Ford has finally done it. They are bringing over the 2016 Focus RS that American enthusiasts have been begging for. So those of you that are in the market for a hot-hatch should hold out a little bit longer, because Ford says that the RS will arrive in US dealerships sometime during the Spring of 2016.
The Focus RS will make its US debut at the New York International Auto Show next week. If for some reason you've been on another planet since February, here is a re-cap of what the Focus RS has on board.
First up is the 2.3 liter EcoBoost four cylinder with at least 315 horsepower, making it the most powerful Focus that Ford has ever made. While the previous generation cars had to wrestle all that power with only the front wheels, this RS uses an all new torque-vectoring AWD system. Ford says its new system is capable of lateral acceleration exceeding one g. Combine that AWD system, two-mode adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, and Michilen Pilot Sport 2 rubber, and the RS should be an absolute monster on the track....and don't forget about the drift mode!
"This all-wheel-drive system is a breakthrough technology – capable of delivering supreme cornering and handling at the limit...We ripped up the rulebook that says all-wheel-drive hatchbacks aren't fun to drive, and created a car that will surprise and reward in equal measure." - Dave Pericak, director, Global Ford Performance.
I don't know where Mr. Pericak is getting his information that all-wheel-drive hatchbacks aren't fun to drive. Perhaps he hasn't had the chance to try out the previous generation WRX STI or the new Golf R, but I can appreciate his enthusiasm. Though it is sort of ironic that Volkswagen's uber-hatch is made in North America, while the Focus RS will be produced in Germany.
No word yet on how many will be imported or how much they will cost. However, it is probably safe to assume the RS will be priced somewhere north of $30,000 and most likely undercut the Golf R's starting MSRP of $36,595.
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