2012 Ford Focus in Houston, TX - $5,991

The all-new Ford Focus RS introduces advanced performance technologies for the ultimate hot hatch experience. The new Ford performance hatchback pioneers innovative Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring, industry-first drift mode and additional drive modes for thrilling performance and unbridled driving enjoyment for enthusiasts in North America for the first time.

The third-generation high-performance hatch features a high output 2.3L EcoBoost® four-cylinder engine along with the most powerful Ford RS braking system ever. Its dramatic exterior design offers optimized aerodynamics and cooling, with nine percent less drag over the previous model. Torque is delivered to the wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox that has been optimized for the enthusiast driver with a shorter gear shift and revised mechanism to deliver faster, more accurate shifts. Both transmission and clutch are upgraded with stronger components to cope with the engine’s increased torque output.

The Focus RS leverages innovative Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring to deliver a new level of handling capability and driver enjoyment – combining outstanding traction with unmatched agility and cornering speed. The system is based on electronically controlled twin clutch packs on each side of the rear-drive unit. The control unit continuously varies front-to-rear and side-to-side torque distribution to suit the driving situation – monitoring inputs from multiple vehicle sensors 100 times per second. A maximum of 70 percent of the drive torque can be diverted to the rear axle. Up to 100 percent of available torque can be sent to each rear wheel delivering the torque-vectoring capability that has a dramatic impact on handling and cornering stability.

In cornering situations, the rear-drive unit pre-emptively diverts torque to the outer rear wheel based on steering wheel angle, lateral acceleration, yaw and speed. This torque transfer has the effect of “driving” the car into a bend – achieving improved turn-in and stability while virtually eliminating understeer. The system is tuned to deliver exceptional grip – with lateral acceleration exceeding 1 g – along with exciting cornering speed and acceleration out of a bend. With neutral and adjustable at-limit handling and the ability to achieve controlled oversteer drifts at the track, Focus RS delivers the ultimate fun-to-drive experience.

To deliver optimum driving dynamics, Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive is calibrated alongside the car’s advanced Electronic Stability Control, in particular, the brake-based torque-vectoring system that works in parallel with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive.

Other exclusive chassis features include a sport suspension with stiffer spring rates and more efficient bushes and antiroll bars than those found in Focus ST, and two-mode switchable dampers, which offer a firmer setting for track use. Specially tuned electric power-assisted steering, in combination with an optimized front suspension knuckle design and shorter link arms delivers connected and responsive steering with outstanding feel.

Ford worked with tire-maker Michelin to develop a choice of high-performance 235/35R-19 tires to complement the driving dynamics Focus RS offers – a standard Pilot Super Sport for everyday use and, for the first time, an optional Pilot Sport Cup 2 for enhanced dynamics at the track.

Inside the passenger cabin, the Focus RS offers advanced performance and driver-assist technologies to help ensure its extreme driving capabilities are accessible and easy to use. The driver can select from four different drive modes to configure the car for optimum performance in road or circuit driving conditions – normal, sport, track and a special drift mode. The high-performance character is reflected in the cockpit, with heavily bolstered, partial-leather Recaro sport seats as the centerpiece. A soft-feel flat-bottomed steering wheel, leather-covered rim, alloy pedals and unique instrument graphics in the main cluster reinforce the performance character. Gauges atop the center console display turbo boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure.

The distinctive blue RS theme is echoed throughout the cabin in the stitching on the seats, steering wheel, floor mats, interior trim, colored graphic on the gear shift and in the RS logo itself on the seats, steering wheel and door scuff plates. The interior features the redesigned Focus control layout, with an eight-inch capacitive touch screen featuring SYNC® 3 voice connectivity for audio, navigation, climate control and mobile phones.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 104.3; overall length: 172.8; width: 71.8; height: 58.0
All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder – 350 hp at 6000 rpm and 350 lbs-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed manual
EPA Fuel Economy: 19 city/25 highway
Cargo capacity: 19.9 cubic feet

Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronic brake assist, traction control, AdvanceTrak with electronic stability control, MyKey owner controls, SYNC3 infotainment system, intelligent access with push button start, blind spot monitor, high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, front fog lamps, hill start assist, rear view camera, tire mobility kit, tire pressure monitoring system, SecuriLock anti-theft system, and alarm system.
Optional safety features include navigation system and cornering lamps.

Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 5-year/60,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2016 Ford Focus RS hatchback starts from $35,900. Destination charges add $875.