Performance enthusiasts from coast to coast have been watching with wanting eyes their cousins across the pond rally around in the Ford Focus RS. Punchy, sure footed, and just tons of fun, the RS was only an object of admiration and maybe even some downright lustful feelings for drivers here in the states.
That’s all about to change.
At the North American Auto Show in Detroit this past winter, Ford execs made it official that the pumped up Focus RS was destined for showrooms in America sometime around late 2016. This little hot-hatch looks to be a little monster with AWD and a Turbo 4 cranking out over 300hp through a tight shifting six-speed manual transmission.
It’s hard not to get excited about the possibilities.
Features
Set up with some beefed up suspension components and channeling what looks like will be in excess of 320hp through an AWD powertrain, the RS looks like it’ll scream on the straight line and tear up cornering.
Coupled with Ford’s Launch-control system that will let you dial in aggressiveness, and with a snappy 6-speed manual with a tight pattern and positive feel, driving this car will be like strapping into an F-16 and popping off the end of the runway in a full power vertical.
And because it’s not set to compete with its legendary cousin the Mustang, the engineers have been given the go-ahead to pull out all the stops. So we’re thinking it’s only going to get better with age.
Performance is the key design consideration here
Sway bars front and rear are performance-refined spring rated that come together with unique two-mode shocks for a firm setting body and a minimum of pitch and yaw. Electric-assist power steering has been tuned to give you the maximum in responsiveness while at the same time reducing the amount of understeer.
Launch-control, working with some advanced driveline control systems, manage acceleration profiles and deliver maximum traction to the road. From raw and aggressive to a little subdued, you can select how the car pops off the line.
Other key elements include a rear diffuser, front and rear spoilers, and a large frontal opening that allows form maximum engine cooling air-flow. The body has been aerodynamically balanced to create an optimum-high-speed driving zero-lift-envelope.
Turbo-charged goodness
The power-plant starts with a 2.3L four with turbo-charged aspiration and is tuned to deliver in excess of 315hp. The six-speed manual transmission is coupled to the wheels through an advanced AWD drive system. The AWD includes a torque vectoring system that maximizes traction and helps the EPS minimize understeer.
Goodies galore
Inside the cabin leather covered Recaro® sport seats show off the RS themed design with enhanced stitching, and a race inspired flat bottom steering wheel sits in the console surrounded by a slew of instrumentation reporting boost pressure, oil temperature, and oil pressure to the driver.
The RS logo carries throughout the interior with floor mats, steering wheel, and door scuff plates all badged with a prominent RS banner.
Stay in touch for the showroom arrival of the Ford Focus RS at Ford Lincoln of Franklin
We’ve been pondering the Focus RS for a while now, and we’re really thrilled this car is finally hitting the American shores. What makes it even more special for us is that it isn’t just an American car, it’s a global car. One that’s made a name for itself around the world.
Kudos for that for sure.
Ford Lincoln of Franklin is truly pumped up to be bringing this car to central Tennessee. There’s no doubt it’s going to be a blast to drive and we’d like to get everyone who wants one behind the wheel as soon as they come in.
Come on by and find out more about the Ford Focus RS coming to Tennessee, and keep in touch with our team for all the details. We’re easy to get to at 1129 Murfreesboro Road here in Franklin, or give us a call at 615-800-6500 right now to get the latest.
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