Skip to main content

Here’s how to turn the Ford Focus RS into an even hotter hatch

2016 Ford Focus RS
Image used with permission by copyright holder
With 350 horsepower on tap, the Ford Focus RS is one of the hottest hatchbacks ever produced. That’s not enough for Mountune, so the British tuner is developing at least three performance packages that promise to make the new RS faster, more powerful, and more dynamic to drive.

Fairly mild, the first kit — appropriately called Phase One — includes relatively basic components like new hoses, a bigger intake, and suspension upgrades. The Phase Two kit kicks performance up a notch by adding a high-flow air filter, more durable hoses made out of silicone, an upgraded air recirculation valve, and a remapped ECU.

mountune Mk3 Focus RS - Phase 2 Upgrades

The modifications bump the turbocharged 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine’s output up to 370 horses and 376 pound-feet of torque. The extra grunt allows the RS to hit 62 mph from a stop in 4.5 seconds — about half a second faster than a stock model — though top speed remains pegged at 165 mph. To put that into context, the Mountune-tweaked Focus RS is about as fast to 62 mph as a base Porsche 911.

Recommended Videos

The Phase Three kit is currently being developed, so we’ll have to wait a few more months to find out what it consists of. In the meantime, Mountune offers a large catalog of aftermarket performance parts that includes a specific spoiler, alloy wheels, a bigger intercooler, and a quick-shift device. These add-ons are designed to complement the performance kits.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

Read more: Hennessey celebrates 25 years with a Ford Mustang that hunts Hellcats

All three tuning kits were developed jointly by Mountune and Ford Performance, the Blue Oval’s racing arm. That means they can be installed by any authorized dealership and, unlike many other kits, they don’t void the RS’s factory warranty. There’s better news: Mountune has confirmed on its official website that the performance packages will be available in the United States, though pricing and a release date haven’t been announced yet.

Ronan Glon
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…
Faraday Future could unveil lowest-priced EV yet at CES 2025
Faraday Future FF 91

Given existing tariffs and what’s in store from the Trump administration, you’d be forgiven for thinking the global race toward lower electric vehicle (EV) prices will not reach U.S. shores in 2025.

After all, Chinese manufacturers, who sell the least expensive EVs globally, have shelved plans to enter the U.S. market after 100% tariffs were imposed on China-made EVs in September.

Read more
Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs. Tesla Model Y: Does electric SUV beat the bestselling EV?
Hyundai Ioniq 9 driving

The long-awaited Hyundai Ioniq 9 is finally on the way, after months of waiting for what many hope will be a  true competitor to the Kia EV9. The electric SUV is likely to be one of the go-to options for those who want a larger EV at a lower price than the likes of the Rivian R1S. But, while it's larger than the Tesla Model Y, it's also likely to be a little more expensive.

The two vehicles are a bit different when it comes to things like performance, range, and charging. Is the Hyundai Ioniq 9 worth the extra cash, or should you go for the cheaper, yet smaller car? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The overall designs of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Tesla Model Y are pretty different, and that may be enough to sway your buying decision. The Ioniq 9 is a true SUV; it's big and boxy, and while it looks a little sleeker than some SUVs thanks to its curved roofline, it's clearly larger than the Tesla Model Y. At the front of the Ioniq 9 is a long light bar separated into pixel-like blocks that helps give the vehicle a unique design motif. At the rear of the Ioniq 9, you'll also find pixel lights curving around the sides and top of the trunk. The Ioniq 9 measures 199.2 inches long, 78 inches wide, and 70.5 inches high.

Read more
Volvo EX90 vs Tesla Model Y: Is Tesla’s cheaper EV also better?
2025 Volvo EX90 front quarter view.

The Volvo EX90 is finally here. The all-electric Volvo SUV was first unveiled a few years ago, but after some delays, the sleek Scandinavian vehicle is now available for order. As an electric SUV, it will go up against the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9. However, it will also have to compete with the most popular electric vehicle out there: the Tesla Model Y.

There are some clear differences between the two vehicles. While the Volvo EX90 is noticeably larger, the Tesla Model Y is significantly cheaper. Should you spend the extra cash for Volvo’s electric SUV, or should you opt for the Tesla?
Design
Perhaps the most obvious difference between the two vehicles lies in their design. The EX90 is more of a traditional SUV, featuring a big, boxy build that’s larger than the arguably crossover-sized Tesla Model Y. Beyond basic dimensions, however, there are plenty of other design differences. For instance, the Volvo EX90 has a more traditional appearance compared to the Model Y, which, despite being on the market for some time, remains relatively unique when compared to vehicles from other manufacturers. That’s not to say the EX90 looks dated — on the contrary, it’s sleek and stylish, showcasing Volvo’s signature design.

Read more