The New Ford Focus RS is Going Global, Including the U.S. | Sonju Two Harbors | Two Harbors MN

By Cole Quinnell

It may be the most anticipated model ever to arrive in the U.S., but it’s not an import car. When the new Ford Focus RS is offered for sale, it will be available in major markets around the world, including the U.S.¹

The Focus RS brings it, with the performance that this segment expects, starting with the 2.3L EcoBoost® engine that will produce well in excess of 315 horsepower.  This engine will be coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission. But the car is more than brute power. The engineering team developed a new Ford Performance all-wheel-drive system to take handling and traction to the next level. That includes dynamic torque vectoring to maximize traction and corner handling, while minimizing understeer.

The chassis includes performance-refined spring rated, bushings and sway bars. Unique two-mode shocks offer a firmer setting for track use, and the electric power-assisted steering has been tuned to deliver connected and responsive steering with outstanding feel.

For the best off-the-line performance, the driver can select launch control. This lets the car be launched in first gear at full throttle and the system manages the torque through the all-wheel-drive system providing maximum acceleration for the available traction.

The exterior appearance details of the Focus RS create a performance image that the car lives up to with a unique front grille, front fascia, 19-inch wheels and stance. In fact, key elements of the design provide additional performance, including a rear diffuser, front spoiler and rear spoiler, which contribute to zero lift overall for optimum high-speed handling. The large front opening enables more airflow for engine cooling, and brake ducts are incorporated into the frontend design.

The interior appointments include heavily-bolstered, partial-leather covered Recaro sport seats, a new steering wheel with a race-inspired, flat-bottom steering wheel and a series of additional gauges above the center console that show turbocharger boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure. The RS design theme can be seen in the seat stitching, floor mats and interior trim, and the RS logo is incorporated into the seats, steering wheel and door scuff plates.

The new Ford Focus RS is one of 12 new performance vehicles that we are bringing to market now through 2020. That includes the all-new Ford GT² shown for the first time at the 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The Ford Focus RS will be among these new models, and they will join the existing lineup of Fiesta ST, Focus ST, Shelby® GT350R³ Mustang and F-150 Raptor. ⁴
Stay tuned for more information on the new Ford Focus RS.