Ford releases new documentary on Focus RS RX development [video]

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Ford has released the first in a multi-part series outlining the design and development of their 447kW Focus RS RX Rallycross car.

The RS RX development was a global collaboration between Ford Performance, Ken Block’s Hoonigan Racing Division and U.K.-based M-Sport.

The new Focus is all-wheel drive and features a 447kW Ford EcoBoost engine. According to Hoonigan, the RS RX should be capable of sprinting from a 0-97km/h (60 mph) in less than two seconds.

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The Rallycross vehicle was driven by Ken Block and teammate Andreas Bakkerud at the challenging Bompiso circuit in Portugal. The circuit was a challenge for race engineers: at 1,800 metres above sea level, it is the highest event on the World RX calendar and engines need to be finely tuned to deal with the high altitude.

“This project has been probably the most dynamic involvement of my team in a car like this,” said Ken Block. “Trying to race at the highest level of the sport and doing it with factory help and with a race shop like M-Sport has been incredible.”

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The car ran a custom wide-body kit with highly optimized aero elements. There is a six-speed sequential gearbox along with unequal length double wishbone suspension, Brembo 4-piston brakes, 17-inch WRX wheels and WRX spec AVON race tyres.

Hoonigan Racing now sits 4th out of 7 teams in the World Rallycross official standings.

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