2016 Ford Focus RS... 320HP AWD rocket

[Bulldog3071]

Nice car just wish Ford would do a 2 door

[ricosuave]

Probably be the odd ball here but wish Dodge could bring back an SRT4 variant....

[trademaster]

Originally Posted by ricosuave

Probably be the odd ball here but wish Dodge could bring back an SRT4 variant....

Dodge is building an SRT Dart with AWD, it just keeps getting delayed.

[richard200593]

Test drove one of these before they came out in vegas at a show, very fast impressive cars, I had an 09 (ugly as %^% I know) before my camaro and i would actually take this over a handful of sports cars. Not quite the camaro thou

[Stingray]

From: Detroit Free Press Auto Critic, By Mark Phelan, 11:15 p.m. EDT May 30, 2015

Ford boosting power of Focus RS hot hatch for 2016 debut



​

Ford engineers are working feverishly on the all-wheel-drive Focus RS to get the super-compact ready for sale next year.

Its power is rising above the already-announced 315 horsepower from a 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. Work also continues to wring the last dram of performance from the new performance-oriented AWD system with supplier GKN. The system reads steering angle, suspension travel, throttle position, wheel slip and other factors to direct power for maximum traction.

Ford plans to use it in other upcoming high-performance models, although not in the F-150 Raptor performance pickup, which uses a different layout because it's based on a rear-drive vehicle and the base Focus is front-wheel-drive.

The RS hot hatchback will also feature Brembo brakes, launch control, a drive mode specifically for drifting, Tenneco two-stage shocks and the ability to shift 70% of its torque to the rear wheels.

Ford will initially only build the RS with a manual transmission, but could add an automatic if sales take off. Ford's not even hinting about what kind of automatic, but if it were to build one, I'd bet on a fast-shifting dual-clutch of the type other European super compacts like the VW Golf R and Mercedes AMG CLA 450 use.

Ford expects the U.S. to be the largest market for the RS. The car will go on sale here next spring, shortly after it debuts in Europe. Ford will sell smaller numbers in other markets all around the world.

A few RS test vehicles are already on the road near Ford's Dearborn HQ and at test tracks in Europe and the U.S.

The assembly plant in Saarlouis, Germany, that builds the RS is very flexible. That means Ford expects to be able to build as many RS as demand dictates.

The 2016 RS will be the first time Ford's sold a Focus RS in the United States. But the model has a history among Europe's hot hatchbacks, where 30 cars have worn the RS badge, going back to the 1970 Escort RS1600 and 1985 Sierra RS Cosworth. There have been two previous Focus RS, in 2002 and 2009.

The new RS is likely to be available for a couple of years before Ford introduces an all-new Focus. The model will probably go away for six or seven years then.

Ford hasn't said anything about Focus RS prices, but they will compete with AWD hot hatchbacks like the 305-hp, $34,695 Subaru WRX and 292-hp $35,695 VW Golf R.

[DDJ-SX-SS]

I would be all over that thing.

[GretchenGotGrowl]

Looks like the final numbers may be 345 HP and 324 TQ (347 TQ in overboost).

http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/v...eer-2015-06-24

[Stingray]

Originally Posted by GretchenGotGrowl

Looks like the final numbers may be 345 HP and 324 TQ (347 TQ in overboost).

http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/v...eer-2015-06-24

Suweeet!

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a number. Today, Ford has finally confirmed the exact power output of its upcoming, third generation Focus RS. And that exact power output is 345bhp, or 350PS in metric money.

Yep, the all-new Focus RS will deliver near-on Merc A45 shove from its all-aluminium, 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an engine it shares with the new Mustang.

Not only that, but there's a handy 324lb ft of torque on offer between 2,000rpm and 4,500rpm, or an even healthier 347lb ft available for up to 15 seconds on overboost. Though Ford still hasn't revealed proper performance figures - 0-62mph etc - with this amount of grunt, and four-wheel drive grip, expect it to be stellar.

Ford tells us the power comes courtesy of a twin-scroll turbo with a larger compressor (for better airflow), together with a huge intercooler. The intake is less restrictive, too, there's a large-bore performance exhaust, an electronically controlled valve in the pipe to control pressure (and noise), and the largest radiator pack ever fitted to a Focus.

The third-ever Focus RS is four-wheel-drive, as you well know, with dynamic torque vectoring on board. It is also the first ever RS model deployed with selectable drive modes, including a ‘Drift Mode', that, well, you get the picture.

And if you don't get the picture, then click the video above. It's a teaser video of the new 345bhp Focus RS doing its thing ahead of a dynamic debut at this weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed.

"We promised enthusiasts a serious driving machine and, with 350PS under the hood, that is exactly what we will deliver," said Ford Performance's global director, Dave Pericak. Serious, and sideways..."

[8cd]

I wonder how big the turbo is. This thing could be really impressive with a few basic bolt ons if the turbo is the right size. I wouldn't be surprised to see high 12s stock and high 11s with bolt ons and E85.

[NASTY99Z28]

Late to the party (evo & sti) but we'll worth the wait. Should be a hard running car. I think the record so far for a sbe is 510hp!!!

[72MachOne99GT]

I know it's a lot of car, but damn... mid 30s for a sporty Focus.

Admittedly, I want nothing to do with driving one. I'd have too much fun and lose the Shelby.

[TheReaper]

I still want one and a GT350.

[crysalis_01]

7% boost in power via overboost is right inline with the ST's that have the feature. Should put OB hp in the 370 range.

As usual they've left plenty on the table with their EB output. I wonder if it's safe to assume that Mustang's 2.3 will see similar power in a couple years or if it'll be once the next MCE comes along?