All-New
Ford Focus RS
The all-new Ford Focus
RS made its global public debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. The
high-performance road car pioneers the innovative Ford Performance
All-Wheel-Drive system, and delivers class-leading cornering speed, thrilling
performance and unbridled driving enjoyment.
The all-new Focus RS is
the first ever RS model that will be sold in North America and will be produced
for all markets at Ford's Saarlouis, Germany, manufacturing plant beginning
late 2015. Five striking exterior colours include Nitrous Blue, a vibrant
four-coat metallic finish exclusive to the RS, as well as Stealth Grey, Shadow
Black, Magnetic Grey and Frozen White.
The all-new Focus RS
exploits the innovative Ford Performance All-Wheel-Drive with Dynamic Torque
Vectoring to deliver a new level of handling capability and driver enjoyment,
combining outstanding traction and grip with unmatched agility and cornering
speed. To deliver optimum driving dynamics, the Ford Performance AWD system was
calibrated alongside the car's advanced Electronic Stability Control, in particular
the brake-based Torque Vectoring Control system that works in parallel with the
torque-vectoring AWD.
Other exclusive chassis
features include sports suspension with stiffer spring rates and more efficient
bushes and anti-roll-bars than those found in the Focus ST, and two-mode
switchable dampers, which offer a firmer setting for track driving. A carefully
tuned electric power-assisted steering system, working in combination with an
optimised front suspension knuckle design and shorter steering link arms,
delivers connected and responsive steering with outstanding feel.
Ford engineers worked
closely with Michelin to develop a choice of high-performance 235/35 R19 tyres
to complement the driving dynamics of the Focus RS; a standard Pilot Super
Sport tyre for every-day use; and - for the first time on an RS - an optional
Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyre for enhanced vehicle dynamics on the track.
The vehicle's exterior
design has also been developed to support the dynamic objectives. Careful
aerodynamic optimisation of the front splitter, rear spoiler and underbody
features eliminates lift forces, and the final design delivers a balanced
performance with zero lift front and rear for optimum high-speed handling and
stability. With a drag coefficient of 0.35, the shape of the new model is 6 per
cent more aerodynamic than the previous Focus RS, and with its more compact
frontal area, the vehicle generates 9 per cent less drag, improving high-speed
performance and reducing fuel consumption.
The all-new Focus RS
offers advanced performance and driver assistance technologies to help ensure
that its extreme driving capabilities are made more accessible and simple to
use. The driver can select four different Drive Modes to configure the vehicle
to deliver optimum performance in road or circuit driving conditions - with
Normal, Sport or Track settings - or a special Drift Mode. Each mode can be
selected using a carefully-located switch alongside the gear lever, and has
specific settings for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, damper controls,
Electronic Stability Control system, steering and engine responses, and exhaust
sound.
Ford's EcoBoost
technology powers nearly every new Ford vehicle. Projected to deliver well in
excess of 320 PS, the 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine for the all-new Focus RS shares
its fundamental structure with the all-aluminium four-cylinder engine in the
all-new Mustang. This engine has, however, been significantly upgraded through
a comprehensive package of design changes. Increased output is generated by a new
low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger with larger compressor that delivers
significantly greater air flow, along with a much bigger intercooler to
maximise charge density. Engine breathing also is enhanced through a less
restrictive intake design, and a large-bore high performance exhaust system
with an electronically controlled valve in the tailpipe that helps optimise the
balance of back pressure and noise output.
The six-speed manual
transmission has been optimised for the enthusiast driver with a shorter gear
lever and revised mechanism to deliver faster and more accurate shifts. Both
the transmission and the clutch have been upgraded with stronger components to
cope with the engine's increased torque output.
The high-performance
character of the RS is reflected inside the car with heavily-bolstered
partial-leather Recaro sports seats as the centrepiece of the cockpit.
Signature RS Recaro shell seats, with authentic motorsport microfibre fabric
panels, are an option for customers in Europe and Asia.
The interior features
the redesigned Focus control layout with its simpler, more intuitive design.
SYNC connectivity provides access to audio, navigation, climate control and
mobile phones via voice control, and via a high-definition, 8-inch colour
touchscreen. Simple voice commands such as "Find a race track" enable
RS owners to get instant directions to the nearest public circuit. SYNC also
can be specified with Rear View Camera with park distance control, as well as a
Sony premium sound system with 10-speakers including a subwoofer. The RS
driving experience is reinforced by a new flat-bottomed steering wheel with a
soft-feel leather covered rim, alloy foot pedals, and unique instrument
graphics within the main cluster. An additional bank of gauges above the centre
console display turbocharger boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure.
