Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Ford Focus RS could get 350-hp EcoBoost, E-diff

We may have to make due with the Focus ST here in the United States (note: we are not complaining), but an even hotter version – the Focus RS – has historically been quite a hit in Europe. And according to a report in Auto Express, the next-generation RS should be one hot little number when it launches in 2014.

Rather than simply turning the ST's 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four up to 11, Ford's European performance division – Team RS – will likely use a larger-displacement mill for development of the hotter-than-hot Focus. The most likely candidate is a new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine – rumored to be shared with the 2015 Mustang – that will produce around 350 horsepower.

Ford will likely offer the Focus RS with a six-speed manual transmission, but engineers have not ruled out the possibility of using a version of the company's PowerShift dual-clutch 'box. The main concern from Team RS is that using a DCT will add weight, though the engineers understand that the trend in this segment is to use dual-clutch gearboxes.

Auto Express reports that the new Focus RS will retain its front-wheel-drive architecture, but Ford is already working on new technologies to reduce the sort of squirreliness that comes with sending that much power to a car's front wheels. An active limited-slip differential – an E-diff – would "really optimise traction in all situations," according to Team RS powertrain engineering manager Len Urwin.

It's unclear whether or not the Focus RS will come to the US, despite the company's One Ford global product strategy. When it launches in Europe, Auto Express expects the RS to retail for about 25,000 pounds – just shy of $40,000 based on current exchange rates.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/07/f...oboost-e-diff/

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

E-Diff or not, I want AWD!

spwolf

e-diff, lol... 350hp and FWD, awesome.

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

The current 2013 ST has some sort of e-diff already... my brother bought one yesterday, pretty cool cars...

pretty impressive putting the power to the ground and handling is superb...

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

^^ any word on tuning for the new ST's/ EcoBoost?

SC400slide

iTrader: (11)

One downside with the Focus is that it doesn't keep it's value... 350 HP is quite impressive with a Ford Focus.

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

SCT makes a software package that allows installing their tunes, or, for more money, making your own.... ordered it today...

on their tune, they are making 25 whp additional, 40 torque...

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

not half bad. No need to buy an RS

Blackraven

Yeah sounds neato

By the way, for those who are worried about FWD + >300 hp, in the last Focus RS, Ford installed countermeasures to lessen/mitigagte 'torque steer'. Some of the measures include the Ford RevoKnuckle as well as the Quaife LSD

Hope that clears any worries =)

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

not really, I want AWD so I can take it to Tahoe lol