The Ford Focus RS has had a moderately successful and interesting run here in the United States, but like many other vehicles, the tricked out version of the Focus was never brought stateside. Long known for it’s rally roots and robust powerplant, coupled with Ford’s full time All Wheel Drive system the Focus RS is an awesome machine for the European Domestic Market (EDM).
With the passing of the Mitsubishi Evolution, the Subaru WRX and Volkswagen Golf R are the current kings of AWD turbocharged goodness here in the US. This past week in Michigan, Ford announced that the Ford Focus RS will be coming stateside to challenge for the throne.
Ford CEO Mark Fields made the announcement, which had long been rumored but met with skepticism by many automotive enthusiasts. To keep up with the STI’s, Evolutions and Golf R’s Ford plans on ditching the Volvo based 2.5 liter 5 cylinder in favor of the 2.3 liter Ecoboost found in the 2015 Mustang.
This engine choice definitely ups the ante and not only continues to build on the Mustang stable of interchangeable parts, but promises to make the 2.3 liter Ecoboost a hot choice for enthusiasts.
The 2.3L GTDI Ecoboost Engine features a compression ratio of 9.5:1 and puts down an impressive 320 ft-lbs @ 3000 RPM while delivering 320hp @ 5500 RPM. Slightly undersquare at a bore and stroke ratio of 87.5 x 94mm, the RS looks like a great candidate for upgraded turbos and increased boost.
Unlike the Ford Mustang’s that share it’s engine however, the Ford Focus RS will not be manufactured in the US, but rather in the Saarlouis Ford Factory in Southwest Germany. This definitely puts a damper on early availability, but also portends to a higher manufacturing standards and perhaps a less watered down version of the Focus RS.
Ford continues to build on the “One Ford” strategy, with the Ford Focus coming to take on all challengers with it’s bigger brother the Mustang. Representing a tremendous combination of performance and style, you can bet that Ford will be looking to add the Focus RS to it’s long lineup of SEMA award winners next year.
What do you think about the new Ford Focus RS? What color would you like yours in? Leave us a comment below and let us know!
