The all-newFord Focus RS is sure to be a winter hoon, and now Ford is making its all-wheel-drive hot hatch even more fun to drive in the snow with the introduction of Focus RS Winter Wheel & Tyre Package.
The package offers customers a unique set of wheels and tyres – the first time an original equipment manufacturer is making a check-the-box winter tyre option available in North America.
“We started this project knowing what our RS customers really want out of their cars,” says Adam Wirth, chassis supervisor, Ford Performance. “This tyre package allows RS owners to continue spirited driving even in the snow.”
Ford Performance developed this package so the most demanding Focus customers can be outfitted with optimum equipment for winter conditions. The challenge was that normal vehicle testing procedures require certification with production wheels and tyres; winter-only standards had never been authored. To bring this package to owners, the first step Ford Performance had to undertake was creating a new set of standards specifically suited for brutal winter conditions.
These new standards were put to the test in extreme cold weather in Northern Michigan and Sweden, to guarantee the quality and performance Ford customers expect. Engineers and technicians tested a wide variety of high-performance winter tyre and wheel setups to determine the optimum combination for ride, handling and performance in various wintry conditions.
The winning setup is a 225/40R18 Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 tyre mounted to a new 18×7.5-inch wheel, which looks very similar to the base Focus RS option, but is finished in sparkle silver to hide salt spray. The set is complete with tyre pressure monitoring sensors and center caps fully mounted and balanced and ready for installation at the dealer.
The wheel and tyre are narrower, to provide improved snow traction, while the overall diameter is smaller, so owners can fit chains if necessary.
“We fully expect our more extreme-weather customers to take advantage of the ability to use snow chains,” Wirth says a smirk.
The Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive fitted to Focus RS will take full advantage of these new winter tyres; “Settings are completely driver-preference”, notes Wirth, “Customers are able to utilize all four drive modes to suit their driving style in winter conditions.”
Focus RS Winter Wheel & Tyre Package is available only in North America – a $1,995 option. Meanwhile, for customers in Canada, the package comes standard on Focus RS.
