Exhilarating result of passion for innovation
Ford has revealed the next generation of its Focus RS performance hatch
FORD’s RS badge is revered by motorsport fans and fans of performance cars the world over. It dominated the rally scene on the Escort RS Mexico and RS2000 as well as making an appearance as a Group B car in the World Rally Championship on the RS200. It has also appeared on road vehicles such as the Escort and Sierra RS Cosworths and re-emerged on the Focus. Now Ford has previewed the new Focus RS that sees the debut of the new Ford Performance All-Wheel-Drive system.
The new version will be equipped with a special 2.3l EcoBoost engine engineered to produce in excess of 235kW.
“The all-new Focus RS is a serious machine with high-performance technology and innovative engineering that sets a new benchmark for driving exhilaration on the road and track,” said Raj Nair, group vice-president, global product development, Ford Motor Company. “The RS line has a proud history of technical breakthroughs that have migrated to mainstream Fords to benefit all of our customers, and the new Focus RS is no exception.”
Developed by a small team of engineers in Europe and the US, the new model is the third generation of Focus RS cars, following models launched in 2002 and 2009. It will also be the 30th car to wear the legendary RS badge.
“The new Focus RS represents Ford at its passionate best — delivering innovation, unmatched driving dynamics and stunning performance that was previously the sole province of high-priced performance luxury marques and exotics,” said Jim Farley, president, Ford of Europe, Middle East and Africa.
“We are acutely aware of the benchmarks we have set ourselves with RS performance models through the years, and rest assured that this new car raises the game to a new level.”
Gymkhana and World Rallycross star Ken Block was brought on as a consultant on the all-new model and attended the preview event in Cologne, Germany, the city where the RS legend was born in 1968 with the Ford 15M RS.
The new Ford Performance AWD system 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 also can control the side-to-side torque distribution on the rear axle — delivering the torque vectoring capability, which 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 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 the available torque at the rear axle can be sent to each rear wheel.
Other exclusive chassis features include sports suspension with spring rates, bushes and antiroll bars — all of which are stiffer than those found in the Focus ST — and two-mode switchable dampers, which offer a firmer setting for track driving. A carefully 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.
The exterior design has been developed to support the dynamic objectives. Careful aerodynamic optimisation of the front splitter, rear spoiler and underbody features eliminates lift forces, and the final design delivers a balanced performance with zero lift front and rear for optimum high-speed handling and stability.
Projected to deliver in excess of 235kW, the bespoke 2.3l EcoBoost engine shares its fundamental structure with the engine in the all-new Mustang. This engine has, however, been significantly upgraded through a comprehensive package of design changes.
The six-speed manual transmission has been optimised for the enthusiast driver with a shorter gear lever to deliver faster and more accurate shifts. The transmission and the clutch have been upgraded with stronger components to cope with the engine’s increased torque output.
The high-performance character is reflected inside the car with heavily bolstered partial leather Recaro sports seats as the centrepiece of the cockpit. The interior features the redesigned Focus control layout with its simpler, more intuitive design. Sync connectivity provides access to audio, navigation, climate control and cellphones via voice control, and via a high-definition, eight-inch colour touchscreen.
The RS driving experience is reinforced by a new flat-bottomed steering wheel with a soft-feel leather covered rim, alloy foot pedals and unique instrument graphics within the main cluster. An additional bank of gauges above the centre console display turbocharger boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure.
“This is the ultimate Focus — stunning to look at, and entirely fit for purpose,” said Joel Piaskowski, director, Design, Ford of Europe. “RS models have always been striking, high-performance cars where function is paramount. This Focus is true to that heritage.”