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The 2016 Ford Focus RS has been officially reviewed at a special event at Ford Europe headquarters in Cologne, Germany today.
As we have anticipated, it is the first time the high-performance Focus RS is equipped a new all-wheel drive system with Dynamic Torque Vectoring. Under the bonnet of the 3rd generation RS is a Ford Mustang-derived, but significantly upgraded 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbocharged direct-injection, four-cylinder petrol engine delivering over 235kW (320PS).
Increased output is generated by a new low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger with larger compressor that delivers significantly greater air flow, along with a much bigger intercooler to maximise charge density. Engine breathing also is enhanced through a less restrictive intake design, and a large-bore high performance exhaust system with an electronically controlled valve in the tailpipe that helps optimise the balance of back pressure and noise output.
The cylinder head is produced from an upgraded alloy material capable of withstanding higher temperatures, and is mounted on a more robust head gasket with improved thermal capability. The cylinder block employs stronger high-tensile cast iron liners.
Engine cooling also has been given the highest priority, with engineers creating additional space within the front of the vehicle to house a significantly larger radiator pack – the biggest ever fitted to a Focus – that provides the level of cooling demanded for hard circuit use.
Meticulous calibration work has ensured that the power unit delivers excellent low-end responsiveness with a powerful mid-range pull, climbing to a free-revving top-end up to a maximum rev limit of 6,800 rpm.
The engine is equipped with Auto-Start-Stop and is matched with a six-speed manual transmission with a shorter gear lever to deliver faster and more accurate shifts. While Ford hasn’t officially revealed the car’s performance, it is speculated to hit 100km/h in under 5.0 seconds.
“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. It’s a great example of our passion for innovation through performance and creating vehicles that make people’s hearts pound.”
The 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 current driving situation, monitoring inputs from multiple vehicle sensors 100 times per second. A maximum of 70 per cent of the drive torque can be diverted to the rear axle. Up to 100 per cent of the available torque at the rear axle can be sent to each rear wheel.
During cornering, the rear drive unit pre-emptively diverts torque to the outer rear wheel immediately based on inputs such as steering wheel angle, lateral acceleration, yaw and speed. This torque transfer has the effect of “driving” the car into the bend, achieving improved turn-in and stability, and virtually eliminating understeer.
The AWD system has been tuned to deliver exceptional grip – with lateral acceleration exceeding 1 g – and class-leading cornering speed and acceleration out of a bend. With neutral and adjustable limit handling, and the ability to achieve controlled oversteer drifts at the track; the Focus RS delivers the ultimate fun-to-drive experience.
“This AWD system is a breakthrough technology, capable of delivering supreme cornering and handling at the limit,” said Dave Pericak, director, Global Ford Performance. “We have ripped up the rulebook which says that AWD hatchbacks cannot be fun to drive, and have created a car which will surprise and reward in equal measure.”
To deliver optimum driving dynamics, the Ford Performance AWD system was calibrated alongside the car’s advanced Electronic Stability Control, in particular the brake-based Torque Vectoring Control system that works in parallel with the torque-vectoring AWD.
The Focus RS sits on sports suspension with spring rates, bushes and anti-roll bars which are stiffer than those found in the Focus ST, and two-mode switchable dampers, which offer a firmer setting for track driving. Its electric power steering system work in combination with a more rigid front suspension knuckle design and shorter link arms.
The hot hatch rolls on 19-inch RS alloy wheels shod with 235/35 R19 Michelin Pilot Super Sport high-performance tyres as standard, with an optional Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyre available for track use.
Developed by a small team of Ford Performance engineers in Europe and US, the new Focus RS offers technologies new to the RS marque, including Ford SYNC connectivity.
Standard features include bi-xenon HID headlamps with Adaptive Front Lighting, flat-bottomed steering wheel, alloy pedals, unique instrument graphics and Recaro Sports seats.
Throughout the cabin, the distinctive blue RS theme is echoed through stitching on the seats, steering wheel, floor mats and interior trim, the coloured graphic on the gear shifter, and via the RS logo itself, which is proudly displayed on the seats, steering wheel and door scuff plates.
Four striking exterior colours include Nitrous Blue, a vibrant four-coat metallic finish exclusive to the RS, as well as Stealth Grey, Absolute Black and Frozen White. The car revealed in Cologne features the same special Liquid Blue colour scheme first seen on the all-new Ford GT revealed last month at the North American International Auto Show.
The 2016 Ford Focus RS will be the 30th vehicle to wear the RS badge since 1968 and will be built in Saarious, Germany starting late this year.
