FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 16, 2015 – Ford Motor Company announced today at the Frankfurt Motor Show that the all-new Focus RS will sprint from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.7 seconds, making the high-performance hatchback the fastest accelerating RS model ever – as demonstrated in this new video.
The Focus RS will reach a top speed of 266 km/h (165 mph) powered by a specially engineered version of Ford’s new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine delivering maximum power output of 350 PS.
Ford also today announced the Focus RS is now available to order with prices in Germany starting from €39,000.
The all-new Focus RS optimises acceleration by introducing Launch Control technology to a Ford RS model for the first time. The model also debuts new Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring, for outstanding traction and grip with unmatched agility and cornering speed.
The Focus RS is joined on display in Frankfurt by the full Ford Performance line-up for Europe, including the all-new Ford GT ultra-high-performance supercar, Focus ST wagon and 5-door models, and the multi-award-winning Fiesta ST.
“All-new Focus RS hits 100 kilometres per hour in 4.7 seconds – and that’s about the time it will take customers to decide they want one after getting behind the wheel,” said Juergen Gagstatter, chief program engineer for Focus RS. “This car delivers ground-breaking technology with stunning handling and performance, all for a price which must give our premium competitors sleepless nights.”
The Focus RS Launch Control system configures the vehicle’s chassis and powertrain systems to deliver the fastest possible acceleration, whatever the track conditions. The driver selects Launch Control from the cluster menu, engages first gear, applies full throttle and then releases the clutch. The system then delivers optimum drive – including distributing torque through the AWD system, maintaining maximum torque using turbo overboost function, managing the traction control system, and setting the dampers.
To achieve maximum acceleration through the gears, a performance shift light in the instrument cluster alerts the driver when approaching the optimum upshift point of 5,900 rpm, and flashes if the engine hits the limit of 6,800 rpm.
The Ford Performance AWD system uses twin electronically-controlled clutch packs to manage the car’s front/rear torque split, and also can control the side-to-side torque distribution on the rear axle – delivering the “torque vectoring” capability, which has a dramatic impact on handling and cornering stability.
The AWD system monitors inputs from multiple vehicle sensors 100 times per second. To deliver optimum driving dynamics, Ford Performance AWD was calibrated alongside the car’s advanced Electronic Stability Control, in particular the brake-based Torque Vectoring Control system that works in parallel with the torque-vectoring AWD.
Focus RS drivers can select four different Drive Modes that configure the AWD system, damper controls, Electronic Stability Control, steering and engine responses, and exhaust sound to deliver optimum performance in road or circuit driving conditions. Normal, Sport or Track settings are available, alongside a special Drift Mode to help the driver achieve controlled oversteer drifts under circuit conditions.
The new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine for the all-new Focus RS shares its fundamental structure with the all-aluminium four-cylinder engine in the all-new Ford Mustang and is significantly upgraded for the Focus RS to deliver 10 per cent more power. The engine features a new low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger with larger compressor, enhanced air intake design, and a large-bore high performance exhaust system.
Maximum torque of 440 Nm is delivered between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm, with 470 Nm available for up to 15 seconds on transient overboost during hard acceleration.
Developed by a team of Ford Performance engineers in Europe and the U.S., the all-new Focus RS is the third generation of Focus RS cars, following models launched in 2002 and 2009.
The Ford Performance organisation serves as an innovation laboratory and test bed to create unique performance vehicles, parts, accessories and experiences for customers. This includes developing innovations and technologies in aerodynamics, light-weighting, electronics, powertrain performance and fuel efficiency that can be applied more broadly to Ford’s product portfolio.
The 30th car to wear the legendary RS badge, the Focus RS will be built in Saarlouis, Germany, and is one of 12 new performance vehicles Ford will bring to customers globally through 2020 as part of a new era of Ford performance. Ford expects delivery to European customers from early 2016.
Further details about the all-new Ford Focus RS are available via the online press kit.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 195,000 employees and 66 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.
Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 53,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and approximately 67,000 people when joint ventures and unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 23 manufacturing facilities (15 wholly owned or consolidated joint venture facilities and 8 unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.
