So now we know what "more than 320hp" really will be for the Ford Focus RS - 350hp, placing it comfortably ahead of the
Honda Civic Type R
VW Golf R
BMW M135i
(326hp), albeit still a little behind the 360hp
A45 AMG
. Interestingly that's identical to the old
Focus RS500
as well; rolling drag race anyone?
Give us a go please. Soon
Ford claims 324lb ft of torque from 2,000-4,500rpm, with a 346lb ft overboost available "for up to 15 seconds on transient overboost during hard acceleration." There isn't yet an rpm figure for peak power but we do know the limiter is at 6,800rpm, with Ford promising "a free-revving top end".
If you watched the Focus RS Time for Tea? the other day you will hopefully have noticed a very, well, rally car sort of noise, all gurgles and pops and menacing intent. Unsurprisingly it's very deliberate: "Ford Performance engineers have tuned the RS to deliver a rewarding and sporty sound character during spirited driving". Breathing is said to have been improved thanks not only to the new high performance exhaust but a revised intake too. Given how reluctant the Mustang Ecoboost with an ostensibly similar engine was to rev it will be fascinating to see how the Focus compares. However, it does also have a new low-inertia turbo, a larger intercooler plus an upgraded cylinder head over the standard Mustang lump so you would have to hope for the best.
As you will most likely be aware by now, the Focus RS will make its dynamic debut at Goodwood this weekend with His Blockness doing the driving. Perfect opportunity to test the Launch Control and the Drift Mode, right? Price and more details as soon as they're available!