Well it’s official – the hot hatch race for 2015 will be run-and-won for 2015 at next month’s Geneva Motor Show when Ford takes the wraps from the all-new third generation Focus RS.
Ahead of that, Ford has tantalized with a few details such as the specially-developed 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine will deliver “more than 235kW” and the Focus RS will debut Ford Performance All-Wheel-Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring.
The AWD system comprises twin electronically-controlled clutch packs on each side of the rear drive unit which manage front/rear torque split and can also control side-to-side torque distribution on the rear axle – the torque vectoring.
A maximum of 70 per-cent of the drive torque can be diverted to the rear axle and up to 100 per-cent of the available torque at the rear axle can be sent to each rear wheel.
Ford says the AWD system has been tuned to deliver exceptional grip – lateral acceleration can exceed 1 g – and class ;leading cornering speed and acceleration.
Underneath is sports suspension calibrated stiffer than the Focus RS and choice of tyres specifically developed by Michelin – a Pilot Super Sport for regular days or a Pilot Sport Cup 2 for track work.
Gymkhana and World Rallycross phenomenon Ken Block has been a consultant for development of the third generation Ford Focus RS – the first RS model to sell around the world and all will be produced at the plant in Saarlouis, Germany starting late this year.
Power comes from a massively developed version of the 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine some markets get in the all-new Ford Mustang.
Compared to the ‘Pony Car’ version, the Focus RS’ engine gets a new twin-scroll turbocharger with a larger compressor and bigger intercooler, new intakes, new exhausts, upgraded cylinder head and cooling.
Drive is via a specially-developed short-throw six-speed manual transmission.
Styling sees massive aerodynamic enhancements and a choice of lightweight 19-inch RS alloy wheels.
Inside are Recaro seats in leather (signature RS Recaro shell seats on the options list), eight-inch colour touchscreen with Ford SYNC and a 10-speaker audio system.
Can’t wait until Geneva…
