James,
The RS is not in production currently, but is under development, as I understand it. So it is not "in the euro toybox" any more than the WRC focus is (not that I would mind)
Personally, I would love to see a turbo focus in the US as much as you would; unfortunately, I don't get to make that decision, nor am I likely to know if they do make that decision (at least not any sooner than anyone else here) But what I do know, is that the hard part of developing a new powertrain is the calibration of it and its subsystems to meet local emisisons and other laws. These are entirely different in the US than in europe, and so, even on a already developed engine, the hard (and expensive) part of certifying the powertrain for sale in the US must be re-done, and rarely does this happen for a limited production vehicle, as a turbo focus would have to be.
now, I am not knocking Contour's at all, but the SVT focus will be faster, and handle better, whether or not you like the way it looks or how many doors it has. It will be 2 model years newer than the latest Contour to roll off the assembly line, would you rather Ford not improve the performance of its small sporty cars?
The SVT Focus will be substantially lighter than the SVT Contour w/ only a 30hp deficit, and it will have a much fatter tq curve too, w/ 85% of its peak tq available at 2000rpm (IIRC) the SVT Focus will have roughly 15.3 lbs/hp (~2600lbs/170hp) to the SVT Contour's 15.7 lbs/hp (~3150lbs/200hp)
Also, the Focus has proven itself to have superb driving dynamics, even on the standard suspension setup, which SVT will no doubt tighten up and make it even better.
Assuredly, the SVT Focus will not be for everyone, especially w/ the controversial styling, the lack of rear doors, or even Ford's recent quality record; but to the fools who feebly attempt to discredit a car because they are ignorant, or really don't like the way it looks, or even if they are mad because Ford stopped making the Contour, you are wasting your breath, because this little goofy looking car will kick ass when it hits the showroom floors.
Though I have no plans to get rid of my Contour, or even to consider getting an SVT Focus, I still must give props where they are due.
