Ford introduced the first ever Focus RS in 2002, reviving the RS (Rallye Sport) badge after having popularized it before with rally homologation specials like the Escort RS 1600 or the Escort RS Cosworth. Despite looking like a road-going version of the WRC model, the car was FWD and offered a little over 200 horsepower. Almost seven years later, another generation of the Focus RS arrived with an even more pronounced rally look and a Volvo-sourced five-cylinder with 305 horsepower sent to the front wheels. While torque-steer was kept to a minimum via a standard LSD from Quaife and a MacPherson front suspension strut called RevoKnuckle, the car was still far from offering WRC-like performance for the road.

Ford wants to change all that with the recently unveiled, third-generation Focus RS, as the model will be offered with an innovative all-wheel-drive system. Set to be manufactured at the same German plant as its predecessors, this will also be the first RS model to be sold around the world, including the U.S. With a Mustang-sourced, 2.3-liter, EcoBoost engine that has been engineered to deliver in excess of 300 horsepower, the all-new Focus RS seems to really up the ante for Ford in the performance-hatch category.

Update 07/13/2013: The Ford Focus RS is finally arriving at U.S. dealerships and is priced at $36,605 including destination and delivery charges. Hit "play" to see who was the first U.S. lucky owner of the RS.

Continue reading to learn more about the new Ford Focus RS.

2016 Ford Focus RS

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Ford Focus RS
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 350 @ 6000
  • Torque: 350 @ 3200
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Sporting a body kit that is more than worthy of the RS badge, the new Ford hot-hatch looks ready to be flicked across a super-special rally stage right off the showroom floor. The front end has been completely taken over by a large trapezoidal grille that is accompanied by a front splitter that extends far down and offers a nice view of the intercooler. Large outboard openings on each side of what's left of the front bumper feed air to cool the front brakes, and also house a pair of vertically mounted fog lamps that remind me in a way of the Kia Pro'Ceed.

The side profile is typical RS style, with each wheel arch having been widened to make room for a choice of 19-inch light-alloy wheels that are exclusive to the model. The rear-end design is downright dominated by a gigantic aerodynamic diffuser which is not all show and no go, as it helps the car achieve better downforce while reducing drag. Twin exhaust openings flank the diffuser on each side, while a rear roof spoiler completes the package and also harks back to the distinctive wing of the Escort RS Cosworth. All in all, the new Ford Focus RS looks like it means business and it isn't afraid to show it, especially since it was unveiled in the same Liquid Blue paint as the Ford GT Concept in Detroit.

Side-by-side comparison

Interior

As expected, the new Focus RS interior is replete with racing-like features, starting with the standard Recaro sports seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and ending with a multitude of RS badges. Optionally, European and Asian customers will also get a pair of signature RS Recaro shell seats covered in "authentic motorsport microfiber fabric panels." The entire package is completed by alloy sports pedals, a new shifter with matching graphics and an additional instrument cluster sitting on top of the center console, where it displays the boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure.

Offering SYNC connectivity as standard, the new RS provides access to a number of features, such as the audio system, sat-nav, climate control system or smartphones via either an 8-inch touchscreen or voice commands. Ford says that owners can even tell the car to "Find a race track" and SYNC will provide them with directions to the closest public circuit.

Drivetrain

The new RS bears the same turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder in the 2015 Mustang, but this time it’s tuned to deliver an impressive 345 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque. Max torque arrives at 3,200 between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm. An overboost function will deliver up to 347 pound-feet for 15 seconds at a time.

For the U.S. market, the 2016 Focus RS delivers a total of 350 horsepower at 6,000 rpm on way to 6,800-rpm redline and 350 pound-feet of torque at 3,200 rpm.

That’s more than the RS’s major competitors, including the new Civic Type-R, Volkswagen Golf R, and Subaru WRX STI.

The big output is courtesy of a new twin-scroll turbocharger that comes with a slightly larger compressor wheel, and the intake charge is chilled by an oversized intercooler for more efficiency. The cylinder head is made from a high-temp-resistant alloy, while the block employs high-tensile cast-iron liners. The intake and exhaust are both revised for better flow, while an electronically controlled valve allows for more or less sound, depending on the driver’s mood and the proximity of law enforcement.

Redline for the 2.3-liter is set at 6,800 rpm, and emissions have been cut by 20 percent compared to the old RS’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder. No word on mileage, although Ford says it’ll be “significantly better” than what we’ve seen from the old RS. Not that it matters.

The big news is the all-wheel-drive system though. It not only offers torque vectoring – which is brake actuated, sadly – but it can also send up to 70 percent of the available torque to the rear axle. Personally, I am yet to find out another AWD car that can send up to 70 percent of its torque to the rear, so I'm still waiting for Ford to tell us how they did it. On top of that, it seems that of the torque that reaches the rear axle, up to 100 percent of it can be sent to either rear wheel, giving the new Focus RS true controlled-oversteer drift ability. The entire system is apparently based around a so-called Rear Drive Unit (RDU), which consists of twin electronically controlled clutch packs that also act as a limited-slip differential.

Drivetrain Specifications

Type

2.3-liter EcoBoost engine

Output

350 HP @ 6,000 RPM

Torque

350 LB-FT @ 3,200 RPM

0 to 100 km/h (62 mph)

4.7 seconds

Top Speed

266 km/h (165 mph)


Prices

The 2016 Ford Focus RS is priced from in the U.S. from $36,605, including destination and delivery charges. That price tag isn't that bad, considering the first Focus RS offered in the North American market was sold for an astounding $550,000 at a Barrett-Jackson auction. All proceeds from that sale are going to JDRF to fund the continued research of a cure for Type 1 diabetes.

A winter tire package is also available as an option for the Focus RS. The package includes a set of narrower, 18-inch wheels that are quite similar to the base RS wheels. These wheels have a Sparkle Silver finish to hide winter salt deposits and are wrapped in 225/40-series Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 tires. This is the first time an original equipment manufacturer has offered a package like this in North America, and it comes at a premium of $1,995.

Option

Price

Power Moonroof

$895

19" Premium Painted Forged Alloy Wheels with Michelin Cup

$1,990

19" Premium Painted Forged Alloy Wheels

$1,395

18" Winter wheel and tire package

$1,995


Competition

Subaru WRX STI

Despite not having a hatchback version, the latest WRX STi can be pitted against the new Focus RS for a number of reasons, starting with the fact that both cars used to have cousins in WRC back in the 1990s. On top of that, the Subaru also sports an impressive all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring, and over 300 horsepower. In fact, its 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder outputs 305 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque, or enough to catapult the model from naught to 60 mph in five seconds flat.

With Subaru themselves admitting that the 2015 WRX STi can hit "up to 0.96 G" on the skidpad and with the model's being seriously outgunned in terms of both horsepower and torque, it looks like the new Focus RS may have it beat. On the other hand, the Subaru will probably be cheaper with a $35,290 starting price, including destination tax and delivery.

Find out more about the Subaru WRX STI here.

Volkswagen Golf R

The Volkswagen Golf R will be a hot commodity in the American hot-hatch segment. Powered by a turbocharged, 2-liter, four-cylinder that develops 292 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, the German compact can be had with either a six-speed manual or a more efficient six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.

Unlike the Focus RS, the Golf R is able to only send up to 50 percent of its available torque to the rear wheels through a now-classic Haldex differential. When equipped with the DSG gearbox, the model can hit 60 mph from a standing start in an estimated 4.9 seconds, but its biggest advantage might be in the low weight of its MQB platform. It has a starting price of $36,595 MSRP.

More details on the Golf R here.

Honda Civic Type R

Revealed at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, the Honda Civic Type R brought the Type R nameplate back in the hot-hatch segment. Previewed by a number of near-production concept cars, the new civic Type R remained faithful to front-wheel drive, unfortunately. The good news, however, is that it received a potent 2.0-liter four-banger rated at 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Paired to a short-shifting six-speed manual transmission, the new Civic Type R can hit 0-62 mph in 5.7 seconds, while its top speed stands at a segment-leading 167 mph.

The Type R is backed by an aggressive aero kit too, which includes a rear spoiler, rear diffuser, front splitter, deeply sculpted side skirts, and a flat underbody. The race-derived suspension system and the Brembo brakes round off the performance updates.

Read more about the Honda Civic Type R in our review here.

Conclusion

With 345 horsepower, an aggressive bodykit and what may be the most innovative all-wheel-drive system in its segment, the new Ford Focus RS looks like a winner on paper. Naturally, since actual performance figures and/or its starting price are yet to be revealed, it may also come with a few nasty surprises – such as too much weight or too high a high price. From my end, the only disadvantage I see is the fact that it uses a brake-actuated torque-vectoring system. Looking at other cars that use a similar configuration, a few hard laps on the circuit will most likely cook the brakes as long as the torque vectoring system is fully on. How will the Focus RS tackle a circuit remains to be seen anyway, but so far the available numbers look great.

Updated History

Updated 02/17/2016: Ford announced the new Focus RS will be offered with a new optional Winter Wheel & Tire Package priced at $1,995. The new package will be made available this spring. Details after the jump.

Updated 02/10/2016: Ford dropped a series of new videos in which it highlights Focus RS' four driving modes: Normal, Sport, Track and Drift. Hit "play" to see the differences between them.

Updated 02/05/2016: Ford dropped a new video for its latest Focus RS model featuring race-car driver Prestin Persson behind the wheel at the track at Michigan’s Ford Proving Grounds. You will see her trying out the four thrilling drive modes of the Ford Focus RS and describing the evolution of her high-speed career. Hit "play" to watch the video.

Updated 02/02/2016: The first Focus RS ever offered on the North American market was auctioned at Barrett-Jackson for the amazing amount of $550,000. All proceeds from the auction of this car will be donated to benefit JDRF, "Improving lives. Curing Type 1 diabetes."

Updated 01/19/2016: Ford dropped a new video featuring Ben Collins explaining the four "Drive Modes" found in the Focus RS. Hit "play" to learn what they are, where and how they can be used.

Updated 01/15/2016: Ford announced that the first unit of the all-new Focus RS has just rolled off the line in Saarlouis, Germany and will arrive in the United States this spring.

Updated 11/18/2015: Ford dropped the eight - and final - episode of its latest "Rebirth of an Icon" series. The new episode is called "Final Chapter" and focuses on pretty much all there is to know about the RS.

Updated 11/11/2015: Ford dropped the seventh episode of its latest "Rebirth of an Icon" series. The new episode is called "Close scrutiny" and it focuses on Ken Block’s headline appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Updated 11/05/2015: Ford dropped the sixth episode of its latest "Rebirth of an Icon" series. The new episode is called "Power struggle" and it focuses on working through engine development, and features Ford Dunton Technical Centre, plus Launch Control testing.

Updated 10/28/2015: Ford dropped episode number five of its new "Rebirth of an Icon" series. The new episode is called "Arctic Extremes" shows the car undergoing extreme testing in Sweden.

Updated 10/21/2015: Ford dropped the fourth episode of its new "Rebirth of an Icon" series. The new episode is called "Test-track Trials" and once again Ken Block heads for Ford’s top-secret test facility, and indulges in some "hooning."

Updated 10/14/2015: Ford dropped the third episode of its new "Rebirth of an Icon" series. Called "Hitting the road" this third episode features a 1,600-kilometers (1,000-miles) drive through epic terrains from high in the Rocky Mountains to the Arizona desert.

Updated 10/12/2015: Ford finally dropped the official U.S. specifications figures for its new Focus RS hatchback. With 350 horsepower and 350 pound-feet under the hood, the RS delivers even more power than the maker initially announced. The most impressive feature is the car's new "stall recovery" that eliminates the needs to manually restart the engine or move the gear selector to neutral as this innovative technology simply pushes the clutch back in. Ford also confirmed that production of Focus RS will begin later this year.

Updated 10/06/2015: Ford dropped the second episode of its new "Rebirth of an Icon" series. This new episode talks about the design and development of the new Focus RS. Enjoy!

Updated 09/30/2015: Ford dropped the first episode of its new "Rebirth of an icon" documentary announced the other week. In the first episode, Ken Block and Raj Nair debate what the car should deliver.

Updated 09/23/2015: Ford announced it's preparing to launch a video documentary series that will tell the story of its new Focus RS. The documentary is called "Rebirth of an Icon" and will feature eight weekly episodes, with the first one going live on Sept. 30. Today you can watch the video trailer of the series. Enjoy!

Updated 09/21/2015: We’ve added a series of new photos we took at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Find them in the "Pictures" tab.

Updated 09/16/2015: During the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show press days, Ford finally released performance figures for its new Focus RS. The model will go from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.7 seconds and up to a top speed of 266 km/h (165 mph). Ford also announced the new RS is now available to order with prices in Germany starting from €39,000 - about $43,000 at the current exchange rates.

Updated 07/29/2015: The 2016 Focus RS just appeared on Ford's online configurator, revealing the news we've all been waiting for: prices. The model is priced from $35,730, not including $875 destination charge.


Updated 06/25/2016: Ford officially announced that the new generation Focus RS will deliver 345 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque, while a 347 pound-feet is available for up to 15 seconds with the overboost activated. The car will be making its dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed where it will be driven by Ken Block.

Updated 03/13/2015: British magazine AutoCar reported that the future Focus RS will deliver a total of 316 horsepower and will also be offered with a 'drift' button and a launch control function. The model will be put on sale sometime in 2016.

Updated 03/11/2015: Ford dropped a new video showing the new Focus RS out for a spin on some mountain roads.

Updated 03/03/2015: The new Ford Focus RS made its public debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. Check out the new images released by Ford in the "Pictures" tab.

Updated 02/03/2015, 15:00: Ford just dropped a new video featuring Ken Block behind the wheel of the new Focus RS. Even if the car still wears camouflage, this is a video you don't want to miss.

Updated 02/03/2015: As promised, Ford revealed full details on the new Focus RS, a model that comes with lots of surprises. Click past the jump to learn more about it.