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Anonymous
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Well here it is...at last!! I have to say, they pulled that 4WD system out of the bag and I didn't see it coming if I'm honest!!
The new Ford Focus RS hot hatch has been revealed. It is a rival to the likes of the Audi S3, Mercedes A45 AMG and VW Golf R.
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The Focus RS will be powered by a turbocharged 2.3-litre engine producing "more than 316bhp", and that it will put this power down through a variable all-wheel-drive system.
What is RS?
The Focus RS is the hottest version of the standard car, and a further step up in performance from the Ford Focus ST.
Ford reserves the RS badge for its most extreme models; the new Focus RS is the 30th Ford to be badged RS since the Ford 15M RS launched the high-performance series in 1968. There have been two Focus RS models in the past, both of which have been ranked among the finest hot hatches of their time.
New Ford Focus RS four-wheel drive
The new Focus RS is especially notable for having four-wheel drive. The previous-generation cars put their power through their front wheels only, but under extreme acceleration this could make them hard to drive.
Ford says its so-called All-Wheel-Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring system gives the Focus RS "class-leading corner speed, limit handling and a unique drift capability".
The system uses two electronically controlled clutch packs that are located on each side of a rear-drive unit, which operates like a limited slip differential to move power to the wheel where it is most useful. The rear-drive unit monitors conditions 100 times per second to split power between the front and back wheels, and on either side of the rear axle.
The system also diverts torque to the outer rear wheel during cornering, aiding turn-in and stability. Ford says the system helps "provide neutral and adjustable limit handling, and the ability to achieve controlled oversteer drifts at the track."
New Ford Focus RS engine
The Focus Rs’s four-cylinder 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine is an uprated version of the unit available in the new Ford Mustang.
Ford has only confirmed it produces "more than 316bhp" and has "more" torque than the Mustang’s 320lb ft.
As well as being modified to produce more power and torque, the engine and its ancillary systems have also been upgraded for enhanced reliability at high-temperature running, and to boost cooling capacity.
The engine is also linked to a performance exhaust, which Ford says is tuned to "deliver a rewarding and sporty sound character during spirited driving, with the distinctive burbles, pops and crackles that are an RS signature."
It will only be available with a six-speed manual gearbox.
New Ford Focus RS chassis
The Focus RS’s chassis is significantly upgraded, even from the Focus ST, in order to give it a harder performance edge.
Changes include the use of stiffer spring rates, bushes and anti-roll bars, and two-mode dampers that can be switched between road and track settings. The electric power-assisted steering system has also been retuned to deliver what Ford describes as "connected and responsive steering with outstanding feel".
Emphasising the track capabilities of the new Focus RS, it will be available with a specially developed semi-slick tyre for the first time.
New Ford Focus RS interior and exterior
The Focus RS interior gets several upgrades to match its exaggerated exterior appearance.
Highlights include Recaro sports seats, a flat-bottomed, leather-clad steering wheel, alloy pedals and a simpler dash layout than on standard cars.
This includes a standard 8.0in colour touchscreen and Ford’s Sync2 connectivity system, as found on the standard high-spec Ford Focus.
Buyers can choose from four colours: Nitrous Blue, Stealth Grey, Absolute Black or Frozen White. Intriguingly, the launch car pictured here is painted in what Ford calls Liquid Blue, which it says is "currently only a show colour", suggesting it may become available as a cost option.
When is the Ford Focus RS on sale?
Although no details have been confirmed, the new Focus RS is expected to go on sale in spring 2016.
What will the Ford Focus RS cost?
Early estimates suggest the Focus RS will cost from just under £30,000. That means it is likely to undercut all of its opposition.
Pricing for the Ford Focus RS is helped by the fact that, for the first time, the car will be sold in all global markets, including the USA and China. Ford hopes that wider demand will allow it to achieve greater economies of scale than ever before.
Can I get a Focus RS discount?
Ford Focus RS models are traditionally highly sought-after, meaning discounts are hard to come by.
However, after the initial demand from enthusiasts has been catered for, it is possible dealers will become more open to haggling, especially in light of the roughly £2000 discounts being offered on rivals including the VW Golf GTI and VW Golf R.
We’d expect similar savings to be possible on the Ford around six months after launch.
The new Ford Focus RS hot hatch has been revealed. It is a rival to the likes of the Audi S3, Mercedes A45 AMG and VW Golf R.
advertisement
The Focus RS will be powered by a turbocharged 2.3-litre engine producing "more than 316bhp", and that it will put this power down through a variable all-wheel-drive system.
What is RS?
The Focus RS is the hottest version of the standard car, and a further step up in performance from the Ford Focus ST.
Ford reserves the RS badge for its most extreme models; the new Focus RS is the 30th Ford to be badged RS since the Ford 15M RS launched the high-performance series in 1968. There have been two Focus RS models in the past, both of which have been ranked among the finest hot hatches of their time.
New Ford Focus RS four-wheel drive
The new Focus RS is especially notable for having four-wheel drive. The previous-generation cars put their power through their front wheels only, but under extreme acceleration this could make them hard to drive.
Ford says its so-called All-Wheel-Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring system gives the Focus RS "class-leading corner speed, limit handling and a unique drift capability".
The system uses two electronically controlled clutch packs that are located on each side of a rear-drive unit, which operates like a limited slip differential to move power to the wheel where it is most useful. The rear-drive unit monitors conditions 100 times per second to split power between the front and back wheels, and on either side of the rear axle.
The system also diverts torque to the outer rear wheel during cornering, aiding turn-in and stability. Ford says the system helps "provide neutral and adjustable limit handling, and the ability to achieve controlled oversteer drifts at the track."
New Ford Focus RS engine
The Focus Rs’s four-cylinder 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine is an uprated version of the unit available in the new Ford Mustang.
Ford has only confirmed it produces "more than 316bhp" and has "more" torque than the Mustang’s 320lb ft.
As well as being modified to produce more power and torque, the engine and its ancillary systems have also been upgraded for enhanced reliability at high-temperature running, and to boost cooling capacity.
The engine is also linked to a performance exhaust, which Ford says is tuned to "deliver a rewarding and sporty sound character during spirited driving, with the distinctive burbles, pops and crackles that are an RS signature."
It will only be available with a six-speed manual gearbox.
New Ford Focus RS chassis
The Focus RS’s chassis is significantly upgraded, even from the Focus ST, in order to give it a harder performance edge.
Changes include the use of stiffer spring rates, bushes and anti-roll bars, and two-mode dampers that can be switched between road and track settings. The electric power-assisted steering system has also been retuned to deliver what Ford describes as "connected and responsive steering with outstanding feel".
Emphasising the track capabilities of the new Focus RS, it will be available with a specially developed semi-slick tyre for the first time.
New Ford Focus RS interior and exterior
The Focus RS interior gets several upgrades to match its exaggerated exterior appearance.
Highlights include Recaro sports seats, a flat-bottomed, leather-clad steering wheel, alloy pedals and a simpler dash layout than on standard cars.
This includes a standard 8.0in colour touchscreen and Ford’s Sync2 connectivity system, as found on the standard high-spec Ford Focus.
Buyers can choose from four colours: Nitrous Blue, Stealth Grey, Absolute Black or Frozen White. Intriguingly, the launch car pictured here is painted in what Ford calls Liquid Blue, which it says is "currently only a show colour", suggesting it may become available as a cost option.
When is the Ford Focus RS on sale?
Although no details have been confirmed, the new Focus RS is expected to go on sale in spring 2016.
What will the Ford Focus RS cost?
Early estimates suggest the Focus RS will cost from just under £30,000. That means it is likely to undercut all of its opposition.
Pricing for the Ford Focus RS is helped by the fact that, for the first time, the car will be sold in all global markets, including the USA and China. Ford hopes that wider demand will allow it to achieve greater economies of scale than ever before.
Can I get a Focus RS discount?
Ford Focus RS models are traditionally highly sought-after, meaning discounts are hard to come by.
However, after the initial demand from enthusiasts has been catered for, it is possible dealers will become more open to haggling, especially in light of the roughly £2000 discounts being offered on rivals including the VW Golf GTI and VW Golf R.
We’d expect similar savings to be possible on the Ford around six months after launch.
Abzynthe
New Member
I...dont know if I like it. That front looks like a boxer with a gum guard on.
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Anonymous
Guest
http://m.whatcar.com/car-news/2016-ford ... os/1326225
I'm a little underwhelmed. The interior is a marked leap forward but the overall styling is pretty bland. I also expected more power to be honest, particularly now that they e gone down the route of a 4WD system!
I'm a little underwhelmed. The interior is a marked leap forward but the overall styling is pretty bland. I also expected more power to be honest, particularly now that they e gone down the route of a 4WD system!
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Anonymous
Guest
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Anonymous
Guest
It doesnt look as aggressive as previous RS's, but the front end does look remarkably like something else?
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Mitsubishi-Lancer-Evo-X-01.jpg
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Anonymous
Guest
I think it must be an age thing but it leaves this 56yo a little cold
having had the RS and Cosworth Escorts maybe 18-20 years ago willing to say its just me getting old!!
give me the curves of my Z any day!
having had the RS and Cosworth Escorts maybe 18-20 years ago willing to say its just me getting old!!
give me the curves of my Z any day!
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Anonymous
Guest
Like i said,it starts at £29k ends up £32 maybe £33k...........god for that money with that intelligent real 4WD and with 330 bhp and every toy under the sun........there's a waiting list already for it. Audi's RS3 STARTS........from £40k.........option it to the equivalent Focus RS £50k....its a no brainer 
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Anonymous
Guest
Some pics of the Focus RS at the Geneva Motor Show!
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Anonymous
Guest
It's growing on me!! I'd want to change that rear splitter though.
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Anonymous
Guest
Yeah that's funny, it was my main bugbear! especially the round KA light. I went with my son who already has a mk3 Focus St, the RS is definitely on the radar now! we was fortunate to have a personal showing which was excellent, managed to get some interior pics as well... got power confirmed at 350bhp!
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Anonymous
Guest
carthage said:
350BHP...oooft!! You're not going to get more bang for your buck for the money of the RS. It's certainly a bit more grown up than the last incarnation and you know it'll be awesome to drive.
"Ka light"...it TOTALLY is!! :lol:
I'd love to see your interior pics if you don't mind sharing?
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Anonymous
Guest
When it was first unveiled I was a little disappointed! however after seeing it in the flesh I have to say it's growing on me, someone else summed it up on another forum by saying it doesn't look as chavy as previous RS versions, I have to say I agree!
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Anonymous
Guest
mrizzle said:
Depends if you are talking new or not - I know it's not new or indeed even in the same target sector of the market but for circa £30k I think I'd rather have an ally bodied XKR (preferably in full Portfolio spec) - IMO looks better, definitely has more toys, more comfort for day-day use/long journeys and more power, although admittedly no 4WD, automatic (although with paddle shift) and perhaps not quite as much fun down a twisty B-road...! I know which one I'd want to live with long-term (and yes I know I'm biased!
)http://www.chilternjag.co.uk/used-cars/ ... 2261266885
There are also 5.0L cars with 510BHP on Autotrader for circa £30k (this one has just over 20k miles, barely run in!) or perhaps in black :dance:
My point being, if you don't HAVE to buy brand new and have that sort of £ to spend, there are some seriously (more) interesting cars out there for around the £30k mark if you cast your net wide... Like this AM Vantage or THIS BLACK BEAUTY
Clearly though you have to be able to afford to run it too
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Anonymous
Guest
mistral_blue said:mrizzle said:
Depends if you are talking new or not - I know it's not new or indeed even in the same target sector of the market but for circa £30k I think I'd rather have an ally bodied XKR (preferably in full Portfolio spec) - IMO looks better, definitely has more toys, more comfort for day-day use/long journeys and more power, although admittedly no 4WD, automatic (although with paddle shift) and perhaps not quite as much fun down a twisty B-road...! I know which one I'd want to live with long-term (and yes I know I'm biased!
http://www.chilternjag.co.uk/used-cars/ ... 2261266885
There are also 5.0L cars with 510BHP on Autotrader for circa £30k (this one has just over 20k miles, barely run in!) or perhaps in black :dance:
My point being, if you don't HAVE to buy brand new and have that sort of £ to spend, there are some seriously (more) interesting cars out there for around the £30k mark if you cast your net wide... Like this AM Vantage or THIS BLACK BEAUTY
Clearly though you have to be able to afford to run it too
Yeah.......running costs/repairs on THEM car's would be horrendous.....love the Aston........Jag old hat.........that Focus will be faster than both,cheaper to run,cheaper to road tax,cheaper to service...etc and most of all, far more modern/reliable and is marketed at a diiferent age group than the cars you mention above.
l wouldnt buy the MK3 RS Focus either, that MK3 VERSION WONT HOLD ITS VALUE AS MUCH AS THE MK2 RS has........plus the MK2 RS Focus still looks better IMO.........As for a 350bhp output :eusa-think: thought it was around 315bhp.....leaving space for a special MK3 RS Focus 500,Anyhow it should be cracking beast to drive....and l dont see it costing any less than £34/35k at launch.......
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Anonymous
Guest
Not sure how it will be faster... Perhaps 4WD would help on certain roads but XKR would destroy it in a straight line I think, on top speed alone for starters, 0-60 sub 5 secs. XK engine is bomb-proof and unstressed, a certain quote about no substitute for cubic inches springs to mind... While I'm well aware the Focus is a very competent car targeted at a certain audience, it is still a Ford Focus...my point being there are other more interesting/unusual cars out there, which will be nicer/more comfortable to drive and just plain be in for the 90% of the time you're not blasting down a B-road on 2 wheels for similar £ as a new Focus (if you can afford to run and insure the alternatives of course...). I know you say the Jag is old, but I know which would turn more heads (not the Focus). Running costs wise, perhaps, although I use a good independent specialist at £70/hr which I think is pretty reasonable...
In summary I'd love a Focus or even a Fiesta ST for the track/weekends, but not for a daily driver... Oh and I bought my XKR at 27, so age isn't always an indicator, it's good to be different IMO (hence why I bought an RCZ and not a TT)
In summary I'd love a Focus or even a Fiesta ST for the track/weekends, but not for a daily driver... Oh and I bought my XKR at 27, so age isn't always an indicator, it's good to be different IMO
(hence why I bought an RCZ and not a TT)
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Anonymous
Guest
I have to admit, I did look at an older Vantage before opting for the VXR but was put off by servicing costs and the costs of replacement parts, running costs etc.
Now I'll just have to hang on to the VXR until the F Type coupe finds itself on the used market and massively depreciated. :lol:
Now I'll just have to hang on to the VXR until the F Type coupe finds itself on the used market and massively depreciated. :lol: