2016 Ford Focus RS

Ford will unveil the North American-spec 2016 Focus RS at the New York International Auto Show next week, following the model’s world debut in Geneva earlier this month. 

We still don’t know the official power rating though, as Ford continues to say the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine produces “more than 315 horsepower.” Arriving in US and Canadian dealerships in spring 2016, the new Focus RS is the first RS model that will be produced for all markets at Ford’s Saarlouis plant in Germany.

Besides the mighty turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Focus RS prides itself with the all-wheel drive system with Dynamic Torque Vectoring and a high-performance Brembo braking system. The AWD system continuously varies front-to-rear and side-to-side torque distribution to suit the driving situation. A maximum of 70 percent of the drive torque can be diverted to the rear axle and up to 100 percent of available torque can be sent to each rear wheel, improving handling and cornering stability. Not to mention the drift-mode it also offers.

Other chassis upgrades over the Focus ST include a sport suspension with stiffer spring rates and more efficient bushes and antiroll bars, as well as two-mode switchable dampers, which offer a firmer setting for track use, and specially tuned electric power-assisted steering.

The 2016 Ford Focus RS also comes with 13.78-inch ventilated front discs (up from 13.23 inches on the previous model), which work together with lightweight aluminum four-piston monobloc Brembo calipers painted distinctive RS blue. The car rides on high-performance 235/35R-19 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, with available Pilot Sport Cup 2 for improved dynamics at the track.

As for performance and output figures, let’s hope Ford will officially announce them in New York because we’re dying to find out if the rumors are true.