Ford has finally taken the wraps off the 2016 Focus RS and we are in for a treat! As we hoped and was rumored the RS will be hitting American shores for the first time to coincide with the worldwide release.
Ford will be packing a lot of performance into this Focus including a 4-cylinder 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine derived from the Mustang making 320 or so horsepower which will rev to 6800rpm. The engine will be mated to a six speed manual transmission true to the RS history. This is also the first time Ford will be using a torque vectoring all-wheel drive system which will be able to shift up to 70% of the torque to the rear axle and in turn can transfer up to 100% of that torque to the right or left side to improving traction while cornering.
The RS exterior will have an more aggressive aero package that will not only look great will add to the car performance on and off the track. Adding to the looks of the car, its suspension has been overhauled with stiffer springs and sway bars. Slowing down will be an important part of this car and they haven’t forgot about them and it will have 4-piston caliper brakes under the larger wheels and tires.
The interior will also be performance-oriented with comfort in mind. The Recaro seats will be embroidered with RS logos and feature large bolsters to keep the driver planted and in control. Ford will also include a race inspired flat bottom steering wheel attached to the electric powered steering rack which will be sharper than the similarly impressive one in the Focus ST. Technology in the RS will include multiple screens with Ford’s own SYNC connectivity and 10 speaker stereo.
The car will go in the production later this year and will most likely priced similar to its main competition the Subaru WRX STi.
They decided to live stream the announcement worldwide. They spent time covering the heritage of Ford performance by showing some of the most iconic cars to ever hit the roads in Europe with the RS moniker. Be sure to watch the video of the announcement below to see all the excitement including a special appearance from Ken Block who is involved in the project as a consultant.
