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the rear badge clearly states 'ST', so what evidence do you present in support of this being a prototype 'RS' other than a photo caption found on the internets?
the rear badge clearly states 'ST', so what evidence do you present in support of this being a prototype 'RS' other than a photo caption found on the internets?
Automakers love to disguise future vehicles under test with inaccurate badging to throw off spy-shooters. One look, though, at those wheels and ultra-low-profile tires shows that this is a serious performance setup, at least in the chassis.
Last edited by mmarshall; Jun 22, 2014 at 10:34 AM.
heavy WRX/STI influences.......but looks great, hopefully the price will be ~$35K
Making all other hot hatches look just lukewarm, Ford has revealed its incredible new Focus RS super hatch.
Co-developed with rally driver and stunt-man Ken Block, Ford has confirmed the new machine will make use of an exclusive 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with “well over” 320-hp.
Based on the same basic architecture as the 2.3-liter in the new Mustang EcoBoost, Ford has modified the enginewith a new cylinder head and head gasket as well as stronger cast iron cylinder liners. It also gains a less restrictive intake and higher-flow exhaust. In addition there’s a new twin-scroll turbocharger with a larger compressor, as well as a larger intercooler.
Equipped with all-wheel drive, Ford developed an all-new setup for this new machine that can not only deliver power front to rear, but distribute it side-to-side at each axle. As a result, Ford says the car will be able to send 70% of the maximum torque to the rear wheels with 70% of that to one rear wheel to help the RS rotate. The new AWD arrangement will monitor driving conditions 100 times a second in order to deliver the best possible grip.
Ford group vice president, Global Product Development, Raj Nair said the car will deliver “class leading cornering” and will ““virtually eliminate understeer” enabling over 1 g of cornering force.
Better yet, Nair announced a feature that will allow the new Focus RS to achieve “controlled oversteer drifts.”
Compared to the Focus ST, the RS gets stiffer spring rates and sway bars, while the car rides on 235/35/19 Michelin Pilot Sport tires, while customers will be able to opt for a more extreme Pilot Sport Cup 2 tire as well.
Part of Ford’s new One Ford plan the car will, for the first time, be available not just in Europe, but also in North America and much to the excitement of performance car enthusiasts it will come with a six-speed manual transmission.
Equipped with all-wheel drive, Ford developed an all-new setup for this new machine that can not only deliver power front to rear, but distribute it side-to-side at each axle. As a result, Ford says the car will be able to send 70% of the maximum torque to the rear wheels with 70% of that to one rear wheel to help the RS rotate. The new AWD arrangement will monitor driving conditions 100 times a second in order to deliver the best possible grip.
For the power that it's providing that would still put it close in line with the Golf R which has much less Horsepower, and close to the WRX STI which also has less power. I don't think it's unreasonable, but will wait for final vehicle evaluation for judgement.
For the power that it's providing that would still put it close in line with the Golf R which has much less Horsepower, and close to the WRX STI which also has less power. I don't think it's unreasonable, but will wait for final vehicle evaluation for judgement.
The problem is IMO, a Focus isn't in the same class as the above mentioned cars....again just my .02,
so it is unreasonable.....also, the Mustang GT with 435hp base price is $32K
Price seems fair at $36k. It's a nice performance machine and it will carry my family too. However, I am curious on it's fuel economy. I'm not expecting 30mpg, but perhaps 18city and maybe 23-24 hwy?
