Some eagerly awaited news came from Ford as the upcoming Focus RS made its Goodwood Festival of Speed debut. We were told to expect a power output of over 315 horsepower from the 2.3-liter four cylinder Ecoboost power plant, and today we get the official output: 345 hp.
“We promised enthusiasts a serious driving machine and, with 350 PS under the hood, that is exactly what we will deliver,” said Dave Pericak, global director, Ford Performance. For those keeping track, this is the same engine offered in the current Mustang, which gives it 310 horsepower. The kick in output is thanks in part by a new low-inertia twin-scroll supercharger that increases the air flow. A bigger intercooler maximizes charge density, too, all helped by the large air apertures on the front, increasing engine breathing.
Ford’s goal is to deliver low- to mid-range power, delivering 324 pound-feet of torque between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm. A boost of 346 pound-feet can be mustered out for 15 seconds on transient overboost during hard acceleration. Power goes to all four wheels by way of a beefed-up six-speed manual gearbox. The rally-ready Focus will also feature a dynamic torque vectoring system to improve turn-in stability and reduce understeer.
“This very special 2.3-litre EcoBoost unit will inspire drivers as they feel the surge of the turbo, and reward them as they take it to the red line — all delivered with a visceral sound guaranteed to put a smile on your face,” Pericak said, in regards to the work engineers have done to the exhaust. We’re promised a distinctive, rally car soundtrack, which we’re all for — as long as it doesn’t come through any speakers.
Production of the Focus RS starts late this year, becoming available for European customers in early 2016. We expect pricing and U.S. delivery info (along with time with the car) will come sometime this fall.
