The hot hatch market is heating up, and heating up fast. Seat and Renault are trading lap records at the Nürburgring, Mini just introduced the new JCW last month, Volkswagen continues rolling out ever more powerful versions of the Golf, and Honda is about to introduce its new Civic Type R. But Ford is not content to sit idly by and watch its Focus ST get trounced by more capable machinery, so it's hitting back with a new Focus RS – the third iteration of the breed and the 30th model to wear the Rallye Sportdesignation.
Following yesterday's leak, the new Ford Focus RS is now ready to step out into the light and light up its tires. Answering the call is the same 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo four as you'd find in the new Mustang, but upgraded with a new low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger, larger compressor and intercooler, freer-flowing intake, large-bore dual-pipe exhaust with electronically controlled valve and upgraded internal components. The result is a 6,500-rpm redline (closer to that of Ford's atmospheric performance engines) and an output quoted as "well in excess of 315 horsepower" – which is already 5 more than the EcoBoost Mustang and a good 63 more than the existing Focus ST.
Power is transmitted to the tarmac through a new performance-focused all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring that can send as much as 70 percent of available twist to the rear wheels (and as much as 100 percent between them). The system works in tandem with the brake-based torque vectoring system and stability control, and will even divert torque to the outside rear wheel under cornering to keep it flat and under control while reducing understeer. Those still suspicious of dual-clutch gearboxes will also be pleased to read that Ford has stuck with a conventional six-speed manual.
Of course the small team of global Ford Performance engineers who developed the new Focus RS – and the Gymkhana legend Ken Block who consulted on the project – didn't just tinker with the powertrain and leave it at that. The suspension features stiffer spring rates, bushings and anti-roll bars than the Focus ST, augmented by two-mode switchable dampers. 19-inch alloys wear Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber, with optional Pilot Sport Cup 2 semi-slicks for track-day enthusiasts.
Ford has yet to detail the brakes on its new hot hatch, but you can bet they've been upgraded as well. Their performance will be augmented, in any case, by the improved cooling that comes from the revised bodywork that'll also keep the powertrain running at optimal temperatures and the whole package glued to the tarmac with a wider stance and upgraded aero. Inside you'll find such suitable upgrades as Recaro buckets, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, alloy pedals and a trio of auxiliary gauges for turbo boost, oil temperature and oil pressure.
Performance figures have still yet to be announced, but Ford promises the new Focus RS will corner at over 1 g of lateral acceleration on the skidpad. Production will be handled exclusively in Saarlouis, Germany, but the new Blue Oval hot hatch will be available globally (including the United States), joining a growing array of Ford Performance vehicles alongside the new Ford GT, Shelby GT350R and F150 Raptor revealed in Detroit last month. By 2020, Ford promises to introduce a good dozen new performance models, and we're looking forward to driving each and every one.
