4WD Ford Focus RS to Finally Thrill America

We have seen many of our favorite models sold in Europe as higher horsepower and more capable models than what is sold in the U. S., but now there is one that will be ready to thrill both continents easily.  The Ford Focus RS is a power-hungry control-freak that offers a ton of unique features and allows us to enjoy an awesome ride in a car that has been one of the best sellers for Ford.  This isn’t the first time Ford offered a hot hatch that was meant to be a performance junkie; the Escort RS Cosworth in 1992 was their previous offering.

The Focus RS hot hatch will receive a ton of power to enjoy which will range from 316 to 330 horsepower from a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.  This is more power than the 4WD Volkswagen Golf R which only does 296 and the New Honda Civic Type R which reaches 306.  This number is actually third overall for the hot hatch segment with only the Merc A45 at 355 horsepower and the Audi RS3 at 362 horsepower having more.  That is an amazing feat for an American hatchback that has to power against some the European rivals.

This four-cylinder engine found in the Focus RS is the same EcoBoost that prowls the engine compartment of the new Mustang and benefits from a new twin-scroll turbocharger and larger intercooler.  The head is made of a tougher alloy and the exhaust and radiator system have been upgraded.

The power is attached to a six-speed manual transmission along with being equipped with an amazing all-wheel drive system which pushed a maximum of 70 percent of the power to the rear wheels.  This AWD system is unique and one of the most impressive features of this car as the rear axle has two clutches to push the torque to the front and back along with side to side.  This allows the car to be pushed through a corner rather than slowing down when arriving at the corner – a huge benefit for this amazing Focus.

This is a big change from the previous RS models of the Focus which pushed plenty of horsepower at 300, but all to the front wheels, making the front pull the car around.  This setup, even with the “RevoKnuckle” front suspension caused more torque-steer than should have ever been present on a high performance car.

Without a doubt Ford has just started a serious performance war with other automakers who will have to have an answer for the Focus RS.  Even though there aren’t any performance numbers just yet, the sixty time is expected to be well under five seconds and the cornering will be amazing in this new car.  The RS arrives in four colors, gray, black, blue and white to choose from and will be one of the most sought after cars for the power, size, look and fun that it provides to any driver and their passengers to enjoy and have a great time.