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by Mircea Panait , 3rd February 2015
The Second Coming of .. the 2016 Ford Focus RS has been finally undressed of its secrets moments ago. At an extremely posh debut event in Cologne, Germany, presented by Ken Block and officials such as Jim Farley and Raj Nair, the newest compact hot hatch on the block was presented to the world.
Without further ado, here are the main details: 2.3-liter four-banger EcoBoost with “at least 320 PS” (315.6 HP, 235.3 kW), “at least 320 lb-ft” (446 Nm), a short-ratio six-speed manual transmission and the All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring system.
The 30th RS-badged Ford ever is a real rocket when compared to the likes of the Audi RS3, Volkswagen Golf R and other uber hot hatches. Furthermore, we’re told that the 2016 Ford Focus RS is going on sale worldwide (US included) early next year, after it makes its “official” debut at the Geneva Motor Show.
As you can see in the photo gallery below, every aesthetic detail has been pushed to the limits of petrolhead imagination: a wider, more aggressive front bumper with unique styling and fog lights, a humongous boot lid spoiler, lowered suspension, super wide side skirts, a rear aerodynamic diffuser that integrates two exhaust pipes on each side and RS badging everywhere.
It’s funny though when you hop inside and the only proper RS-like detail comes in the form of the three gauges slotted on top of the dashboard, right above the SYNC infotainment system’s screen.
So you know what’s what with the All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring system and its tail-happy setup, but a bigger surprise comes in the form of the 6,500 rpm redline and FoMoCo’s preference of a good ol’ stick shift in the detriment of a dual-clutch.
As expected from the Blue Oval’s performance division, the 2016 Ford Focus RS has been equipped with a specially tuned electric power steering system that promises “excellent feel." A unique suspension system keeps things in check on all four corners of the vehicle.
Mind you, better sway bars, stiffer springs and adjustable dampers are mandatory when you vector in that hugely impressive all-wheel drive system. 2016 Ford Focus RS, you're one helluva hot hatchback!
2016 Ford Focus RS Debuts in Cologne, Here Are the Official Details - Video, Photo Gallery - autoevolution
