GALLERY: Ford Focus RS world premiere at Geneva

Ford Focus RS Geneva Live 19

While we were at the Ford stand at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, we also caught a glimpse of the new Ford Focus RS – unveiled last month at a special preview event in Cologne – painted in the same fetching not-for-production Liquid Blue as on the new GT that was also present at the show.

The third-generation Rallye Sport Focus gets all-wheel drive for the first time in the nameplate’s history, with Dynamic Torque Vectoring provided by twin electronic clutch packs on the rear axle. Up to 70% of the drive torque can be sent to the rear axle, with up to 100% of the rear axle torque able to be transferred to either rear wheel.

That torque comes from a 2.3 litre turbocharged and direct-injected EcoBoost four-pot, the same mill as on the new Mustang but significantly reworked for this particular application. A new twin-scroll turbo, a larger intercooler and radiator, improved head and block material as well as a less restrictive intake and exhaust enable it to push out over 320 PS, routed through a six-speed manual transmission.

Under the skin, the RS gets a new sports suspension with stiffer spring rates, bushes and anti-roll bars than on the ST, while the two-stage adjustable dampers provide a harder-edged setting for more spirited driving, such as on the track.

The C346 Focus‘ body has been significantly muscled up, with a huge trapezoidal grille, a deep front splitter, large air intakes, an aggressive rear diffuser with sizeable twin round tailpipes, as well as an enormous biplane rear wing. The 19-inch Y-spoke wheels on this showcar are different from the multi-spoke items seen at launch – a much cleaner look here, in my opinion.

Production of the new Ford Focus RS will begin at the end of this year, and unlike past models, it will be a global car, making its way to American and Asian markets for the first time. Excited?


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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • this over the civic anyday..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 15
    • driver on Mar 06, 2015 at 2:39 pm

      thumbs up for Focus RS
      and thumbs down Civic Type-R

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 22 Thumb down 18
      • Abu Sayur on Mar 06, 2015 at 2:52 pm

        only Ah Beng’s will buy Civic over this

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 15
        • Jonn Dol on Mar 06, 2015 at 2:57 pm

          Civic Type R is NOT a direct competitor for the Focus RS. It should be the SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI. Bring on the fight.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 5
    • neemfa on Mar 06, 2015 at 3:00 pm

      While no disrespect to the RS, I bet the Civic Type-R is more reliable.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 22 Thumb down 16
  • Don Juan De Marco on Mar 06, 2015 at 2:53 pm

    It’s absolutely pointless to pitch the Focus RS against Civic Type R. The real match for the Focus RS is – the Scooby Impreza STI!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
  • neemfa on Mar 06, 2015 at 3:01 pm

    Only manual gearbox? posers will cry foul then..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
  • weigie on Mar 06, 2015 at 3:30 pm

    i will take this anytime than new civic type R.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 14
  • front design mitsubishi wannabe.. but i’m ok with it hahaha

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 10
  • Ah Chong on Mar 06, 2015 at 3:50 pm

    I like this Proton Model.. head lamp as proton iriz

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 10
  • wow side mirror like Persona.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 7
  • ST Man on Mar 06, 2015 at 5:45 pm

    I drive Focus ST MK3 as a daily drive. It’s a fun and wild car. Can easily eat golf MK6, MK 7 never try. Taken my ST to track once, being an 1st time in SIC, my timing was poor. But Civic Type R.. they were really wild in track. Type R cornering is better.. now RS vs Civic.. let’s see how is goes. For daily drive I would take RS vs Civic Type R..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 0
  • sepul on Mar 06, 2015 at 6:07 pm

    STI vs RS yeah!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Nose look like Evo X … hee hee

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • antiP1 on Mar 09, 2015 at 11:50 am

    rear comb styling concept should be integrated with tailgate…then we can call it nice design..otherwise it’s still same level as p1 cars except wira

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
 

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