Ford Motor Company has finally confirmed that the next generation Focus RS is going into production. This car has circled the rumour mills before, and the latest report from Autocar UK sheds more light on the future model. Slated for a 2015 launch, the uber-hot hatch will get a brand new high performance 2.3 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and, despite numerous rumours and speculations, stay front-wheel drive.
Now that it has a firm grip on the global passenger car sales with ‘world models’ such as the latest Fiesta and Focus, the next logical step for Ford is to introduce halo models from within its current range, raising its profile beyond the mass market. Banking on the popularity of the first two incarnations, the decision to develop a new Focus RS based on the abled current platform is a no brainer.
Slotting well above the Focus ST (pictured) in terms of speed and well, focus, the next RS will not cannibalise the former’s sales. As quick and fun as it is, the ST puts a heavier emphasis on everyday usability rather than balls-out performance. The RS will go in the opposite direction.
The word is, Ford is in the midst of developing an all-new turbocharged 2.3 litre motor tuned to around 330 bhp. That’s comfortably more than the Mk2’s 301 bhp, if a little under the 345 bhp offered in its ultimate form, the RS500. Utilising all the latest turbo and direct-injection tech, the engine will also form a new base model for the yet-to-be-released European-bound Mustang.
For the third time in succession, Ford engineers have abandoned the thought of sending power to all four wheels, again sticking to a front-wheel drive platform. The readily available four-wheel drive system used in the Ford Kuga is deemed too heavy and restrictive to achieve the RS’ performance goals.
Ford’s well-loved Revoknuckle front suspension will make a timely comeback in the RS to curb torque steer, as will a standard-fit limited-slip differential. Both were considered unnecessary in light of the Focus ST’s trick electronic torque-vectoring system, though Renault disagreed and installed the conceptually similar PerfoHub suspension and LSD on its Megane RS models.
2015 is still a long way to go, but if the first two models are anything to go by, expect the next Focus RS to be an absolute cracker.
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Another rival for soon-to-be Civic type r…honda should do better to make sure their type r will be the fastest fwd car lapping the famous Ring as they promise earlier…
Ford UK and Ford Global must come here and set up shop directly. Sime Darby is not doing a good job. For such a good brand and technology and quality, its a pity after sales is so bad. Waiting for parts 3 months long is a normal complaint. Current owners of their best selling Fiesta are starting to see the previous rumours about after sales being horrible.
awesome specs!
Mazda 2.3disi engine ed by cosworth seems…
well, this is cracking news indeed!
2 things i worry though.. maybe 3;
the looks, the sound, and the power.. i wonder how to drive the front wheels with 330hp? 301hp is already brutal… but then again they used to build the 345hp RS500
Surely there is torque steer when sending 330 bhp to front wheels
Yummy car. The most powerful fwd car is made by Ford.
Generally, ford is no more American. They are more towards European.
actually, ford is in the middle of deeuropeansing and americanizing (duller design, cheaper cabin) their cars to suit the global market. example the latest ford kuga
its time to kick Golf R ass in one shot! BMW & Mercedes beware!! :D lol
Haha, should improve on the brake and handling not horse power
2014 Megane RSd 2.0. biturbo with 290KM and 1340kg,in RS 2.0.scroll turbo with 330KM in 1220 kg . I had white focus rs. Mk2 and ford should do something better, I loved my focus.
I bought my Focus RS last 2 years with RM320,000 through NAZA. I notice that only 12 units available in Malaysia. The fact is Sime Darby has done a good job by bringing various models here (except Focus RS). Ford Global failed to perform during their era in Malaysia 10 years ago. Even Sime Darby bring ST model here but its for niche market. Talking about the car, with standard 310bhp and 440NM of torque with front wheel drive…its awesome feeling and no torque steer at all. The sad thing about this car is…its come with manual tranny and of course with 2.5 litre turbocharge.