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Next-Gen Ford Focus RS Could Get the Mustang 2.3L EcoBoost

Less than a month ago, spy photographers gave us our first look at what is believed to be the next-generation Ford Focus RS as it was testing at the Nürburgring, and now Autocar might have some good information as to what that car was packing under the hood.
2016 Ford Focus RS 1 photo
Photo: Automedia
According to the report, the 2016 Ford Focus RS will be powered by a version of the 2.3-liter inline-four that will be used in the 2015 Ford Mustang. While that engine has officially been rated at 310 hp 320 lb-ft, it sounds like the Focus RS could get some extra tuning to around 330 hp and 324 lb-ft.

Aside from the Mustang-sourced engine, it sounds like Ford had considered going with an all-wheel drive platform, but has chosen to stick with front-drive. A six-speed manual gearbox will be the only, and a new limited-slip differential will help keep all that power under control.

These would all come in addition to other Focus RS upgrades like the sport suspension setup and more aggressive exterior styling. What has yet to really be seen though is whether or not Ford finally plans to bring the Focus RS to the U.S. As the muscle cars wars are heating up to epic levels, it would be nice to see some more hot hatch action here in the States. With the 2015 Subaru WRX STI already on the roads and the all-new Volkswagen Golf R coming soon, there would be plenty of competition for another sport compact to join the mix.

With Ford just having introduced the updated 2015 Ford Focus ST at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Autocar guesses that this might be a good spot to launch the 2016 Focus RS. Regardless of where it debuts, we probably won’t see it until 2016.
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