Ford Focus RS coming with over 316 HP, all-wheel drive

Ford Focus RS' latest model features the turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine found in the 2015 Ford Mustang, at least 316 horsepower, and all-wheel drive. Ford says it hasn't ruled out launching more powerful versions of the latest Ford Focus RS model at a later date. 

Following last night’s leak, we now have official details for the latest generation of the Ford Motor Company’s [NYSE:F] awesome Focus RS. The third-generation model, the first to be confirmed for U.S. sale, features the turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine found in the 2015 Ford Mustang and will have a final output of “more than” 316 horsepower. By comparison, the previous Focus RS delivered as much as 345 horsepower from a turbocharged five-cylinder mill, though Ford hasn’t ruled out launching more powerful versions of this third-gen model at a later date.

This is especially true now that—as predicted—an all-wheel-drive system has been fitted to the car, as opposed to the front-wheel-drive setup of the previous model. This should help separate the new Focus RS from the front-wheel-drive Focus ST, as well as offer performance that’s either on par with, or superior to, Volkswagen’s Golf R. For the front-wheel-drive fanatics, there’s still the Honda Civic Type R to look forward to.

Performance technologies include a pair of electronically controlled clutch packs that work a bit like a limited-slip differential. They uses sensors that monitor conditions 100 times per second to distribute torque—up to 100 percent is possible—continuously between the front and rear axles, and between the left and right sides of the vehicle.

To upgrade the suspension, engineers have installed stiffer spring rates, bushes and anti-roll bars plus a set of adjustable dampers with road and track settings. The wheels measure 19 inches across and come wrapped in either Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35 tires or semi-slick Pilot Sport Cup 2 for track use, and a conventional six-speed manual has been confirmed.

Finally, a carefully tuned electric power-assisted steering system, working in combination with a more rigid front suspension knuckle design and shorter link arms, is said to improve steering response and feedback. U.S. specs will be announced closer to the car’s sales launch.

The differences between the new Focus RS and its predecessor don’t end with the engine and drivetrain. While the last Focus RS came in three-door guise only, the new Focus RS comes as a five-door, which makes sense since Ford doesn’t build a three-door version of its latest Focus compact. The aggressive look of the previous model has carried over, though, and includes gaping intakes up front, chunky side sills, a large rear spoiler, and a rear bumper integrating dual-exhaust tips and a diffuser.

Inside, you’ll find Recaro bucket seats up front, a flat-bottomed steering wheel with leather trim, alloy pedals and a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen with Ford’s Sync interface. An additional bank of gauges above the center console display turbocharger boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure. Four colors have been announced: Nitrous Blue, Stealth Gray, Absolute Black or Frozen White.

And just a final bit of trivia, professional rally driver and star of Gymkhana films Ken Block teamed with Ford as a consultant on development of the new Focus RS.

The car makes its world debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, which gets underway March 3. We should see it in local showrooms later this year or early next, listing as a 2016 model. In the meantime, to see what else will be on show in Geneva next month,head to our dedicated show hub.