based on a 2001 hatch, churned "over 500 horsepower" and employed an 8.8-inch live axle out of a Mustang. Either the word "over" is doing plenty of heavy lifting there, or this thing is even more monstrous than it was six months ago. Today, it's listed for $53,500, or a "cool trade." Hey, it's 2024—did you think we were getting out of this without someone turning a big profit? In any case, we don't know who was originally responsible for this screaming-hot hatch, but experiments like these weren't extremely uncommon in the Focus' heyday. Ford even tried its hand at one itself, called the RS8. Armed with a 5.0-liter, 420-hp [Cammer]() crate motor, this one-off was the ultimate sleeper back in '03, masquerading as a standard Euro-market RS from the time, from its blue sheetmetal to its rally-style bumpers and big five-spokes fit for a tarmac stage. [![]()]() [![]()]() [![]()]() Personally, it's more my speed than the *Need for Speed Underground*-cosplaying example that brought us here today, but to each their own. The important thing is that if this Focus is *your* style, now's the time to make your move. *Got tips? Send ’em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Adam is a Senior Editor at The Drive, concentrating on curating and developing the site's slate of daily journalism, from initial pitch to final copy edit. When he's not at his desk researching leads and working with writers, he's testing vehicles or reviewing racing games, new and old. He joined The Drive in 2023, following seven years of covering consumer technology and cars. A car lover and gamer since his earliest memories, Adam came to know the automotive world through video games. First it was Daytona USA, Sega Rally, and Ridge Racer; then came Need For Speed, which inspired an encyclopedic knowledge of '90s supercars, and, of course, Gran Turismo. If not for them, he'd assuredly be doing something else right now. Adam is based in the suburbs outside Philly, where there are ample roads for his hot hatch to stretch its legs. In his car, he's probably listening to indie rock, drum and bass, or Yankees baseball. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()