[Jackie Chiles]

Quite a bit different than a BMW, but a pretty cool performance car!

Ford Press Release dated 10/12/15

------------------------------
Focus RS Engineers Drop the Hammer: Hot Hatch Buyers to Get Monstrous Output of 350 Horsepower, 350 Lb.-Ft.

• Unique 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine powering all-new Focus RS certified at 350 horsepower at 6,000 rpm on way to 6,800-rpm redline

• Exclusive Focus RS turbo makes peak boost of 23.2 psi, with peak torque certified at 350 lb.-ft. at 3,200 rpm

• Innovative Focus RS feature restarts engine for drivers in the event of a stall


DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 12, 2015 – The unique EcoBoost® engine in the all-new Focus RS will produce 350 horsepower – far exceeding original estimates of 315 – along with 350 lb.-ft. torque.

And yet even with all that torque, the manual-only hot hatch will be especially forgiving in the event a driver stalls the engine, as Focus RS will debut with a trick feature called stall recovery. In other words, there will be no need for drivers to manually restart the engine or move the gear selector to neutral as the innovative technology simply pushes the clutch back in.

"We knew we wanted to put start-stop technology on the RS," explained Tyrone Johnson, engineering and vehicle manager, Ford Performance Europe. "So we said, 'What if we went one step further, and controlled for engine stall at launch using the same technology?' Well, that's exactly what we did and it's just as fast as our start-stop technology."

The monster output the Focus RS engine achieves is due to its all-new low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger with a larger compressor wheel that delivers more airflow and power throughout the rev range. Peak turbocharger boost is 23.2 psi.

Backing up this increased output is a large intercooler to maximize charge density. Air itself is delivered through a low-restriction intake manifold on the front end with a high-performance exhaust. The system includes an electronically controlled valve that optimizes back pressure and exhaust volume level.

Stout, high-tensile cast-iron cylinder liners are used to enhance the robustness of the engine, while a high-performance head gasket brings improved thermal capability.

Additional space created in the front of the car allowed engineers to deploy a larger radiator than what's used on other Focus models for enhanced cooling.

Despite the engine's high output of 152 horsepower per liter, RS engineers tuned this EcoBoost to deliver right off idle all the way on up to a free-spinning 6,800 rpm, with an especially chunky midrange power delivery.

Focus RS is the latest car to be unveiled as part of a new golden age of Ford Performance. The plan calls for bringing more than 12 high-performance vehicles to market worldwide through 2020.

Developed by a small team of Ford Performance engineers in Europe and the United States, the third-generation Focus RS follows on the heels of the much-loved models launched in 2002 and 2009. The 2016 Focus RS is the 30th car globally to wear the vaunted RS badge, joining such legendary models as the 1970 Escort RS1600, the 1984 mid-engine RS200 Group B rally car, 1985 Sierra RS Cosworth and 1992 Escort RS Cosworth.

Production of Focus RS with 2.3-liter EcoBoost begins later this year.

UPDATE 6/27/16 Focus RS owners are reporting significantly lower HP numbers, perhaps as a result of ECU reprogramming done by Ford at the port:

http://www.focusrs.org/forum/9-focus...appointed.html

I'm glad that I waited. The trauma of owning a VW TDI was bad enough.

[nicknaz]

Sport cup tires from the factory is awesome and if that "drift" stability control mode will allow the car to be pushed hard with confidence/minimal interference it could be a great choice for a factory track toy

[KingOfJericho]

Want.

[SSJVegita]

double want

[ShocknAwe]

Stall recovery? Might get some US drivers to learn stick.

[hotwired78]

thinking about dropping my 335i e92 for one of these

[8k3]

1M eater

[zx10guy]

Glad Ford is doing this with the Focus. I might also be in the market for one. Having owned a Focus before, I always felt if the engine was the weak point of the car. I thought the car overall handled well. Sad to have to let my Focus go to salvage after hitting a deer. It was a great daily driver that was still a decent driving car.

[NoSHAM3]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

Want.

Originally Posted by SSJVegita

double want

Triple want! This is good stuff.

[san~man]

Wait until you can tune it! Wish I could get one but not enough room

[Nkc]

Tough choice between a focus rs and an m2.

[hgtran21]

Originally Posted by Nkc

Tough choice between a focus rs and an m2.

two different cars. power ratings are close to the same though

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by hgtran21

two different cars. power ratings are close to the same though

And a totally different price tag.

[fcman]

Originally Posted by Nkc

Tough choice between a focus rs and an m2.

Also throw the GT350 in there. >500hp V8, 8200rpm redline, $48k MSRP

It's basically the spiritual successor to the E92 M3 with that engine.

[gonzo]

Originally Posted by Nkc

Tough choice between a focus rs and an m2.

M2 manual same weight as an M4, is what I read.
If true, BOO!

[Nkc]

Originally Posted by hgtran21

two different cars. power ratings are close to the same though

To me, these two cars are extremely similar when it comes to cross shopping for something fun and new at around that price range. Even being a huge bmw and 2er fan, I'd probably lean towards the focus rs.

[KingOfJericho]

Any word on pricing for the RS? Will they be limited availability or open run?

[fcman]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

Any word on pricing for the RS? Will they be limited availability or open run?

No word on production numbers but the builder is up on Fords website with pricing.

[hgtran21]

my friend just ordered one yesterday. Total came out to 40,258 that is with the RS2 package, power moonroof and destination

EDIT: this is before taxes

[jdarch82]

Awesome, awesome car, but to me, the performance / price benefit just isn't enough to outweigh the aesthetics. I would much rather spend a little more for something that performs equally but it better looking.

[fcman]

Originally Posted by jdarch82

Awesome, awesome car, but to me, the performance / price benefit just isn't enough to outweigh the aesthetics. I would much rather spend a little more for something that performs equally but it better looking.

I was really looking forward to this car but I think I agree, especially with the GT350 coming in at less than $50k (barely). The mustang just ticks so many boxes, both on the quantitative side and qualitative. Those looks and that sound. Motor Trend just dyno'd one at 467hp at the wheels, not too shabby.

[RM7]

Originally Posted by fcman

Also throw the GT350 in there. >500hp V8, 8200rpm redline, $48k MSRP

It's basically the spiritual successor to the E92 M3 with that engine.

Naw, it seems like the slightly more inexpensive and possibly less hard/more practical successor to the Z28 IMO, which is an absolute track-crusher. Now ford has actually thrown a lot of resources in making a great all-around car with lots of torque and HP.