Photo: Ford / autoevolution
The Focus RS is a real man’s car in every way. It’s imposing, quite heavy and while it may handle well, it still suffers from a bit of torque steer, as well as the inherent disadvantages of weighing 1,458 kg. Now while we may have heard earlier rumors that the next Focus RS would be a hybrid with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine powering the front wheels, while an electric motor would power the rear wheels, it appears that Ford has dropped the idea.
Now, according to pistonheads.com, the Blue Oval is considering using either the 2.0-liter unit currently fitted to the Focus ST, which they would tune to get more power out of, or the 2.3-liter turbocharged unit with 350 hp, which is set to power the basic version of the upcoming all-new Mustang.
Also, in an effort to completely eliminate torque steer, while also adding more power, Ford is thinking of giving up on the mechanical limited-slip diff, used on the last Focus RS, in favor of an E-diff, which could be programmed to offer far superior results. A conventional all-wheel drive system is also out of the question, as all of the ones which are used by Ford are front-biased Haldex systems, which would not be fun to drive, while also adding unnecessary weight.
If they were to make it four-wheel drive, a new system would have to be developed specifically for it, but this is highly unlikely. Also, since the current Focus is not available as a two-door, the RS will probably be a five-door hatch, just like the current ST, which may aid with practicality, but some people just want two doors, as a statement more than anything else...
Also, in an effort to completely eliminate torque steer, while also adding more power, Ford is thinking of giving up on the mechanical limited-slip diff, used on the last Focus RS, in favor of an E-diff, which could be programmed to offer far superior results. A conventional all-wheel drive system is also out of the question, as all of the ones which are used by Ford are front-biased Haldex systems, which would not be fun to drive, while also adding unnecessary weight.
If they were to make it four-wheel drive, a new system would have to be developed specifically for it, but this is highly unlikely. Also, since the current Focus is not available as a two-door, the RS will probably be a five-door hatch, just like the current ST, which may aid with practicality, but some people just want two doors, as a statement more than anything else...
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