This morning Ford posted the official numbers for their hot-hatch rally warrior and they look pretty impressive on paper. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine of the all-new 2016 Ford Focus RS is good for 350 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. This is significantly higher than the initial estimates of 315 horsepower. Peak horsepower is certified at 6,000 rpm all the way to the engine’s 6,800 rpm redline.
The incredible output of the Focus RS engine comes from a low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger with a larger compressor wheel that delivers more airflow and power throughout the rev range. The turbo makes peak boost at 23.2 psi.
A larger intercooler maximizes turbo performance delivering air through a low-restriction intake manifold. The system has an electronically controlled valve that optimizes back pressure and exhaust volume level. A larger radiator than what a normal Focus uses adds to the cooling quotient.
Because the Focus RS is only available with a manual transmission, the all-wheel drive hot-hatch features an innovative idea called Stall Recovery. A function of the start-stop system, the new technology will automatically restart the engine by simply pressing in the clutch after a stall. A perfect idea for those who are bad at driving a stick.
“We knew we wanted to have stop-start technology on the RS. We said, ‘What if [we] went one step further and controlled for engine stall at launch using the same technology?’ So that’s what we did and it’s just as fast as our stop-start technology,” Focus RS engineering and vehicle manager Tyrone Johnson said.
Developed by a small team of Ford Performance engineers in Europe and the United States, the 2016 Focus RS is the 30th car globally to wear the vaunted RS badge, joining such legendary models as the 1970 Escort RS1600, the 1984 mid-engine RS200 Group B rally car, 1985 Sierra RS Cosworth and 1992 Escort RS Cosworth.
Production of Focus RS with 2.3-liter EcoBoost begins later this year.
Check out this Everything You Want To Know video.
