Fans of the Ford Focus RS can finally rejoice, production has finally began in Saarlouis, Germany as of the 15th January 2016. Here we re-cap just what drivers can look forward to with this decided shift in direction.
A debut and production that has been long awaited
The Ford Focus RS debuted way back at the 2015 New York Auto Show, so for those of you out there who need a re-cap of just what it is that has made this one of the most pre-ordered models yet to run off the Ford production lines, here’s just what you have to look forward to:
✔ 350PS, 165mph top speed and 1g of lateral acceleration
✔ Advanced 2.3-litre EcoBoost Engine Technology
✔ 350mm ventilated front discs and aluminium, Brembo four-piston monoblock calipers
✔ Six speed manual transmission
✔ All-wheel-drive (AWD) with Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control
Beyond the specs
Beyond the specifications of the Focus RS 2016 this model has the illustrious title of being the fastest-accelerating Ford Focus RS model in history, achieving 0-62 mph in 4.7 seconds; alongside this this model is additionally the most extensively track tested yet, with Ford engineers focused on developing their All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring to provide the handling and grip to match all 350 of those break horse. Pitted against the Subaru WRX STI’s 0-60mph time of 5.1 seconds and this model certainly shifts performance stats up a gear.
As another first for the RS Focus 2016 this model is also bringing an industry-first drift mode which will harness the model’s set-up that channels up to 70% of its power to the rear, which will be coupled with launch control.
The US all-star line up
US consumers will be the first who are able to take their driving gloves to the wheel of the Focus RS 2016, with this actually being the very first Focus RS to go Transatlantic, launching in spring at an entry price of $36,605. This move reflects the ongoing American appetite for Ford’s hatches, and will join the Focus ST and Fiesta ST – both of which have enjoyed some pretty impressive sales figures, as well as more than their fair share of compliments from industry critics.
What’s more with Ford’s F-150 Raptor and the brand new Ford GT-Supercar joining the line-up this year, alongside the iconic Shelby® GT350 and GT350R, it seems that there’s much to look forward to, and potentially too much to choose from, for US car lovers and fans of Ford hot hatches.