The 2016 Ford Focus RS has been unveiled for the American market. It is the same car that was shown at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show last month and is the third generation model of the Detroit-based automaker’s performance hot hatchback. This will also be the first time the car is being offered in the US market.
In terms of external design, there is very little to differentiate this model from the Focus ST. It gets the same oval grille, sporty fascia and reverse teardrop headlamps as the Focus ST. The forward heavy side profile is dominated by a low roofline, softly flared wheel arches and large V-prong alloy wheels. At the rear, Ford has fitted the Focus RS with a large splitter and rear wing giving the car a sporty appearance.
However, it is under the hood where things get really interesting. This new car has been fitted with the same four-cylinder 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine from the Mustang. It produces 315bhp and 433Nm of torque. For the first time this car has been fitted with an AWD system (developed in house) which can send up to 70 per cent of the power to the rear-wheels depending on the situation.
Ford has also fitted this car with a special drift button which upon being pressed can send a majority of the 70 per cent to a single rear wheel to help the process. The fun does not end there as Ford has fitted this car with a six-speed manual and Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35 R19 tyres making it a potent combination.
The car will begin production at Ford’s plant in Germany and will be brought to the American market via the CBU route. Deliveries are expected to begin early next year.
