\nThe hugely anticipated 2016 Ford Focus RS brings Ford\u2019s most advanced and capable performance hatch to Australian customers. With more power, as well as a driver-focussed Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive, the RS brings scintillating performance and technical innovation at a lower Manufacturer\u2019s List Price than its predecessor.
![\"image141295_a\"](\"https:\/\/awheelthing.files.wordpress.com\/2016\/07\/image141295_a.jpg?w=300\")
<\/a>\u201cThe all-new Focus RS is a very serious machine with high-performance technology and innovative engineering that sets a new benchmark for driving exhilaration,\u201d said Raj Nair, group vice president, Global Product Development, Ford Motor Company. \u201cThe RS line has a proud history of technical breakthroughs that have gone on to benefit all Ford customers, and the new Focus RS is no exception.\u201d<\/p>\nThe all-new Focus RS is the 30th car to wear the legendary RS \u201cRallye Sport\u201d badge, reserved for Ford models that have pioneered performance technologies. Focus RS follows in the footsteps of Ford models including the 16-valve 1970 Escort RS1600, turbocharged Sierra RS Cosworth of 1985, and four-wheel-drive 1992 Escort RS Cosworth. Thanks to a new Launch Control function \u2013 the Focus RS finds itself in the company of premium dedicated sports cars.<\/p>\n This RS has more power than its predecessor, its all-alloy 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder boasting a twin-scroll turbocharger and a substantial 257kW2. Maximum torque of 440Nm is delivered between 2000 and 4500rpm, with 470Nm available for up to 15 seconds on transient overboost during hard acceleration1.<\/p>\n The EcoBoost engine itself shares its backbone \u2013 including block, crankshaft and therefore 2261cc capacity \u2013 with the 2016 Ford Mustang EcoBoost. Produced in Valencia, Spain, especially for the Focus RS, it has been significantly reengineered to deliver not only more power and torque, but a sharper acceleration response backed with a cack-and-burble from its larger exhaust system on lift-off for an entertaining drive both on- and off-throttle.<\/p>\n The Focus RS is offered exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission that remains true to the RS goal of the most exhilarating, engaging driver involvement. It continues the RS tradition of using manual transmissions as the ultimate in driving pleasure.<\/p>\n The 2016 Focus RS comes standard with Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive \u2013 a Focus first. Ford engineers didn\u2019t stop there. The sophisticated AWD system enabled Dynamic Torque Vectoring, which means that the Focus RS can split its torque not only front-to-rear, but also side-to-side for unprecedented road-holding. The high-performance character of the RS is reflected inside the car with heavily-bolstered partial-leather Recaro sports seats as the centrepiece of the cockpit. There\u2019s also a flat-bottom steering wheel, while the Focus RS offers technologies new to the RS marque including Ford\u2019s SYNC connectivity system. Simple voice commands such as \u201cFind a race track\u201d enable RS owners to get instant directions to the nearest public circuit.<\/p>\n A flood of orders since full specification of the Focus RS was confirmed at the 2015 Frankfurt motor show has underlined the customer desire for an affordable, exquisitely engineered Focus around the globe. More than 6200 orders were taken in Europe before the launch showing the affection, respect and desirability of Ford\u2019s RS products. The Australian order book followed suit \u2013 the first allocation of more than 300 Focus RS\u2019s has quickly been snapped up, with Ford Australia working on further stocks from the Saarlouis, Germany, factory. \u201cThe Focus RS sees the return of one of our most revered models,\u201d said Graeme Whickman, CEO and President, Ford of Australia. \u201cIt builds on our showroom appeal of models including the Focus ST and Fiesta ST, XR Sprint Falcons as well as the hugely popular Mustang.\u201d<\/p>\n The 2016 Ford Focus RS is another example of Ford\u2019s commitment to Australian customers and comes on top of a $2 billion investment in local R&D over the past six years.<\/p>\n It’s already garnered plenty of acclaim from members of the Australian motoring press, with John Carey from Wheels magazine saying: \u201cFord delivers stellar performance and handling at a price that reads like a misprint.\u201d Feann Torr from carsales.com.au said: \u201cAfter an hour of hard driving, I\u2019m sold. I want this car. Now. This isn\u2019t just a great hot hatch; it\u2019s one of the best performance cars yet.\u201d ENGINE DATA: 2.3-litre EcoBoost![\"image141299_a\"](\"https:\/\/awheelthing.files.wordpress.com\/2016\/07\/image141299_a.jpg?w=300\")
<\/a>The bold, muscular stance and wind-tunnel tested aerodynamic improvements give the 2016 Ford Focus RS an unmistakable performance posture. With a goal of zero lift front and rear, the RS boasts a uniquely aggressive front bumper, raised rear spoiler and dramatic yet functional rear diffuser. While its exterior\u2019s bold colour palette, 19-inch alloys with Michelin Super Sport tyres and Brembo brakes scream athleticism, the RS badge signifies that its performance story is not merely window dressing.<\/p>\n![\"image141272_a\"](\"https:\/\/awheelthing.files.wordpress.com\/2016\/07\/image141272_a.jpg?w=300\")
<\/a>Sport Mode is one of four selectable drive modes \u2013 the first RS model to offer such a feature \u2013 that maximise the livability and enjoyment of the Focus RS. Each of these modes alters the steering, which has been recalibrated for more linearity, as well as the ESC, engine and exhaust settings. They also alter the adjustable dampers, another first for the 2016 Focus RS. Normal and Sport are calibrated for road use, with Track and Drift modes for the occasional closed course and racetrack experiences only. The dampers can also be changed independently, with two settings available. The drive modes operate independently of the Launch Control system.<\/p>\n![\"image141312_a\"](\"https:\/\/awheelthing.files.wordpress.com\/2016\/07\/image141312_a.jpg?w=300\")
<\/a>Such anticipation comes courtesy of the Focus RS\u2019s already brimming trophy cabinet. Ahead of Australian launch, its most recent accolade is the 2016 Auto Express Hot Hatch of the Year. That comes after awards, among others, from What Car? as a 2016 \u2018Game-changer\u2019, Autocar awarding it a maximum 5\/5-star rating, while Top Gear announced the Focus RS its 2016 Car of the Year. To top it off, Autocar also named RS Chief Engineer, Tyrone Johnson \u2013 who today presents the Focus RS to the Australian media in Brisbane \u2013 its 2016 Engineer of the Year.<\/p>\n![\"image141300_a\"](\"https:\/\/awheelthing.files.wordpress.com\/2016\/07\/image141300_a.jpg?w=300\")
<\/a>Here’s why:<\/p>\n
\nType: Inline four cylinder petrol, turbocharged, transverse
\nDisplacement: 2261 cm3
\nMax power: 257 kW at 6000 rpm, Max torque 440 Nm between 2000 – 4500 rpm(470 Nm on transient overboost)
\nTransmission: 6-speed manual, Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive
\nFuel: 95 RON unleaded.
\nKerb weight: 1524 kilograms.<\/p>\n