The wait is finally over as Ford has officially taken the wraps off the all-new Focus RS, a high-performance road car that debuts with Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control. For the first time ever, the all-new Focus RS is powered by a new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine producing well in excess of 315bhp!
The new Focus RS is the 3rd generation in the line, following models launched in 2002 and 2009. It will be the 30th car to wear the legendary RS badge, following such technology trendsetters as the 1970 Escort RS1600 with 16 valves (below), 1985 Sierra RS Cosworth (above) with turbocharging and radical aerodynamics and 1992 Escort RS Cosworth with four-wheel drive.
One of the main highlights of the all-new Focus RS is the new Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring. It is based on twin electronically controlled clutch packs on each side of the rear drive unit. These manage the car’s front/rear torque split, and can control the side-to-side torque distribution on the rear axle – delivering the “torque vectoring” capability that has a dramatic impact on handling and cornering stability.
The control unit in the rear drive unit continuously varies the front/rear and side-to-side torque distribution to suit the current driving situation, monitoring inputs from multiple vehicle sensors 100 times per second. A maximum of 70% of the drive torque can be diverted to the rear axle. Up to 100% of available torque at the rear axle can be sent to each rear wheel.
Ford engineers worked closely with Michelin to develop a choice of high-performance 235/35 R19 tyres to complement the driving dynamics of the Focus RS: a standard Pilot Super Sport tyre for every-day use, and an optional Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyre for enhanced vehicle dynamics on the track.
The vehicle’s exterior design has also been developed to support the dynamic objectives. Careful aerodynamic optimization of the front splitter, rear spoiler and underbody features eliminates lift forces, and the final design delivers balanced performance with zero lift front and rear for optimum high-speed handling and stability.
Under the hood, Ford’s 2.3-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine will have an output in excess of 315 horsepower, it will let you rev it up to 6,800 rpm with the help of a 6-speed manual transmission, delivering fast and accurate shifts.
In terms of overall design, the RS features a powerful new front end appearance with a bold upper trapezoidal grille above the deep splitter, incorporating the largest possible apertures for engine cooling. A wide, muscular stance is emphasized by the lower wings and large outboard openings on each side of the car, which feed the brake cooling ducts and house vertically mounted lamps.
At the rear, the fascia panel is dominated by the exceptionally large diffuser, which optimizes airflow from under the vehicle and contains the twin round high-performance exhaust outlets. Focus RS for Europe and Asia markets will also get a clear central fog lamp. The distinctive rear roof spoiler is carefully integrated with the car’s silhouette through body-colored side panels featuring a subtle embossed RS logo.
The dynamic side profile is emphasized by sculptured rocker panels, and the bold wheel lips that house a choice of multi-spoke 19-inch RS alloy wheels – including a high-performance lightweight forged design finished in low-gloss black, which offers enhanced strength and impact resistance.
The high-performance character of Focus RS is reflected inside the car, where heavily bolstered partial-leather Recaro sports seats serve as the centerpiece of the cockpit.
The interior features the reworked Focus control layout with its simpler, more intuitive design. SYNC connectivity provides access to audio, navigation, climate control and mobile phones via voice control, and via a high-definition, 8-inch color touch screen. SYNC can be specified with rear view camera with park distance control, as well as a Sony premium sound system with 10-speakers including a subwoofer.
The RS driving experience is reinforced by a new flat-bottomed steering wheel with a soft-feel leather-covered rim, alloy pedals and unique instrument graphics within the main cluster. An additional bank of gauges above the center console displays turbocharger boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure.
4 striking exterior colours are offered including Nitrous Blue, a vibrant four-coat metallic finish exclusive to RS, as well as Stealth Gray, Absolute Black and Frozen White.
According to the automaker, the Ford Focus RS will be available in major markets around the world and besides this new hot hatch, Ford will bring more than 12 performance vehicles to global customers by 2020. That’s going take a while now so in the meantime, feast your eyes on the new beast in town below!
