Ford Reveals the 2016 Focus RS

2016 Ford Focus RS (Credit: © Ford)

An unfortunate leak killed the surprise that was the Focus RS, but it failed to temper the excitement. And part of the excitement was the RS’ actual reveal event (video below). It was entertaining, informative, and featured a cameo by the drift master general, Ken Block. Essentially, it was the anti-Miata reveal, dare I say so…

I’ll spare Mazda another lashing for having the worst reveal in recent history and instead focus on presenting the awesomeness that is the 2016 Focus RS. Under its hood, the RS will carry a high-revving, 2.3-liter, EcoBoost, four-cylinder engine that is a descendant of the 310-horsepower 2.3-liter in the Mustang EcoBoost, but not an exact copy. This engine produces “in excess of” 315 horsepower, and the increase is thanks to a low-inertia twin-scroll turbo, a larger compressor for better air flow, a larger intercooler, a freer-flowing air intake, and a large-diameter exhaust that emits a wicked note. Other enhancements include a new alloy cylinder head, high-tensile cast-iron liners in the block, an updated cooling system, and a revised head gasket.

Backing up this powerful four-pot is a six-speed manual transmission that features a short-throw shifter and an upgraded clutch for better bite under high torque. There is no mention of an automatic version, but there is likely a fast-shifting autobox somewhere in the options list.

2016 Ford Focus RS

The biggest news on the RS front is the addition of an advanced all-wheel-drive system. This system uses twin clutch packs to shift the front-to-back and side-to-side distribution of torque, as needed. This Torque Vectoring system allows the Focus RS to direct the power to only the best wheels for the current driving conditions, and it takes 100 readings per second to determine this torque split. Speaking of the split, the Focus RS can deliver up to 70 percent of its torque to the rear axle, which is unheard of in a front-wheel-drive-base all-wheel-drive system, and up to 100 percent to either of the rear wheels.

The AWD system combined with the RS’ enhanced suspension system, which includes special springs, bushings and anti-roll bars, and some sticky 235/35R19 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires help it hold at least 1G on the skid pad. At higher speeds, the front splitter and rear spoiler help add a dose of downforce to prevent traction loss due to lift.

Working our way inside the Focus RS, we find a nice place to spend some time. The cabin comes standard with part-leather Recaro seats, SYNC, navigation, climate control, an 8-inch color touchscreen, a flat-bottom steering wheel, alloy pedals, and boost, oil and temperature gauges mounted over the center stack.

2016 Ford Focus RS

There is no mention of pricing or release date, but Ford did mention that the RS will be available in four colors: Nitrous Blue (pictured), Stealth Gray, Absolute Black, and Frozen White. Expect to see more of the Focus RS at the 2015 Geneva Auto Show in March.