Welcome to this week’s FC Throwback, where we take a look back at some of our favourite previous feature cars. This week it’s Dhyllan Bhadal’s tuned Ford Focus RS from back in 2014…
When Dhyllan Bhadal set out to build a fast Focus, his aim was to generate as much of a reaction as he could. We think he might have succeeded…
When it comes to performance orientated modifications, modern Fords are well catered for. Whether you’re piloting an ST, an XR or an RS, there is a wealth of tuning options available from any one of a growing number of retailers. In other words, there has never been a better time to get stuck into a Blue Oval, and that’s exactly why Dhyllan Bhadal bought an already-modified Mk2 FRS that was pumping out close to 425bhp.
“The decision to buy the Mk2 was based on the fact that a lot of the work had already been done to the car, and I thought that it would be nice to hop in and enjoy driving someone else’s creation while I channelled my energies into studying,” he comments.
Unfortunately, his fellow students were less than considerate when manoeuvring their own motors around the university car park. “The unwelcome addition of a dink to the bodywork of the Focus resulted in the purchase of a Mk6 Fiesta ST to use as a runabout,” he continues. “Running both cars meant that I could drive the RS hard at the weekends without worrying about it being fit for the daily commute,” says the lucky lad.
The Fiesta stepped in as his full time taxi when enthusiastic use of the RS’s throttle pedal caused a series of major breakdowns!
Beginning with the destruction of a succession of clutches, the Focus registered its complaint by coating the engine bay in hot oil. “It was flicking up through the bonnet vents and onto the windscreen,” groans Dhyllan. A preliminary investigation into the cause of the problem revealed that piston number five was damaged, and the car limped its way over to Pete Williams at Demon Performance Centre in Crewe for a thorough assessment.
Pete confirmed that the engine was repairable, but advised that a major upgrade of its stock internals, “I wasn’t sure whether to plough my money into a full-on rebuild or if I should return the car to its factory state and sell up,” he tells us. In the end Dhyllan bought an already-fettled running gear from a donor Mk2 FRS and decided to upgrade the engine, suspension, gearbox and brakes at the same time.
The benefactor’s engine was producing a claimed 500bhp on Revo Stage 5 software, featured forged rods and pistons, an upgraded turbocharger, a Mountune inlet manifold and a Piper enlarged exhaust system. Pete was given the task of applying the upgraded components to the Focus, along with a six-paddle clutch, a lightened flywheel, Whiteline anti-roll bars and a massive K-Sport eight-piston brake kit.
Despite his car’s immense power, Dhyllan was unsatisfied with its factory appearance. “The Performance Blue paintwork looked great, but I wanted something that would make my car stand out against all the other Mk2s when I rolled up to the RS Central Day at Santa Pod,” he says. “I’d seen a Fiat 500 Abarth edition with a chocolate coloured finish and my mum encouraged me to try it out on the Focus!” he grins.
With Mrs Bhadal’s confidence that the unusual shade would suit the car down to the ground, her son visited head honcho Richard Monk at famed wrapping firm, Blueprint Nottingham, for advice and colour options. “Richard suggested a light brown wrap that produces a bronze glitter in sunlight,” says Dhyllan. “I loved it, and also requested a matt purple for the mirror covers, spoiler ends and grille surrounds,” he smiles, pointing out his trademark hue.
The purple accent has also been applied to a brand-new set of 18in Rota Grid Drifts. Exceptionally popular with Mitsubishi and Subaru owners, these wheels rarely make an appearance on a Ford but, Dhyllan has proved that they are also a great choice for his Mk2 FRS! This Focus is a superb example of a Ford that dares to be different. We like, we like lots!
TECH SPEC FOCUS RS
Tuning
2.5-litre 20v five-cylinder Duratec Turbo, Revo Stage 5 software, forged Wiseco pistons, K1 forged H-beam conrods, uprated Borg Warner turbocharger, Tial external wastegate, Forge Motorsport uprated dump valve, Demon Performance Centre custom screamer pipe, Vibra Technics lower rear torque link, Bosch 750cc fuel injectors, SCC fuel pump and oil cooler, Pro Alloy air filter and header tank, Mountune inlet manifold, Pro Alloy engine breather kit, Pro Alloy intercooler and boost pipes, Piper turbo-back exhaust system, Roose Motorsport silicone hoses, hydraulic bonnet lifters, Quaife limited-slip differential, Helix six-paddle clutch and uprated flywheel, AS quickshifter
Chassis
KW V3 fully adjustable coilovers, Whiteline adjustable anti-roll bars, Ninemeister cornerweight and geometry setup, K-Sport eight-pot front calipers and factory rears painted orange, grooved discs, Ferodo DS2500 pads, AP Racing brake fluid, Goodridge braided hoses, 9.5x18in Rota Grid Drifts powder-coated Candy Purple, Maxxis MA-Z1 245/40×18 tyres, chocolate coloured wheel nuts
Exterior
Bronze vinyl wrap, matt purple detailing, Triple R splitter, carbon fibre fog light surrounds, fly-eye front lights and short registration plates, Climair wind deflectors, Euro-spec rear lights, RS500 badges, DPC graphics, mudflaps
Interior
Factory FRS interior with leather seats, Blitz boost controller
Thanks
Pete at Demon Performance Centre for always finding the time to help me build the car. Shout outs to Richard at Blueprint Nottingham for the wrap, STP Coatings for doing such a great job of the wheels, Kev at Triple R Composites for designing the splitter, Ashley Bird and Louis Craig for always helping to prepare the car for shows.
Words Dan Furr Photos Michael Whitestone
