Ford have unveiled the all-new Ford Focus RS at a special launch event that took place today in Cologne, Germany.
The new Focus RS will come equipped with a 2.3-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine (the same unit that can be found in the new Mustang) designed to produce in excess of 316bhp.
Making the latest model to sport the legendary RS badge more interesting, is the fact it will employ an innovative Ford Performance All-Wheel-Drive system – that Ford say will deliver “class-leading cornering speed, thrilling performance and unbridled driving enjoyment.”
“This very special 2.3-litre EcoBoost unit will inspire drivers as they feel the surge of the turbo, and reward them as they take it to the red line – all delivered with a stirring sound guaranteed to put a smile on your face,” said Dave Pericak, director of Global Ford Performance.
A six-speed manual gearbox will control the powerful turbocharged engine and Ford say it has been optimised for the enthusiast driver with a shorter gear lever to deliver faster and more accurate shifts. Both the transmission and the clutch have been upgraded with stronger components to cope with the engine’s increased torque output.
In terms of handling, the RS Focus will have a much firmer and stiffer ride than that of the Focus ST and the dampers on the car will have two switchable modes for users, the firmer of which is intended for track use. The car will also come equipped with 19-inch alloys and 235/25 Michelins that were developed specially for the car.
The 2016 Focus RS was developed by a small team of Ford Performance engineers in Europe and US, it is the third generation of Focus RS cars, following models launched in 2002 and 2009.
It will be the 30th car to wear the legendary RS badge, following the 16-valve 1970 Escort RS1600, the turbocharged Sierra RS Cosworth and the four-wheel-drive 1992 Escort RS Cosworth.
Gymkhana and World Rallycross star Ken Block was brought on as a consultant on the all-new Focus RS and joined the Ford Performance team at the preview event in Cologne, Germany where he hooned around in a prototype of the new car in front of the motoring press.
Pricing and release dates have yet to be unveiled but I’ll be sure to keep you posted as soon as Ford release the details.
