RE: Ford Focus RS: by the numbers
Discussion
Adam Ansel said:
There are two seat options, the standard ones are OK. The optional buckets were thought to be too high and Ford say they are fixing this.
This is what used to be said about the mk2 ST. I'm only 5'8 so it has never been an issue for me, I found the driving position absolutely fine. Perhaps they are set for the shorter driver and its only an issue if you are 6'4+ ?Adam Ansel said:
Sorry to hear this.
The difference is that XWD is for traction. Whereas the GKN system runs all the vehicle dynamics under software. As the article I linked you to makes clear.
It is a further development of what went on the 918 Spyder and the i8.
In each of the 4 different programs the RS handles completely differently, it isn't just stiffer or looser. Ford could have fitted an infinite number of programs and I am sure that hackers will soon come up with more.
This is why the reviews all say that the RS is a game changer. It has made the opposition technically obsolete overnight.
As this GKN technology improves from car to car it will be very interesting to see what JLR do with the new Disco. They want to retain the off road crown, so they could throw the whole kitchen sink at it.
You might first want to take a look at XWD. The systems are similar in several ways. Open front diff with brake based tq vectoring on FA. Propshaft off the front diff that delivers from 0/x% of torque to the rear based on conditions, slip, input, and (most important) software parameters, and a rear clutch unit to vector tq on the rear axle. The position of the clutch packs differs, but the concept is similar, and both are variable, preemptive systems. The RS'sparty trick is that the rear axle is oversped in this implementation, allowing a small degree of rear bias. The difference is that XWD is for traction. Whereas the GKN system runs all the vehicle dynamics under software. As the article I linked you to makes clear.
It is a further development of what went on the 918 Spyder and the i8.
In each of the 4 different programs the RS handles completely differently, it isn't just stiffer or looser. Ford could have fitted an infinite number of programs and I am sure that hackers will soon come up with more.
This is why the reviews all say that the RS is a game changer. It has made the opposition technically obsolete overnight.
As this GKN technology improves from car to car it will be very interesting to see what JLR do with the new Disco. They want to retain the off road crown, so they could throw the whole kitchen sink at it.
I look forward to seeing the actual performance differences on the track. A nice evolution, but not a quantum leap, and I suspect still behind the EVO despite the hype. There are also much more detailed sources of info. than the TG puff piece you posted.
AER said:
Black S2K said:
IanJ9375 said:
Max_Torque said:
The lack of a DSG transmission must be really hurting the RS's 0-60 time. In gear times should be a lot better!
(and no, this car doesn't have a "proper" transmission. It might be able to torque vector, but it can't Overspeed individual wheels which is what's required for full yaw control (a-la Mitshoewishy Evo)
The rear wheels are oversped and the clutch packs slip to release the difference when not used(and no, this car doesn't have a "proper" transmission. It might be able to torque vector, but it can't Overspeed individual wheels which is what's required for full yaw control (a-la Mitshoewishy Evo)
Just like my Legend does. It's a stunningly good system.
With a fixed overspeed ratio between the front and rear, this would also limit the amount of power that can be transfered to the rear, depending on front wheel traction - again, presumably...
Whatever it is, it looks like a horribly expensive bit of kit!
Edited by AER on Tuesday 19th January 02:03
You are right that they bleed off some/all the rear torque and the Honda SH-AWD is very similar in principle.
My Leg End has an additional clutch/overdrive pack on the nose of the diff too, so it can torque vector back/front too. Making the diff even damned heavier than the GKN one!
Theoretically, it can be one-wheel drive which is great for drifts! But in reality, torque is limited to protect the driveline (and for stability) so there is always some drive to the front wheels.
Thus, you can get most of the same effect and dispense of that extra clutch/overdrive pack. The later Honda (Acuras, actually) have also dispensed with the centre one too. But they do still have proper overdrives on each wheel.
It's quite fun watching the torque display during such antics (it's usually slightly FWD, slightly RWD under deceleration, a lot on the outer wheel on roundabouts) and is unbelievably agile for what ought to be a big, luxurious, FWD-looking barge.
The GKN might not have quite the adjustability (or the weight!), but it ought to be fun.
It feels very solid, it would certainly be a much better car cover distance in. Sometimes I take our Transit rather than my STI if I have to travel more than 100 miles for work! 
I wasn't as confident around the bends, as i would be in the STI, but i guess that could change with exposure.
Although I originally liked the fact that the styling was more conserative on the Mk3, I now think it's noIt't bold enough.
There has been a recall, and, I wonder if it's going to be plagued with technical issues! It's obvious that they had issues which delayed deliveries, and I really don't think the car I drove has 350 BHP!
I wasn't as confident around the bends, as i would be in the STI, but i guess that could change with exposure.
Although I originally liked the fact that the styling was more conserative on the Mk3, I now think it's noIt't bold enough.
There has been a recall, and, I wonder if it's going to be plagued with technical issues! It's obvious that they had issues which delayed deliveries, and I really don't think the car I drove has 350 BHP!
Legacywr said:
It feels very solid, it would certainly be a much better car cover distance in. Sometimes I take our Transit rather than my STI if I have to travel more than 100 miles for work!
I wasn't as confident around the bends, as i would be in the STI, but i guess that could change with exposure.
Although I originally liked the fact that the styling was more conserative on the Mk3, I now think it's noIt't bold enough.
There has been a recall, and, I wonder if it's going to be plagued with technical issues! It's obvious that they had issues which delayed deliveries, and I really don't think the car I drove has 350 BHP!
Interesting, I wonder what they'll dyno at?I wasn't as confident around the bends, as i would be in the STI, but i guess that could change with exposure.
Although I originally liked the fact that the styling was more conserative on the Mk3, I now think it's noIt't bold enough.
There has been a recall, and, I wonder if it's going to be plagued with technical issues! It's obvious that they had issues which delayed deliveries, and I really don't think the car I drove has 350 BHP!
Also, any word on what the recall is for?
Buff Mchugelarge said:
Interesting, I wonder what they'll dyno at?
Also, any word on what the recall is for?
No I don't unfortunately. There is one owner who has stated his car veered to the right durin overtaking another car.Also, any word on what the recall is for?
I have a friend who attended a Ford event in Italy, where they were giving passenger rides in RS on track, and in drift mode, the diff would over heat within 3 to 4 laps, maybe that's to be expected? They also managed to roll a tyre off one of the front wheels too.
Oddly, they were allowing people to drive the V8 Mustang on track, but, not the RS!?
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