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UPDATE: 2016 Ford Focus RS Specifications Leaked Before Debut: More Than 316 BHP

The Brits from AutoCar jumped the embargo and claim that the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder of the 2016 Ford Focus RS was upgraded from the Mustang’s 310 horsepower to “more than 316 BHP”, a value that equates to 320.4 PS or 235.6 kW.
2016 Ford Focus RS 6 photos
Photo: Ford via Evo Magazine
2016 Ford Focus RS2016 Ford Focus RS2016 Ford Focus RS2016 Ford Focus RS2016 Ford Focus RS
The All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring system is said to provide “class-leading corner speed, limit handling and a unique drift capability.” That latter part surely got us excited. Boiled down to its bare minimum, the AWD system comprises of 2 electronically controlled clutches located on each side of the Rear Drive Unit, a gizmo that’s arguably the next best thing after a limited-slip differential.

We’re also told that the RDU sensors can monitor parameters 100 times per second, thus telling the AWD system’s computer to send up to 100 percent of those “more than 316 BHP” to either side of an axle’s wheel. Yep, a single wheel carrying all that grunt is really impressive for a compact hatch. There’s more though...

AutoCar also informs that more than 1G lateral grip is possible, all thanks to the Ford All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring system. The company informs that by diverting torque to the outer wheel during cornering, this driving aid “virtually eliminates understeer” and can “provide neutral and adjustable limit handling and the ability to achieve controlled oversteer drifts at the track.” At the track, riiiight...

Last but not least, we’re told that the uprated 2.3-liter EcoBoost is benefitting from a low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger (nothing new here compared to the Mustang EcoBoost), but with the 2016 Ford Focus RS, this bit of kit adds a bigger compressor to aid the airflow, a larger intercooler and a humongous air intake.

UPDATE: here's what you've been waiting for: "Over 320 PS"

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About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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