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Ford Crashed 28 Focus RS Prototypes During Development, Here’s a Violent Crash Test

Twenty-eight. That’s the number of Focus RS prototypes Ford has crashed during the development process for its hot hatch. Yes, meeting safety requirements all around the world is tougher than you might expect.
2016 Ford Focus RS crash test 1 photo
Photo: screenshot from Youtube
The Blue Oval talks about the ordeal of the 350 hp in the second episode of a documentary that takes us through the birth process of the machine.

The clip takes us through a series of Focus RS moments, with special emphasis being placed on the safety-related shenanigan mentioned above. We get inside the crash test center at Ford’s Cologne facility, where they perform one test per day. That’s right, the team of Blue Oval employees over there is responsible for around 250 controlled crashes per year.

Time to talk about the details of this crash test

Hot hatches can go sideways in a rather entertaining fashion. Heck, the 2016 Focus RS even has a dedicated Drift button. This activates the torque-vectoring rear differential, sending more power to the outside wheel so you can enjoy your slip angles.

The ESP is still waiting around the corner, prepared to take action when necessary, which is the whole point of the Drift mode. But what if, for some reason, the active sideways safety systems of this RS aren’t enough?

Ford answers that question in the video, which, among others, showcases an oblique side pole impact. To be more specific, the Focus hits a two-inch steel pole at 32 km/h (20 mph) and we get to see the detailed results of the crash.

And for those of you who prefer a softer approach, the documentary also talks about the aerodynamics and the interior of the RS machine. As you might expect, Hooner-In-Chief Ken Block is present. However, on this occasion, he doesn't get to punish the machine, talking about the design of the Ford instead.

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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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