An opportunity for us Yanks to buy a Ford Focus RS!

[wackary]

http://jalopnik.com/5462561/your-best-chance-to-own-a-focus-rs-in-the-us
I am sorry, I will do my best not to go off into a full rant, but damn it (!), this is just a reminder of everything that is wrong with the American Auto industry!!! We cannot even buy decent cars from our own bloody manufacturers!!!! I would almost pay that muc for this car!!! If it were actually 4WD and imported here, I definitely would! This is not much more than my STi cost by the time I got it away from the dealership.

[novass]

Im with you.  I can kind of understand about not being able to get some of the European cars here (though I still dont like it) but why our own manufacturers?  There really arent any Fords sold here that I would consider buying.  I would consider buying the Focus RS though.  I think the American manufacturers think we will just buy whatever they put out because we have no choice or something like that.  I really dont get it.

[spanky]

we dont get the focus RS either in OZ 

[ZfrkS62]

I guess the problem with Ford deciding not to bring it here is mainly that they figure there's not a large enough WRC following stateside, and the previous Focus customer base isn't so much about performance as they are looking stylish (high school seniors/college freshmen). Combine that with the fact that current EPA guidelines for emissions and fuel economy are probably not helping the decision, and you can see why we don't get cool stuff.

Outside of the Mustangs, I don't think Ford can justify offering cars like this to our markets, and the only reason we still get the Mustangs is because of the history behind them.

Part of me hates the fact that we aren't offered cars like this, but the other part of me is glad we don't get it, because douchebags don't need another car to consider making their official ride.

[novass]

because douchebags don't need another car to consider making their official ride.

LOL  good point, I didnt think about that. 

[DMF]

Even if you did buy it in Mexico, could you even get it legally registered on the road?

Only Ford I'd buy is the new F150 SVT Raptor!

[sentra_dude]

Adding to ZfrkS62's great explanation, not only do we not get cars like the Focus RS, but there's also a long history of the US market getting watered down versions of the cars we do get. Everything from Hondas to BMWs to Subarus come to the US with softer suspensions, weaker engines, and just generally less-sporty parts. I think in general American buyers are less likely to buy cars with ultra stiff suspensions, peaky engines, and fewer creature comforts, and manufacturers know this so they either modify the cars to be less 'hard' or don't bring them to the US at all.

Aside from emissions, just glancing at that front bumper I'm going to guess it would never pass US crash standards and would need a redesign. Couple that with the small sales potential and possible emissions issues and it's just not worth it to Ford.  It sucks and I hate that we miss out on some awesome cars though...

[Guyon]

Looks like a Jalopnik reader bought it:
http://jalopnik.com/5464201/viva-los-hoons-jalopnik-reader-buys-mexican-focus-rs

[wackary]

Adding to ZfrkS62's great explanation, not only do we not get cars like the Focus RS, but there's also a long history of the US market getting watered down versions of the cars we do get. Everything from Hondas to BMWs to Subarus come to the US with softer suspensions, weaker engines, and just generally less-sporty parts. I think in general American buyers are less likely to buy cars with ultra stiff suspensions, peaky engines, and fewer creature comforts, and manufacturers know this so they either modify the cars to be less 'hard' or don't bring them to the US at all.

Aside from emissions, just glancing at that front bumper I'm going to guess it would never pass US crash standards and would need a redesign. Couple that with the small sales potential and possible emissions issues and it's just not worth it to Ford.  It sucks and I hate that we miss out on some awesome cars though...

Too true man.... Sux. I am one american that wants a stiff euro-spec car, and I don't think I am alone! I have hated this manufacturer mindset for year.  It is the same thing with motorcycles, although the bulk of those import choices are due to EPA standards. Two-stroke sport bikes   are a case in point. We just never really got any of the good stuff in decent numbers.
Another motorcycle import trend was large-displacement bikes only for the US which sucks ass! Meanwhile Europe and Japan get all this really cool lightweight stuff. I personally love small displacement high performance bikes; LOTS more fun and challenging to ride fast. I have always preferred them to big heavy superbikes.
When I wanted to build up a track bike I couldn't find a decent Aprillia RS 250 so I bought an SV650. I remember the dealer saying "this is a great beginner bike". The insult ran deep, lemme tell ya;   I had an All-Japan Pro MX license at 16 (we lied about my age!) and an AMA Pro-Motocross License at 17 years old! I got my first WERA Roadracing license at 18 years old! The pleasure I got with that "beginner bike" at track days as I passed squids on GSXR1000's around the outside in sweepers is indescribable! Beginner indeed! I should have bought a Ninja 250 and would have if they weren't total shit!
And along the same lines, look what younger or beginner riders do have to learn on here in the US! Total shit for the most part. I have seen kids here buy GSXR750's or 1000's because their ego led them into it. Even a modern "middleweight" 600 is ridiculously fast and not exactly what I would consider a learner bike. Compare that to Europe or Japan: scores of hot little 125cc & 250cc bikes, really cool stuff that lets these youngsters (cannot believe I used that word!) retain the integrity of their fragile teen male egos and their orthopedic structure! (Not to mention their skin!)  
And then, as you mentioned, with cars we always get the softer clown car  version in the US. The 964 RS is a great example, we got the RS America which, ...well is no Euro spec 964 RS by any means (no offense Stan!).  
Sucks. We are underestimated and insulted year after year. If americans do not have the cars (and motorcycles) to drive and evolve into in the first place then they will just never know better. I mean look at the majority of the crap on the road!!!! Everytime I get into a  rental car and get stuck with a Chevy Malibu or similar Shiite I just want to puke...and I look around and they are just everywhere. UGH.
And so I ranted on....

[bmagni]

Even if you did buy it in Mexico, could you even get it legally registered on the road?

Only Ford I'd buy is the new F150 SVT Raptor!

Yes you can, if you're interested let me know.

[danidmas]

I don't think there's no market for such a car in the US. As long as the Subaru Impreza and the Lancer sell there... there's room for the Focus RS. But well... if people just buy those jap rally-inspired cars to rice them like in F&F style... then that's another story.