Ford Will Give the Focus RS a Proper Sendoff With a 2018 Limited Edition

The 2018 model year marks the end of the line for the current Focus RS. While this is a cause for tears among Focus enthusiasts (like myself), there is some reason to celebrate. To send the Focus RS off in style, Ford will release offer the 2018 RS in limited numbers with lots of aesthetic updates and one key performance update.

While the 2018 Focus RS will continue with its turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that pumps out 350 horsepower, the limited-run 2018 model will get a new Quaife limited-slip differential. This new differential limits the torque the engine sends to a slipping front wheel and sends more traction to the wheel with grip. This system will integrate nicely with the hatchback’s existing Ford Performance all-wheel drive, dynamic torque vectoring, torque vectoring control, and drive modes.

Stylistically, the limited 2018 Focus RS will gain a handful of popular options as standard features. These include the 19-inch premium forged-alloy wheels with blue RS center caps, and carbon-fiber-skinned door handles, handbrake lever and boost gauge surround. It also includes all the features from the current RS2 Package as standard, including the Recaro leather seats with Mika-Dinamica inserts and RS logos, heated front seats, steering wheel and mirrors, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and voice-controlled navigation.

2018 Limited-edition Focus RS (Credit: © Ford)

The 2018 Focus RS will be available only in the new-for-2018 Race Red hue or the signature Nitrous Blue. Gloss-black-painted mirror caps and roof will contrast the base RS’ base coat. Also new will be the gloss-black rear spoiler with blue RS logos on the side wings.

Ford has yet to reveal exactly when the 2018 Focus RS will hit showrooms, nor has it announced its pricing. What we do know is that Ford will limit this final version of the Focus RS (for now) to just 1,000 units in the U.S. and 500 in Canada.

Stay tuned for updates.