Ford Focus RS goes AWD

Ford has lifted the lid on its upcoming Focus RS performance hatch, confirming it will feature all-wheel drive underpinnings and a power output above 235kW.

The blue oval officially pulled the covers off its new creation in Germany overnight, hours after leaked images revealed the look of the updated hero model on Tuesday.

Developed by a dedicated Ford Performance team including input from rally star Ken Block, the RS will feature all-wheel drive power with torque vectoring technology when it lands in showrooms next year. Power will come courtesy of a 2.3-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine producing "in excess" of 235kW, shared with the EcoBoost Mustang but tailored specifically for the RS.

"The all-new Focus RS is a serious machine with high-performance technology and innovative engineering that sets a new benchmark for driving exhilaration on the road and track," Ford product development vice president Raj Nair said.

The engine will offer more power than the Mustang courtesy of a new twin-scroll turbocharger, a larger intercooler, a less restrictive intake design and bi-modal exhaust system. The work has helped raise the 2.3-litre engine's maximum rev limit to 6800rpm.

As before, the Focus RS will continued to be offered solely with a six-speed manual transmission.

Under the new all-wheel drive layout, a maximum of 70 per cent of drive torque can be diverted to the rear wheels at any one time. Up to 100 per cent of available torque at the rear axle can be sent to each rear wheel. The unit all-wheel drive unit is based on twin electronically-controlled clutch packs on each side of the rear drive unit.

"During cornering, the rear drive unit pre-emptively diverts torque to the outer rear wheel immediately based on inputs such as steering wheel angle, lateral acceleration, yaw and speed. This torque transfer has the effect of "driving" the car into the bend, achieving improved turn-in and stability, and virtually eliminating understeer," Ford explains.

"The AWD system has been tuned to deliver exceptional grip – with lateral acceleration exceeding 1 g – and class-leading cornering speed and acceleration out of a bend. With neutral and adjustable limit handling, and the ability to achieve controlled oversteer drifts at the track; the Focus RS delivers the ultimate fun-to-drive experience."

Under the skin, the RS features sports suspension with stiffened spring rates, bushes and anti roll bars, two-mode switchable dampers and an electric power-assisted steering system. The front suspension features a knuckle design and shorter link arms that purportedly deliver a more responsive steering feel. It will wear unique 19-inch Michelin tyres.

The third-generation Focus RS brings slightly tweaked exterior styling delivering "enhanced aerodynamics and cooling". Chief among the changes are a more aerodynamic front splitter, rear spoiler and new underbody features.

Standard Bi-Xenon headlamps will offer adaptive lighting, while dual exhaust outlets will feature prominently at the rear.

Inside, the RS will feature heavily-bolstered Recaro sports seats dressed in partial leather. An eight-inch colour screen resides at the top of a minimalist new instrument cluster housing functions including the Sony sound system with 10 speakers (including a sub-woofer). A flat bottomed steering wheel and cluster of performance gauges punctuate the racey interior styling.

Production of the updated RS will commence at Ford's Saarlouis, Germany manufacturing plant from late this year, ahead of its planned roll out to Australia next year.

A Ford Australia spokesman confirmed the new model was destined for local showrooms, but wouldn't specify when.