New Focus RS May Go Racing; Ford’s Hatchback Comes In An Engine Like Mustang’s Tailored For Its Own Transverse Motor Layout

Ford has revealed its new Focus RS last week. Powerful as it seems, this new hatchback from the American automaker comes with an engine like that of a Mustang tailored to fit its own transverse motor layout.  

According to caranddriver.com, the Focus RS is powered by 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine that is reportedly expected to rate "well in excess" of 315 horsepower. For reference, the EcoBoost Mustang is rated at 310hp.

The same publication reported that the new Ford Focus RS may go racing. It has been revealed by Jamal Hameedi, Ford's chief of global performance vehicle development, that Focus RS is an "incredible platform to go racing with."

"Awesome cars always go racing," Hameedi added when questioned if the company is planning on racing the Focus RS or not.

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

According to autoexpress.co.uk, this hot hatchback's new all-wheel drive system that "can generate in excess of 1G in cornering force" is needed to handle its powerful engine. Because of this feature, caranddriver.com noted that the new RS will not have the RevoKnuckle front-suspension design.

Aside from the remarkable mechanism, Ford promises a new Nitrous Blue paint similar to the Liquid Blue color of the car in Auto Express' 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.

The Focus RS will come standard with a six-speed manual transmission featuring a drive-mode button that is yet to be expounded by Ford.