Automotive

Ford debuts AWD system with dynamic torque vectoring control in new Focus RS

Ford debuts AWD system with dynamic torque vectoring control in new Focus RS
The Focus RS will be sold worldwide, unlike its predecessor
The Focus RS will be sold worldwide, unlike its predecessor
View 6 Images
Ford's Focus RS is powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine
1/6
Ford's Focus RS is powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine
Up front, the Focus' styling has been beefed up to feed the car's bigger engine
2/6
Up front, the Focus' styling has been beefed up to feed the car's bigger engine
A brand new, torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system puts the Focus' power down
3/6
A brand new, torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system puts the Focus' power down
A big rear wing hints at the Focus' potental
4/6
A big rear wing hints at the Focus' potental
5/6
The Focus RS will be sold worldwide, unlike its predecessor
6/6
The Focus RS will be sold worldwide, unlike its predecessor
View gallery - 6 images

Developed in consultation with Ken Block, the third-gen Ford Focus RS combines a powerful 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine with a new high-tech, dynamic torque vectoring all-wheel drive system that brings it into line with other high-performance hatches like the Audi RS3. It will also be the first RS to be sold in the US.

At the heart of the new Focus RS is the 2.3-liter engine from the Mustang EcoBoost, albeit heavily modified for its role in Ford's hottest hatch. Whereas the Mustang's engine makes 310 hp (231 kW), Ford has used a new low-inertia, twin-scroll turbo and larger intercooler to boost power to "well in excess" of 315 hp (235 kW).

The engine will also breathe more freely thanks to a big-bore exhaust system with an electronically controlled flap designed to minimize back pressure, while the engine's cylinder head has been upgraded to deal with the higher temperatures that the Focus' engine creates. A six-speed, short-shift manual gearbox puts the Focus' power down.

According to Ford, the engine will combine "excellent low-end responsiveness" with "a powerful midrange pull" on the way to "a free revving top end", with a 6,800 rpm redline. Whether or not it will actually fulfill those claims remains to be seen, of course, although if the last two RS Focuses are anything to go by, the new car should be quick.

A big rear wing hints at the Focus' potental
A big rear wing hints at the Focus' potental

Although the new RS may share its performance potential with its predecessors, one major aspect of the car has changed for 2015. Whereas previous RS models were front-wheel drive, Ford has fitted the latest Focus with a dynamic torque vectoring all-wheel drive system. Thanks to a pair of electronically controlled clutches on the rear axle, a maximum of 70 percent of the drive torque to be diverted there, 100 percent of which can be sent to either rear wheel.

The system will send power to the outside wheel on turn-in, which Ford claims will "improve turn-in stability" and "virtually" eliminate understeer. It can also make adjustments mid-corner, shuffling power around to give the RS maximum grip in the bends, before shooting it off down the next straight.

This high-tech handling setup carries with it the weight of expectation. You see, this Focus is the 30th car to carry the RS badge on its flanks, a badge that has graced legendary cars like the Escort RS Cosworth. According to Ford's President of Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Jim Farley, the brand is "acutely aware" of the expectations that the badge carries, but is quick to reassure us that "this new car raises the game to a new level."

Even if the driving experience doesn't end up quite matching expectations, there’s no doubt Ford has raised its game with the styling of the new RS. Up front, a massive central air intake feeds the car’s uprated 2.3-liter engine, while two outboard vents on the front bumper cool the brakes. At the rear, the diffuser is much larger than the one on the Focus ST, and the car’s rear wing wouldn’t look out of place on a WRC car. Rounding out the RS’s sportier appearance are 19-inch wheels finished in gloss black.

Inside, drivers will plant their backsides on partial-leather Recaro sports seats and wrap their hands around a new flat-bottomed steering wheel featuring a leather-covered rim, while putting their feet down on alloy pedals. Ford has also added an extra bank of gauges above the center console that display turbocharger boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure. Ford's SYNC connectivity system is also on board, providing voice or touchscreen control of audio, navigation, climate control and mobile phones. A Sony 10-speaker (including subwoofer) sound system is available as an option, as is a rear view camera with park distance control.

Unlike its predecessor, the new Focus RS will be sold around the world – including America.

Source: Ford

View gallery - 6 images
4 comments
4 comments
Michael Wilson
finally being sold in the US. I"m in the market for a new DD too. Good job ford
Daishi
Ford posted a vid of Ken Block trashing it around a bit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qy-mhyUAaqE
It's basically Fords answer to the STI by the looks of it.
LKT1
Great. Now if they can only make it reliable......
bergamot69
Ford in Europe has long been revered for producing sharp handling driver's cars- I'd expect this one to be at least as good as it's predecessors- and probably better.
And if it works well on British tarmac, with it's notorious mid-corner bumps and steep cambers, then it should work well anywhere else- can't wait to read the reviews.