The new Ford hatch runs on 350 horsepower and four driving modes to deliver a high-performing torque and premium driving experience.
Ford has unveiled the Focus RS at dealerships across the United States. Powered by a specially engineered version of a new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, the hatch runs on 350 horsepower and four driving modes to deliver a high-performing torque and premium driving experience.
With the ability to dash from 0-62 miles per hour in just 4.7 seconds and top out at a maximum speed of 165 mph, the model is the fastest production Focus available in the world, according to the brand. Said output is now possible with the recent debut of a new low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger.
It comes equipped with a larger compressor wheel so it delivers more airflow and power throughout the rev range. Despite the engine’s output of 152 horsepower per litre, RS engineers have tuned the EcoBoost to deliver right off idle all the way on up to a free-spinning 6,800 rpm.
Designed by a small team in Europe and the United States, the manual-only Focus RS comes packed with innovation such as Ford Performance all-wheel drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring for a renewed level of handling, grip, and cornering speed.
For the first time, the RS model gets four selectable drive modes—Normal, Sport, Track, and Drift—enabling drivers to perform controlled over-steer drifts. Each mode configures the hatchback’s all-wheel-drive system, damper controls, electronic stability controls, steering, and engine responses for optimal performance.
Meanwhile, the Focus RS is the first in North America to offer a winter tire and wheel option as a factory accessory, featuring Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 tires, pressure monitoring sensors, and fully-mounted centre caps—all of which were tested in the extreme cold of Northern Michigan and Sweden.
In the event of a stall, the car offers a function called stall recovery. Drivers need not manually restart the motor or move the gear selector to neutral. The vehicle’s technology allows for the driver to push the clutch back in after a stall for the engine to restart.
The third-generation Focus RS follows on the heels of the models launched in 2002 and 2009. It is the 30th car globally to wear the vaunted RS badge, joining such variants as the 1970 Escort RS1600, 1984 mid-engine RS200 Group B rally car, 1985 Sierra RS Cosworth, and 1992 Escort RS Cosworth.
Ford was a winner at the 2014-2015 World Branding Awards under the Automotive (National) category.
