2016 Ford Focus RS sprints from 0-62 mph in 4.7 seconds, has a 165 mph top speed

Article by Christian A., on September 16, 2015

Meet Ford’s fastest-accelerating RS model yet – the 2016 Ford Focus RS. The Focus RS is powered by an engineered version of the carmaker’s new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that develops 350 hp of output and 350 lb.-ft. of torque, allowing the high-performance hatchback to accelerate from zero to 62 mph in just 4.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 165 mph.

The sprinting power of the new Focus RS is thanks to the installation of a launch control technology. This launch control feature configures the vehicle’s chassis and powertrain systems to allow the car to achieve the fastest possible acceleration.

A driver just has to choose launch control from the cluster menu, then engage the first gear, apply full throttle and then release the clutch. A driver will have to leave the rest to launch control, which boasts of functions that include distribution of torque through the all-wheel-drive system and maintenance of maximum torque through the turbo overboost function.

Other launch control functions include managing traction control and setting up the dampers. Interestingly, launch control helps the driver achieve maximum acceleration by lighting up the performance shift light in the instrument cluster when the engine is nearing the optimum upshift point of 5,900 rpm.

The shift light then flashes if the engine strikes the 6,800-rpm limit. On the other hand, the new Focus RS is the first Ford vehicle to be blessed with new Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring, which promises superb traction and grip, remarkable agility and cornering speed.

This system utilizes twin electronically controlled clutch packs to manage the front/rear torque split. This system also has the ability to control side-to-side torque distribution on the rear axle, thereby delivering a torque vectoring capability that supports handling and cornering stability.

Additionally, the all-wheel-drive system takes note of inputs from multiple sensors on the vehicle at a rate of 100 times per second. Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive was attuned with the car’s Torque Vectoring Control for optimal driving dynamics.

Customers can choose from four different drive modes – normal, sport or track and drift -- all presenting different configurations of the all-wheel-drive system, electronic stability control, damper controls and steering and engine responses, as well as exhaust sound.

When the Focus RS in on the special drift mode, controlled oversteer drifts can be performed. With regards to the car’s powertrain, its 2.3-liter EcoBoost features a fundamental structure present in the aluminum four-cylinder EcoBoost engine that powers the new Ford Mustang.

This 2.3-liter EcoBoost has been upgraded to churn out 10-percent more power, thanks to a new low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger with larger compressor, a large-bore high-performance exhaust and an improved enhanced air intake design.

MY2016 Ford Focus RS is the third-generation Focus RS and is developed by Ford Performance in Europe and the United States. It is the 30th car given the privilege to carry the RS badge and is one of 12 new performance vehicles that Ford will present around the world through the end of the decade.

Ford will start North American delivery of the Ford RS – with a starting price of $36,605 – in the spring of 2016. Dave Pericak, director at Ford Performance, remarked that the Focus RS promises to deliver superb performance and innovative technology at a price that will attract enthusiast consumers.

Ford Performance is a unit of Ford that serves both as laboratory and test center for creating performance vehicles, parts and accessories. Ford Performance has been a source for innovations found in Ford vehicles like those involving aerodynamics, electronics, light-weighting, fuel efficiency and powertrain performance.

Press Release

FORD'S ALL-NEW FOCUS RS SPRINTS TO 62 MPH IN 4.7 SECONDS AND HITS 165 MPH

Ford Motor Company’s all-new Focus RS will sprint from 0-62 mph in 4.7 seconds – making the high-performance hatchback the fastest-accelerating RS model yet.

Focus RS – powered by a specially engineered version of Ford’s new 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine producing projected 350 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque – will reach a top speed of 165 mph.

For North America, Focus RS pricing will start at $36,605.

The all-new 2016 Focus RS optimizes acceleration by introducing launch control technology to a Ford RS model for the first time. Focus RS also debuts new Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring – for outstanding traction and grip with dynamic agility and cornering speed.

“The all-new Focus RS will bring the legendary nameplate to a new generation of global customers for the first time,” said Dave Pericak, director, Ford Performance. “Focus RS delivers stunning performance and innovative technology at a price that will make both enthusiast consumers and premium automakers look twice.”

Focus RS launch control configures the car’s chassis and powertrain systems to deliver the fastest possible acceleration – in various track conditions. The driver selects launch control from the cluster menu, engages first gear, applies full throttle and releases the clutch. The system then delivers optimum drive – including distributing torque through the all-wheel-drive system, maintaining maximum torque using the turbo overboost function, managing traction control and setting the dampers.

To achieve maximum acceleration through the gears, a performance shift light in the instrument cluster alerts the driver when approaching the optimum upshift point of 5,900 rpm, and flashes if the engine hits the 6,800-rpm limit.

Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive uses twin electronically controlled clutch packs to manage the car’s front/rear torque split, and can control side-to-side torque distribution on the rear axle – delivering the torque vectoring capability that produces a dramatic impact on handling and cornering stability.

The all-wheel-drive system monitors inputs from multiple vehicle sensors 100 times per second. To deliver optimum driving dynamics, the system was calibrated alongside the car’s advanced electronic stability control, in particular, its brake-based Torque Vectoring Control that works in parallel with torque vectoring all-wheel drive.

Focus RS drivers can select from four different drive modes that configure the all-wheel-drive system, damper controls, electronic stability control, steering and engine responses, and exhaust sound to deliver optimum performance in road or circuit driving conditions. Normal, sport or track settings are available, along with a special drift mode to help the driver achieve controlled oversteer drifts at the track.

The new 2.3-liter EcoBoost shares its fundamental structure with the all-aluminum four-cylinder EcoBoost in the all-new Ford Mustang. The engine is significantly upgraded to improve power by more than 10 percent. It features a new low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger with larger compressor, enhanced air intake design, and a large-bore high-performance exhaust.

Developed by a team of Ford Performance engineers in Europe and the United States, the all-new Focus RS is the third-generation Focus RS – following models launched in 2002 and 2009.

Ford Performance serves as an innovation laboratory and test bed to create unique performance vehicles, parts, accessories and experiences for customers. The group’s work in aerodynamics, light-weighting, electronics, powertrain performance and fuel efficiency can be applied more broadly across Ford’s product portfolio.

The 30th car to wear the legendary RS badge, Focus RS will be built in Saarlouis, Germany, and is one of 12 new performance vehicles Ford will bring to customers globally through 2020 as part of a new era of Ford performance. Ford expects delivery to North American customers in spring 2016.