Rumors: 2016 Ford Focus RS Coming Stateside with Well Over 300 Horsepower

Sources at Road & Track are reporting that at an event this morning, Ford President and CEO Mark Fields has confirmed that the Focus RS will be sold worldwide. "We have a new Focus RS coming to market, and it’s coming globally," said Fields. While rumors about the super-hot hatch coming stateside have been circulating for some time, we now have confirmation that it’s just a matter of time. Moreover, sources close to R&T shared some additional details on what the RS treatment will entail.

 

According to the insider information, the first big change over previous Focus RS will be an all-new AWD system that will feature torque vectoring and send power to all four corners rather than just the front two. To make that power, Ford will ditch the turbocharged inline 5 of the previous generation RS and instead use a warmed over version of the 2.3-liter twin turbocharged EcoBoost four cylinder mill, currently in use in the 2015 Mustang and the Lincoln MKC.

 

 

The configuration of the powerplant used in the Mustang makes 310 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, and sources say that since the Focus RS will be a limited production model, there’s little concern for the car cannibalizing Mustang sales, so it’s likely the motor will make well over 310 ponies in the RS, with estimates pointing to the 325-350 range.

 

Considering the expense of developing an all-new AWD system and a special iteration of the 2.3-liter motor for a limited production car, we wouldn’t be surprised if the drivetrain of the upcoming Focus RS finds its way into other high performance AWD applications in Ford’s roster shortly after. Keep an eye out for updates as we have them.