Here's Everything We Know About The Ford Focus RS

As was revealed at the launch of the Focus ST, Ford’s new Performance arm is releasing 12 new fast Fords over the next five years, including the ST, the GT, Mustang 350R and F-150 Raptor that have already been developed by this new team. But the one we’ve been eager to find out more about is the Focus RS. We’re in Cologne, Germany, for the car’s official unveiling.

We already know what it’ll look like thanks to a leak, but here’s a little extra information from the preview event:

Engine

The Focus RS runs a 2.3-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, which shares its fundamental structure with the Mustang’s powerplant but has been significantly upgraded to make ‘well in excess of 320bhp.’ The cylinder head is made from an upgraded alloy material capable of withstanding higher temperatures, and is mounted on a stronger head gasket. A new low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger with larger compressor aids has increased output through increased airflow, and a bigger intercooler maximises charge density.

Changes under the hood also include a less restrictive intake manifold, and a tuned soundtrack of burbles and crackles ‘like a true RS’ that comes from a large-bore high-performance exhaust system. An electronically-controlled valve in the rear pipe balances back pressure and noise output.

All-wheel drive

Previous Focus RS models used front-wheel drive to get power to the road, but with the new model all-wheel drive was the only option the engineers considered. This ‘industry-first’ Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive system uses a pair of electronically-controlled clutches, which can send up to 70 per cent of power to the rear and up to 100 per cent to either side, aiding grip accelerating out of corners - it’s capable of over 1G lateral acceleration.

The big news is that the rear axle does not completely decouple, which means this is permanent AWD rather than a front-wheel drive car that can transfer power to the rears when needed.

Track-capable

This is not just a standard Focus with a bunch of spoilers and extra oomph, Ford Performance built the new car to be used on track. With that in mind the Focus RS has increased cooling by creating additional space at the front of the car to house a much larger radiator pack. The transmission and clutch components have been upgraded, with a six-speed manual gearbox with shorter throw (an auto option is unconfirmed). It has been designed around ‘usable’ downforce and cooling that makes a difference on circuit. The aesthetic isn’t as lairy as before, as Ford’s global car policy means the design must appeal in every market.

Pricing hasn’t yet been revealed - we’ll probably find out at the forthcoming Geneva motor show - but first UK availability is expected for early 2016.