We know that they are pre-production vehicles, used for testing and the most varied quality controls. They are used in static and dynamic presentations. We know that they do not meet the quality parameters imposed by the brand to place them on the market. And we know what the end is destined for them.
But even so, it's hard to see its destruction, especially when dealing with machines as special as the Ford Focus RS . Especially when we also know that they are perfectly functional cars, that they have withstood the rigors of internal tests or even an international presentation — journalists abuse these cars.
It's not the first time we've tackled this topic — the Honda Civic Type-Rs that served their purpose so well on the circuit during their presentation were totally destroyed (see feature).
Waste of resources
We can see in the film a Ford Focus RS being carried by crane to the nearest press, and then a Focus ST van takes its place, on its way to the same end. Is it not a huge waste of resources?
We live in troubled times — when they are not — with heated discussions about emissions, air quality and global warming. But what about this? Is it not also an environmental sin? Cars are resource intensive consumers, so everything must be done to reduce their impact. We can't just focus on what comes out of the tailpipe.
BMW has a Recycling and Decommissioning Center that handles these test and pre-production models. It always feels like a more appropriate end than what we see for this Focus RS, which just seems to turn into a bale of metal and plastic.
Wouldn't it be possible to enjoy some pieces? Or even recondition them? The brand's fears about putting these cars on the market are understandable — even if they are sold at generous discounts and even a warning about their provenance could lead to countless problems with their owners.
But what if we could find an alternative use for these machines? Even banned from driving on the road, they could serve as cars for trackdays, serve as the basis for some amateur competitions or even sports driving schools.
The potential is there in reducing the waste that appears to be the brief existence of these machines.
Ford Focus RS test car getting crushed…..
Published by C a r S o c i e t y on Tuesday, December 5, 2017