Car enthusiasts are buzzing about the upcoming 2016 Ford Focus, which according to Ford will tout over 315 horsepower and be sold worldwide. The next-generation Focus RS will be released in limited numbers and, unlike its predecessor, is AWD. It’s also the only Focus to have Ford’s new 2.3-liter Ecoboost four-cylinder, which is already available in the Lincoln MKC, and later the 2015 Mustang.
The exact horsepower has yet to be revealed, though some speculated after the 2015 Geneva Motor Show that it would be 345hp, a number discovered by Autoguide after finding the Ford.ie website showing 350 PS (345hp) on the Geneva-related mini-site.
According to Ford spokesman Aaron Miller, it was an oversight/typo. “We are still in testing phases, but we are guaranteeing it will at least be over 315 hp. Our final numbers will come closer to launch,” he told Autoguide.
Although some will fuss over the exact horsepower number, there’s no denying that the 2016 Ford Focus RS has already set the bar high; the horsepower will undoubtedly be higher than comparable models like the Audi RS3 or Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG.
Production for the 2016 Ford Focus will begin later this year. Car enthusiasts are particularly excited to see the new AWD system, which is an entirely fresh system designed for high-demand applications. Unlike the systems in the Fusion, MKZ and Escape, the Focus R5’s new system highlights rear-to-aid handling and utilizes the torque-vectoring front. The system is expected to be included within other near-future vehicles as well.
The vehicle’s specifications still have yet to be released, but what is known is that it packs more power and torque than Mustang’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost, which delivers 310 horsepower and 320-pound feet of torque.
With the new Ford Focus RS, we can certainly expect those numbers to be higher.
The question is – how much higher?
As a hot-hatch that may help mold expectations for the next stream of releases within its niche, there is plenty to be excited about with the 2016 Ford Focus RS. The unique all-wheel-drive system, which has the ability to transfer up to 70% of torque to the rear axle and redirect 100% of that to either rear wheel, to its high-powered 2.3-liter four cylinder engine, this is a car that will be worth the wait.
Car tuning enthusiasts are likely salivating when considering the many possibilities for tuning and parts; the 2.3-liter four cylinder engine has so much potential power to squeeze out of. With high horsepower more than show for anything, because it will certainly have enough horsepower, the engine on its own presents enough power and possibilities to garner excitement.
When the 2016 Ford Focus releases, the hot-hatch should attract attention even in its limited release numbers. With a powerful engine and a spanking new AMD system that features rear-to-aid handling and torque transferring, it’s hard not to understand the anticipation for the Focus RS.
There are several components of the Focus RS that will likely trickle to other applications in Ford’s lineup, another prospect that has fans of Ford excited.
Scott Huntington is a writer, blogger, and car enthusiast. Check out his site, offthethrottle.com, or follow him on Twitter @SMHuntington.
