DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 14, 2016 – Ford Motor Company will auction a custom 2016 Ford Focus RS for charity at the 45th Anniversary Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. Proceeds will benefit JDRF, the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research. JDRF has invested nearly $2 billion in research over the past 45 years and is sponsoring scientific research in 17 countries worldwide. Live coverage of the auction of the Focus RS will air on Velocity on Saturday, Jan. 30, at approximately 7:30 p.m.
The winning bidder of Barrett-Jackson Lot #3009, selling at no reserve, will become the owner of a custom 2016 Focus RS. Unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, the all-new Focus RS takes years of Ford engineering and performance to new levels, making use of advanced performance features and selectable drive modes – including Ford-first drift mode and launch control.
“Ford has been a longtime supporter of JDRF,” said Henry Ford III, global marketing manager, Ford Performance. “We are honored to continue that support with the auction of this custom Focus RS. Ford fans have anticipated the arrival of the Focus RS to the United States for years. This is the opportunity for one lucky person to get a very special RS while supporting a great cause.”
Team members involved in the car’s design and development, along with professional rally driver Ken Block, will be on stage to ramp up excitement among bidders, fans and TV viewers.
Ford has supported JDRF since 1983. “JDRF is thrilled to have Ford Motor Company as a partner. Our relationship goes back many years and we are so pleased to have the continued support from Ford and its employees,” said Derek Rapp, JDRF President and CEO. “Last year, we helped Ford celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Shelby GT350 at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale and we are excited to join them again this year as they introduce the new Focus RS. We look forward to continuing our partnership in our battle against type 1 diabetes for many years to come.”
Focus RS is powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine that sends 350 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque to all four wheels simultaneously. Unlike any other vehicle Ford has developed, Focus RS comes standard with a unique six-speed manual transmission and Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring.
Other features include a set of 19-inch premium painted alloy wheels wrapped in performance Michelin Super Sport tires, unique RS front fascia and grille, distinctive headlamps and fog lamps, redesigned rear wing for added downforce, and RS sport exhaust with dual bright tips. Interior touches such as the blue RS rally theme throughout, partial-leather Recaro sport seats, alloy racing pedals and performance gauges complete the high-performance styling.
“Ford and Barrett-Jackson have worked together to raise millions of dollars to benefit local and national charities for many years,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO, Barrett-Jackson Auctions. “The sale of the highly anticipated Focus RS promises to be a highlight of the auction and will help raise much needed funding for JDRF.”
In addition to the latest Ford Performance models, Ford will have its full 2016 vehicle lineup on display, including the new Explorer and F-150 as well as all-new Lincoln sedans and SUVs. Throughout the nine-day event, auction-goers will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of their favorite Ford models for on-site ride-and-drives.
Ford auction information, visit the Barrett-Jackson website or Facebook.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 197,000 employees and 67 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.
About JDRF
JDRF is the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. JDRF’s goal is to progressively remove the impact of T1D from people’s lives until we achieve a world without T1D. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners and is the only organization with the scientific resources, regulatory influence and a working plan to bring life-changing therapies from the lab to the community. As the largest charitable supporter of T1D research, JDRF is currently sponsoring $568 million in charitable research in 17 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.jdrf.org/.
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