Ford reveals 345-horsepower output for new Focus RS [w/video]

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Filed under: Ford (http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/), Hatchback (http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/), Performance (http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/)

http://o.aolcdn.com/dims-shared/dims3/GLOB/crop/1280x721+0+0/resize/800x450!/format/jpg/quality/85/http%3A%2F%2Fo.aolcdn.com%2Fhss%2Fstorage%2Fmidas% 2F609ef5a2896f55226b00260a7980966f%2F202191024%2Ff ord-focus-rs-02-1.jpgOn the eve of its dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Ford Performance has revealed output figures for the new Focus RS, packing 345 horsepower and as much as 347 pound-feet of torque on overboost.Continue reading Ford reveals 345-horsepower output for new Focus RS [w/video] (http://www.autoblog.com/2015/06/25/ford-focus-rs-345-horsepower-video-official/)

Ford reveals 345-horsepower output for new Focus RS [w/video] (http://www.autoblog.com/2015/06/25/ford-focus-rs-345-horsepower-video-official/) originally appeared on Autoblog (http://www.autoblog.com) on Thu, 25 Jun 2015 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds (http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/).



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[Theo]

Wow. That is an RS3 killer.

[clyde]

I moved this thread because I felt like it

And C&D: http://blog.caranddriver.com/ford-focus-rs-horsepower-and-torque-confirmed-you-will-not-be-disappointed/

The Volkswagen Golf R? The Subaru WRX STI? Ford rooster-tails sand in their faces with the announcement that the awesome new Focus RS will make a staggering 345 horsepower from its 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder. The VW packs 292 horsepower, the STI 305.

Ford claimed “more than 315 horsepower” when it first detailed the car in February, and this announcement more than fulfills that promise. The word comes ahead of the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where Ford rally driver and RS development consultant Ken Block will run the all-wheel-drive superhatch up the hill.

Also confirmed: the RS’s torque figure, which comes in at 325 lb-ft between 2000 and 4500 rpm. An overboost function allows for a maximum of 347 lb-ft for up to 15 seconds when the driver’s right foot is buried against the firewall. (For further comparison, the Golf R peaks at 280 lb-ft and the STI at 290.) The EcoBoost’s rev limiter cuts in at 6800 rpm.

[JST]

It's impressive. Can't wait to see the reviews.

[JST]

From the replies to the C/D post:


Ford continues to offer more models with manual transmission only. This at a time when fewer and fewer people want a manual or can drive one. Manuals now tend to get less mpg and speed than the best automatics, but what the heck? It is a manual, when manuals are mostly being eliminated! Plus, it will naturally limit the numbers/ensure exclusivity of this special model. If Ford ever wants to increase its sales, they will add a DSG option or 8/9/10 speed automatic.


http://img.pandawhale.com/post-11150-Grumpy-Cat-GOOD-and-NO-memes-pGrc.jpeg

[Jeff_DML]

I want more info on this drift mode setting. Basically whether is is using the diffs to overpower one of the wheels or just moving most of the power to rear.

edit:

http://blog.caranddriver.com/thank-you-for-smoking-ford-explains-the-focus-rss-drift-mode/

“It works in conjunction with the ESC system,” explained Hameedi. “It knows how fast the car is yawing and what you’re doing to catch it. The more you stay ahead of the car, the more the system will let you rotate the car. But if the computer sees you falling behind, your steering inputs not keeping up with the yaw rate, then it steps in and rescues you. We’d say it’s an excellent teaching tool to help develop your skills—it works with you, not against you.”

[lupinsea]

This is quite, quite cool. I love the idea of a (nominally) American manufacturer (particularly Ford as I do have a soft spot for them) producing something like this: High powered, AWD hot hatch.

My personal issues are price. Always will be. Well, price and driving characteristics. I don't track car, never been on a road course, and don't autocross anymore. It's hard to picture me getting into motorsports like that at this point. So . . . as awesome as all the power is it would be a waste for someone in my situation. I'd love to see a Ford warm-hatch w/ AWD. Basically an FoST w/ AWD. Something more accessible but with enough scoot to have fun and be accessible on public roads.

In my world there is a preference for used cars to avoid big depreciation loss. However, why do I think a car like this will be pretty beat up once it's a few years used?

In any case, awesome job, Ford! I hope it's a massive success because I like this direction.

Oh, and please install the AWD system in the FoST.

[clyde]

My personal issues are price.

Before even considering price, my big issue is seeing the inside rear lifting in the Ken Block videos a few months ago. Seeing that just left me so cold.

However, why do I think a car like this will be pretty beat up once it's a few years used?

A few years used is probably going to be a single owner. If the online FoST community is an indication, the 40+ portion of owners/primary drivers is pretty sizable. I suspect that will be more pronounced for the FoRS with the higher cost of entry. It's the few years after that they'll get beat to shit. I'd think the cost/abused curve fall somwhere between the E46 M3 and similar year STis and Evos. Single owner, adult driven cars 3-5 years old shouldn't be too bad. Third, fourth, fifth owner at 7 or 8 years? Watch out.