Ford has unveiled the Focus RS Forza Motorsport
Edition, a hot-hatch featuring an exterior designed by players of the Forza
Motorsport racing game.
Though its name suggests a special-edition series,
the Forza Motorsport Edition is actually a one-off model showcased at a special
Microsoft event ahead of the 2015 Gamescom in Cologne, Germany. The unique
hot-hatch was introduced by The Stig from BBC’s Top Gear, who will also be
featured in the new Forza Motorsport 6.
Not surprisingly, the Forza Motorsport Edition is
identical to the standard Focus RS as far as shape and exterior features go.
The aggressive body kit, which includes race-inspired bumpers, new side skirts,
a revised front grille, and a large tailgate wing, as well as the lightweight
wheels and the RS badges are all there. However, there’s the special livery
that helps this hot-hatch stand out in a pack of RS models.
Given there are no photos or details of the hatch’s
interior, it’s safe to assume everything is standard Focus RS stuff. Though a
rally-spec rollcage would go nicely with the livery, it wouldn’t make much of a
difference for Forza 6 gamers flogging their cars while sitting on the couch.
What lurks beneath the Focus RS’ hood is also
somewhat irrelevant to gamers, but the hatch’s drivetrain is way too cool to
skip this section. The Forza Motorsport Edition comes with the same
turbocharged, 2.3-liter, EcoBoost four-cylinder sourced from the 2015 Ford
Mustang and tuned to deliver an impressive 345 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of
torque. Max torque arrives between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm, while an overboost
function delivers up to 347 pound-feet for 15 seconds at a time.
