The Volkswagen Golf R-fighting RS looks considerably more aggressive than the run-of-the-mill Focus hatchback thanks to a new front bumper that incorporates a large air dam, a splitter and a bigger radiator grille, side skirts, a sizable roof-mounted spoiler and an air diffuser integrated into the rear bumper. Two large round exhaust tips and multi-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped by Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires round out the aesthetic upgrades.
Inside, the RS gets a flat-bottomed leather-upholstered steering wheel, alloy pedals, Recaro bucket seats for the front passengers and three extra gauges grouped in a driver-oriented cluster that is located on top of a dashboard. The RS can be ordered with the latest generation of Ford’s touch screen-based SYNC infotainment system.
Power for the Focus RS comes from an evolution of the turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that is found under the hood of the new Mustang. Ford promises that the turbo four has been tuned to produce well over 315 horsepower, though the final output is being kept under wraps for the time being. The hot hatch should be able to reach 60 mph from a stop in about 4.5 seconds.
The EcoBoost mill is linked to a six-speed manual transmission, and the third-gen RS comes standard with a torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system for the first time in the nameplate’s history. The all-wheel drive system can send up to 70 percent of the engine’s torque to the rear axle and up to 100 percent of the available torque to each rear wheel.
A lowered and stiffened sport suspension with two-mode shock absorbers and upgraded brakes on all four corners help the driver make the most of the EcoBoost’s power both on and off the track.
The 2016 Ford Focus RS is expected to go on sale across the nation before the end of the year. Pricing information and full specifications will be announced in the weeks leading up to its on-sale date.
Live images by Ronan Glon.
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