2016 Ford Focus RS - prices, specs, engine details

To achieve maximum acceleration through the gears, a performance shift light in the instrument cluster alerts the driver when approaching the optimum upshift point of 5900rpm, and flashes if the engine hits its limit of 6800rpm.

The Focus RS offers four different Drive Modes that configure the all-wheel-drive system, damper controls, electronic stability control, steering and engine responses, and exhaust sound. Normal, Sport or Track settings are available, alongside the special Drift Mode.

“The all-new Focus RS delivers stunning performance and innovative technology at a price that will make both our customers and premium automakers look twice,” said Jürgen Gagstatter, chief program engineer for Focus RS. “After experiencing the acceleration and cornering capability of the Focus RS, drivers will question the sense in spending almost £10,000 more on a premium competitor.”

Speaking to Autocar, Gagstatter said that making the RS affordable was a key target of the project: "What we’ve aimed to do is to have a technically competitive package which is affordable for our customers, that has been the overriding principal here.

"If you look back in history the previous Focus RS was front-wheel drive, but it was the right package for that time. The world moves on, and it was clear from the beginning that we needed an all-wheel drive package.

"When you start planning a replacement product [for the last Focus RS] you have a number of opinions and a number of people to talk to. Relatively quickly we found ourselves where we wanted to be in terms of performance."

Ford Focus RS engine power and torque

The 2.3-litre four-cylinder Ecoboost engine is an uprated version of the unit available in the new Ford Mustang, producing 10% more power than that unit as a result of a variety of modifications. Changes from the Mustang engine include a low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger with a larger compressor to aid airflow, plus a notably larger intercooler and air intake.

The Focus RS’s engine is linked to a six-speed manual gearbox that has had its shift action shortened for faster, more accurate changes. The transmission and clutch have also been uprated to cope with 324lb ft of torque, which is available from 2000rpm to 4500rpm.  Additionally, 347lb ft of torque is availble for up to 15 seconds under hard acceleration, as part of a transient overboost facility.

The engine is also linked to a larger-bore exhaust system. As well as boosting performance, the system is said by Ford to be tuned to “deliver a rewarding and sporty sound character during spirited driving, with the distinctive burbles, pops and crackles that are an RS signature”.

In addition, and in the quest for high-temperature durability, the cylinder head is made of an upgraded alloy and mounted on a strengthened head gasket. For the same reason, the cylinder block also has stronger high-tensile cast iron liners. A significantly larger radiator than in the Focus ST aids cooling.

The engine’s power figure of more than 345bhp has now been ratified. However, it establishes the Focus RS Mk3 as the most powerful ‘standard’ Focus RS to date. The Mk1 Focus RS had 212bhp and the Mk2 had 301bhp. However, the special-edition Focus RS500 had 345bhp - a figure now matched by this latest RS.

Ford Focus RS set-up and pricing

The new Focus RS will be sold as a five-door model only, in line with Ford’s global strategy for the entire Focus range. Inevitably, though, the Focus RS is significantly upgraded, even from the Focus ST. 

Most significantly, the chassis has been retuned, with 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 has also been retuned to work with a more rigid front suspension knuckle and shorter link arms to deliver what Ford describes as “connected and responsive steering with outstanding feel”.

To emphasise the track capabilities of the new Focus RS, it will be available with a specially developed semi-slick tyre for the first time. All buyers will have a choice of standard or lightweight forged 19in multi-spoke alloy wheels, which can be shod with either Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35 RD tyres or Pilot Sport Cup 2 semi-slicks. Iconic driver Ken Block has been involved in the car's development process.

The exaggerated exterior look has been created by Ford’s stylists and the practical need for improved aerodynamic downforce and increased brake and powertrain cooling.

The interior also gets several upgrades, including Recaro sports seats, a flat-bottomed, leather-clad steering wheel, alloy pedals and a simpler dashboard layout than on standard cars. This includes a standard 8.0in colour touchscreen and Ford’s Sync2 connectivity system.