Ford unveiled its highest performance version of the Ford Focus, the all-wheel-drive RS, at its factory in Cologne, Germany today.
The RS will feature a 320-horsepower-plus 2.3L Ecoboost four-cylinder engine. It will be the first RS model sold in the U.S. when it arrives in 2016.
Ken Block did some drifting of the hatchback around the plant before bringing it on stage. He aided the design team during the planning and development of the car!
The RS will also include Brembo brakes, a six-speed manual transmission and Recaro seats.
While Ford isn’t giving much information on the differential setup, the drivetrain does support Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control. So the Ford’s all-wheel drive system can send up to 70% of the engine’s torque to the rear axle, and all of that power to either of the rear wheels.
“The RS captures the promise of our brand,” Ford of Europe boss Jim Farley said: “Great cars that are affordable.”
Performance cars like the RS and the recently revealed Ford GT super car serve as catalysts for an innovation spreading throughout Ford’s lineup, said Raj Nair, chief of vehicle development.
LED running lights and a large “RS” logo certainly sets it apart from your average Focus, while the large wing (spoiler for us yanks) hanging off the hatch brings back memories of the Escort Cosworth. The interior, meanwhile, features dual sports seats up front and the company’s new Sync 3 system in the dashboard.
Ford will build the Focus RS in its plant in Saarlouis, Germany. It will be sold in world wide
