Escort RS Turbo (S1)
Available :- 1984 to 1986
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Escort RS Turbo (S1) Available :- 1984 to 1986 |
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| The Ford Escort RS Turbo is based
on the 3-door Ford Escort Saloon and was supplied in a Diamond White body colour
only, except for a very few one offs. The RS Turbo is given a distinctive sporty appearance by body coloured front grill, bumpers and aerodynamic aids; the deep front spoiler contours are continued around the car by front and rear wheel arch spoilers and interconnecting door sill extensions. On the tailgate an XR3i spoiler (also body coloured) is fitted together with a "RS Turbo" decal. RS Decals are fitted to the front fenders immediately above a graduated, wide bodyside stripe. The Interior is trimmed in a combination of Monza and Cashmere fabrics and XR3i type "Recaro" LS bucket seats are fitted as standard. Engine The engine fitted to the RS Turbo is a 1600 CVH unit modified to suit the higher loads and the application of the turbocharger. Computerised fuel injection and engine management incorporating turbocharger boost control is also fitted. The turbocharger increases the engines performance in the lower engine speed ranges which are primarily used under normal driving and therefore provides a very usable increase in power and torque.
Fuel system The fuel system is Bosch "KE Jetronic" which incorporates an electromagnetic pressure actuator to control the lower chamber pressure. A computerised module receives signals about the engine condition and alters the electrical current supplied to the actuator which the modifies the fuel pressure and hence mixture. Fuel consumption is kept as low as possible for each engine condition and pollutant emission is minimised as a result of promoting optimum combustion. Transmission The Transmission is 5-speed and differs from the XR3i in two respects; final drive ratio is 4,27:1 as opposed to 4,29:1 this is as a result of the number of teeth used to provide increased strength. More importantly, the transmission is fitted with a unique viscous controlled limited slip differential which reduces widely varying speed differences between the drive shafts and hence improves cornering and drivability. The Escort RS Turbo was the first front wheel drive road car in the world to use this compact viscous-coupling design limited-slip differential instead of a normal mechanical limited slip differential. Chassis The Front suspension utilises cast iron corner brackets with reinforcements which provide the mounting for the tubular anti-roll bar and adjustable tie rods. Heavy duty suspension units with uprated springs are fitted front and rear. The suspension units are unadjustable. 195/50 VR x 15 tyres are fitted to cast aluminum 7 spoke RS wheels.
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RS Turbo Display at the Ford RS Owners Club National Day 04 - Pre Donington Display Lap, Lead by the DataPost Touring Car and the promotional car.
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The Works Escort Rally Programme 1983
In 1980, following the launch of the MKIII Escort, Ford plans were started to produce a rear wheel drive Escort to replace the MK II Works rally cars, the RS1700T, with a full programme expected in 1983. As all Ford rally enthusiasts will know, the development was hindered by all kinds of problems, and ultimately the project in the UK was cancelled.
Ford Germany had initiated the development of a MkIII Escort with a view to circuit racing, and produced the RS1600i. Right hand drive versions were completed in late 1982, and homologated on January 1st 1983.
Peter Ashcroft announced the decision to run a limited program of Rally events with the GpA RS1600i, for contracted driver Malcolm Wilson, and the up and coming Louise Aitken. However, due to the commitments of Fords Rally HQ at Boreham with the RS1700T, the program was passed over to MCD of Widnes (later to become Rally Engineering Developments or R.E.D.), fresh from their success with Ari Vatanen in 1982
RED took delivery of the first vehicle on Christmas Eve 1982, and had to have both cars built and ready for the first round of the British Rally Championship, the Mintex, on Feb 25th - a tall order by anyone's standards.
Reg No.s B973 CNO B974 CNO the S1 RS Turbo competed at these events Swedish 85 West Cork 85 Circuit of Ireland 85 Welsh 85 Scottish 85 Ulster Rally 85 Rothmans Manx 85 RAC 85 |
