Next year will be a good year for fans of sport compact since we should find out the Honda Civic Type R, Audi RS3, perhaps the evil version of the Mercedes Benz A45 AMG, the Astra OPC Extreme Golf R400 and the new Ford Focus RS is currently in testing and trials to finalize its development and focus.
If through the all-new Focus ST we already have a good idea of what will be the shape of this future RS except perhaps for the front bumper which should be more aggressive in its design, what really interests us is what this car will be "in the belly" and the frame.
In these particular areas Ford is really capable of the best and much is expected of this sporting Focus will be powered by the 2.3 L EcoBoost turbo L4 we just found under the hood of the new entry-level Mustang. If under the long hood of the pony car this engine delivers 310 hp some, it develops 330 under the short hood of the Focus. 330 hp or 243 kilowatts is 30 hp more than proposed by the old Focus RS and it is a little more than offer including direct competitors in terms of price.
This engine block 2.3 L will be associated with 6-speed Manual Transmission and sportsmanship staging that will transmit power to the front wheels. To promote motor skills and efficiency without sacrificing maneuverability, the road feel and steering precision, the 2016 Focus RS will be equipped as standard with a true limited slip differential and not a "substitute" as electronic sees more and more often but lacking finesse or castrating in driving dynamics. Chassis with onions, advanced suspension RevoKnuckle kind, big brakes and large wheels with tires foregrounds are on the menu of this Focus RS.
The interior should also be close to that of the ST version with sport steering wheel, dashboard complete with lots of little manos (we love it!) And excellent Recaro seats that allow travel in the long term or to have fun without back applesauce.
If of course, nothing is official or confirmed by the manufacturer, the first trends in the price range appear. Thus we speak of a tariff could be between 34,500 and € 37,000 which, in view of performance and equipment announced level, would place warmly welcomed this new Focus RS face of competing.
To discover the sport being tested on the Nordschleife, it's here:
Source : Youtube, Touriclips.