The new Ford Focus RS represents a new level of performance hatchback for the US. In market that is completely dominated by the Subaru WRX STI, the Focus RS arrives with more speed, more power, and a lot more performance. Just how fast is this new ultra-hot hatch? Ford just dropped the details.
The engine in the Focus RS is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, similar to the one found in the new Mustang, but power has been bumped up to 350 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. That gives the Focus RS an advantage of 45 hp and 60 lb-ft over the most powerful STI available in the States. As for raw performance numbers, Ford is claiming a 0-60 run of just 4.7 seconds, and a top speed of 165 mph.
Making sure all that power hits the ground, the RS does come with a performance oriented AWD system that includes driver selectable torque variations, and includes a “drift mode” for tail-happy action. This is easily the fastest Focus Ford has ever produced for the US market, and I think it will quickly become the new benchmark for the AWD enthusiast crowd.
Subaru, you have been put on notice.
