Model Page
Escort RS2000
Production Run: |
6,000 |
|---|---|
Production Date: |
1991 - 1996 |
Engine: |
2.0 Ford I4 16 valve |
Built: |
Cologne (Germany) |
0-60: |
8.1 Secs |
Max Speed: |
131 Mph |
The Mk5 Escort RS2000 was released by Ford in November 1991, fitted with a two litre in-line 4 16 valve engine the 150 bhp output was enough to power the car to over 130 Mph, with the 0-60 dash coming up in around 8 seconds.
Escort MK5 Rs2000
The car was fitted with Ford’s 1,998cc I4 double overhead cam 16 valve engine. This unit was first used in 1989 in 8 valve form within the Sierra and Scorpio and was fitted either with a Weber Carburettor generating 109 bhp or fuel injection generating 125 bhp. The I4 had a lighter and more rigid cylinder block with an aluminium cylinder head featuring double overhead camshafts that were chain driven. This unit was the first 16 valve engine that had no design input from Cosworth engineering and fully manufactured in house. The engine was fitted with polished aluminium camshaft drive sprocket cover and a red cover on the cylinder head upon which “DOHC 2000 16v” was embossed.
The power-plant was fitted with a Ford EECIV fuel injection and engine management system, to meet regulations at the time the engine was fitted with a catalytic converter – the first time such an item was fitted to an RS model. The engine had a bore and stroke of 86 x 86mm and a compression ratio 10.3:1. In this configuration the engine developed 150 bhp @ 6,000 rpm and 140 lb/ft @ 4,5000 rpm. The engine was complemented during road tests for possessing a wide torque band, smooth power delivery and being of a free revving nature even at high rpm.
The front suspension was courtesy of MacPherson struts with L shaped lower arms, track control arms and a 16mm anti-roll bar. The rear suspension consisted of coil springs, torsion beam axle, trailing arms, a 20mm anti-roll bars and telescopic dampers. The damping and spring rates were revised from the standard Escort to give a more positive handling. The steering was a variable ratio rack and pinion affair with power assistance. The RS2000 braking system consisted of 10.2” discs at the front and 10.6” rear discs, these being hydraulically operated coupled with an anti lock braking system.
The car was fitted with the new MTX75 5 speed manual gearbox, a gearbox that would later be used in the upcoming Mondeo. This gearbox was based on the MT75 gearbox that was used in rear wheel drive applications, the MTX75 was however a transverse up-rated version of this box channelling power to the front wheels and included synchromesh on reverse.
Visually the car was distinguished from its lesser Mk5 Escort stable mates through the addition of a bonnet with two power bulges – one of which was required to clear the engine cam cover on the drivers side, side skirts and rear spoiler. The front indicators were repositioned to the deeper front bumper. Polished 15” polished 5 spoke alloy wheels fitted with 195/50 VR15 tyres completed the look. The car was available in a number of colours namely Diamond White, Radiant Red, Ash Black, Moon Dust Silver, Polaris Grey, Pacifica Blue, Cayman Blue, Levante Grey, Nouveau Red, Petrol Blue, Tourmallard Green, Dark Aubergine, Auralis Blue and State Blue.
The interior was taken from the standard Escort range but the RS2000 did benefit from the addition of a pair of front Recaro seats. The car was a well equipped model including electric windows, central locking, tilt and slide sunroof and orange glow dashboard lighting that was unique to this model.
In 1993 the RS2000 underwent a minor facelift, the side skirts were revised and the bonnet swapped for an item without a power bulge. The front grille was replaced with a new oval item and reshaped headlamps and indicators were added. At the rear the car received a reshaped hatchback and revised rear light clusters. A newly shaped, more rounded rear spoiler replaced the old unit on the hatchback. Revisions that were not visible included side impact bars, heavier gauge A and B pillars and bracings behind the centre console to reinforce the structure ahead of the fascia. Revisions continued with a drivers air bag and factory fit immobiliser. The car received a revised trim in “Arcadian Velour”.
Escort MK6 Rs2000
In 1995 the car received it’s final updates, a new bonnet, grill, bumper with integral fog lights and revised headlights. The alloy wheels were changed for the same style units without the highly polished finish. The RS2000 received white sports dials and revised “Flow Raven” interior trim, updates included a new dashboard fascia layout, leather trimmed steering wheel and a Ford 5000 stereo system. Mechanical updates included the a three point strut top mount and relocation of various engine ancillaries.
The car was priced at £15,995 at launch, sales were slower than expected as the RS was particularly hard hit by the escalating insurance premiums. The model was sold alongside the RS2000 4x4 that was launched in 1994 and was built to order. (This model is discussed at length on its own information page) The last RS2000 was produced on 26th August 1996 after around 6,000 vehicles had been produced.
The Facts
Engine: |
Ford I4 In Line 4 |
|---|---|
Capacity: |
1,998cc |
Valves: |
16 |
Compression Ratio: |
10.3:1 |
Fuel System: |
Ford EEC IV Fuel Injection |
Maximum Power: |
150bhp @ 6,000 rpm. |
Maximum Torque: |
140lb/ft @ 4,500 rpm. |
Transmission: |
MTX75 Manual 5 speed. |
Top Gear: |
- |
Brakes: |
Servo Assisted Ventilated Front Discs / Solid Rear Discs |
Kerb Weight: |
1,124 Kg |
Max Speed: |
131 Mph |
0-60: |
8.1 Secs |
