Ford Unleashes New Focus RS, American Automaker’s Hatchback Rated At 315 Hp

Ford unleashes its new rally capable Focus RS. According to digitaltrends.com, this new hatchback from the American automaker boasts of a 2.3 four-cylinder Ecoboost engine rated at 315 hp.

Themotorreport.com.au noted that Focus RS will utilize Ford's torque-vectoring AWD system that makes the new hatchback "almost entirely resistant to understeer."

How does it work? The same publication explained that this drivetrain is "able to take up to 70% of torque to the rear axle and direct up to 100 % of that between the left and right wheels." With this, the company claims that "Focus RS can generate in excess of 1G in cornering force." According to autoexpress.co.uk, Focus' new all-wheel drive system is needed to handle its powerful engine.

"Cost didn't come into it. It wasn't a case of engineers vs accountants, but that we wanted to make an affordable performance vehicle with the best technology possible - it needs to be a percentage above an ST. That's what an RS should be about," Raj Nair, Ford Global Product Development vice president told Auto Express. "This way you get great steering response but incredible pull out of the corner - and we can use the torque vectoring to keep the car safe and stable all the way through a bend."

Aside from the classy feature, the Focus RS will include Brembo brakes, a six-speed manual transmission and Recaro seats according to freep.com.

Auto Express reported that Ford promises a new Nitrous Blue paint similar to the Liquid Blue color of the car in the publication's pictures which has been released for the show model only. Ford Focus RS will also come in Ultimate Green finish. Reportedly, Stealth Grey, Absolute Black and Frozen White is also expected to appear.

Complete specifications of the Ford Focus RS will be revealed in its worldwide launch in the upcoming Geneva Motor Show on March.