2016 Ford Focus RS Spied With New Fascia, Could Be Powered By Mustang Engine

October 23, 2014 12:00 pm

The growing compact hatch segment is going to get a new toy in the form of a 2016 Ford Focus RS. If the rumors are right, it will be powered by the same 2.3L, 310 HP EcoBoost engine in the 2015 Mustang. In other words, it could be the most amazingly fast and fun compact hatch ever.

New spy photos from Autoblog reveal Ford Focus RS engineers are working on a different front bumper and a lower spoiler. These additions are on top of the unique exhaust layout with two wide-set outlets.

The new Ford Focus RS is basically a sport-tuned version of the 252 HP Focus ST. It will have the larger engine, better aerodynamics and, most likely, a sport-tuned suspension. There is also talk that it may come with an advanced all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring on both axles.

While current spy photos don’t reveal enough to confirm the new drivetrain, Ford may offer both a front-wheel drive and an AWD setup. This would provide customers with a potentially more powerful AWD option.

By Tim Esterdahl

Tim is a married father of three living in Western Nebraska. He spends a lot of time reading, writing and talking cars/trucks with fans, insiders and manufacture reps. When he isn't talking about cars, he is usually out playing golf - a never ending obsession to see how far the little white ball will fly.