When the 2016 Ford Focus RS was first unveiled, the automaker kept its cards to its chest, only saying the car had “well in excess of 315 horsepower.” We now know Ford has lived up to their promise, confirming the hot hatchback will produce a significant 345 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque from its 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
For comparison’s sake, the Focus RS out powers the Subaru WRX STI by 40 horsepower and Golf R by 53 horsepower. When combined with Ford’s Dynamic Torque Vectoring system, which can send up to 70 percent of the car’s power to the front or rear wheels at any given time, the power on offer should make for no shortage of thrills behind the wheel.
The good news doesn’t stop there. For short periods of time, the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine will be able to churn out up to 347 lb-ft of torque for 15 seconds when operating in overboost under heavy acceleration. Ford says max torque is available from 2,000 and 4,500 RPM, with the fuel cut off mark set at 6,800 RPM.
“This very special 2.3-litre EcoBoost unit will inspire drivers as they feel the surge of the turbo, and reward them as they take it to the red line – all delivered with a visceral sound guaranteed to put a smile on your face,” said global director of Ford Performance, Dave Pericak.
The 2016 Focus RS is at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in Chichester, UK this weekend, where Ford will demonstrate the performance of the new hatchback for the first time ever. Ken Block of Global Rallycross and Gymkhana fame will be on hand to race the car up the hill, which is fitting, seeing as he’s already familiarized himself with the car’s capabilities.
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