Ford revealed today the all-new generation Focus RS. It is the 30th model to receive the RS badge in the history of the US manufacturer. The car was unveiled during a special press event, held in Cologne, Germany, where Ford has one of its most important factories in Europe.
Exterior
As we anticipated, the car features a more aggressive front fascia with trapezoidal grille above the deep splitter, 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 back we have a large diffuser, which improves airflow from under the vehicle and contains the twin round high-performance exhaust outlets. Focus RS for Asia and Europe markets will also get a clear central fog lamp. The distinctive rear roof spoiler features a subtle embossed RS logo, inspired by the one used by Ferrari F40.
Drivetrain
Under the hood we have the 2.3 liter Ecoboost engine. Projected to produce well in excess of 315 horsepower, the custom engine shares its fundamental structure with the all-aluminum 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine in the new Mustang. To cope with such power, the hot hatch was given the chance of using the new Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring.
Other exclusive chassis features include sports suspension with spring rates, bushings and antiroll bars – all of which are stiffer than those found in Focus ST, and two-mode switchable dampers that offer a firmer setting for track driving. A highly tuned electric power-assisted steering system working in combination with a more rigid front suspension knuckle design and shorter-link arms delivers connected and responsive steering with outstanding feel.
Tires
Ford engineers worked with Michelin to develop a choice of high-performance 235/35 R19 tires to complement the driving dynamics of the Focus RS: a standard Pilot Super Sport tire for every-day use, and – for the first time on an RS – an optional Pilot Sport Cup 2 tire for enhanced vehicle dynamics on the track.
