Focus RS - the next generation
Ford hints at 350hp through the front wheels and a clever diff to tame it...
Can an active diff tame a more powerful RS?
"You can drop a mechanical diff in as we did with the previous Focus RS ... but an E-diff would take that a step forward in that you can really optimize traction in all situations," he said. The helical Quaife diff in the last RS coped manfully with the 2.5-litre engine's 305hp, but the car still suffered torque steer and, as Urwin says, the system wasn't programmable.
As we learned in our differential masterclass, the problem with passive front LSDs is that the set-up is always a compromise. An active diff would theoretically remove those compromises.
RS Focuses have tried various diff options
Four-wheel drive is also a possibility, but its use is hampered by the fact that the 4WD systems available within Ford are all the front-wheel biased Haldex type. "It's inherently an understeering system," Urwin said. "We would need to do something we could make fun to drive."
They're also heavy, but as he says, in terms of traction they're still superior to a front LSD.
The engine could be a version of the two-litre Ecoboost seen in the Focus ST, but tuned past the 250hp it makes in the 'warm' hatch. As it was pointed out, the same engine in the Radical SR3 SL makes closer to 300 hp. It would require a larger turbo we were told, but this causes problems. "If you size it too large and capable of too much power you lose bottom-end torque and response," said Urwin.
ST is already hot, RS would be more so
It'll also likely to be sold in the States for the first time, which is a good thing because the sheer numbers will bring economies of scale (ie affordability) for initially expensive integration of hardware like an E-diff.
At the end of the interview, Urwin had a question for us: what did we think PHers wanted in the next RS? We attempted to answer, but the best response would be "read the comments." Here's your chance - over to you!
It's just a standard hot-hatch sold to people who care more about outrageous style and hp figures than "slaying giants" on the track or on the road.
However, with all this work (and money) on clever diffs / suspension, would it not just be easier to make the car RWD and be done with it. With all the current 'form over function' designs, would a RWD transmission tunnel really cause that much of a problem?
It's just a standard hot-hatch sold to people who care more about outrageous style and hp figures than "slaying giants" on the track or on the road.
As already said, ruined already due to the 5 door shape.
Wouldn't they be better off waiting for the RHD Mustang with its RWD chassis?
(though I appreciate you said it knowing its obviousness!).Surely the feedback from the last RS would tell Ford that they need to go RWD or 4WD.
exactly my thoughts, FWD and 5 door? 'R'eally 'S'hit idea. Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff