Photo: image edited by autoevolution
We’ve given you quite the fair share of Ford Focus RS spy videos and photos lately and while this has allowed us to talk about most of the mad hatch’s features, we used to be uncertain about the model’s US visa. The Blue Oval hasn’t made any official announcement yet, but a report that just came in shows the RS badge will finally make its Stateside.
Yes, the third-generation Focus RS is apparently coming to the US, with thetruthaboutcars reporting the info was confirmed by two Ford sources.
The ways of the One Ford globalization strategy are not as simple as they may seem and it appears that the Focus RS will have to be imported to America. Apparently, Ford’s Michigan site, which brings the normal Focus to life, can’t handle the RS.
Speaking of American things, the Focus RS will borrow the Mustang EcoBoost’s 2.3-liter turbocharged four, which is expected to by massaged a little bit further than in the case of the pony car, where it delivers 310 hp and 320 lb-ft.
Given all this, we’ll take the AWD mention of the report with a grain of clutch.
Nonetheless, the closest competitor of the upcoming Ford is Volkswagen’s Golf R, which does use all four wheels to put its 292 hp to the road. The nutty Vee Dub will arrive “for the 2015 model year”, while Ford is expected to release the Focus RS sometime next year, as a 2016 model.
By the way, unlike US-Spec Golf R32 or Golf R models, the Golf 7 R will come with electronic stability controlled that can be switched off, so prepare to see plenty of sideways battles between these two insane hatches. Subaru drivers will probably join the party too.
The ways of the One Ford globalization strategy are not as simple as they may seem and it appears that the Focus RS will have to be imported to America. Apparently, Ford’s Michigan site, which brings the normal Focus to life, can’t handle the RS.
Speaking of American things, the Focus RS will borrow the Mustang EcoBoost’s 2.3-liter turbocharged four, which is expected to by massaged a little bit further than in the case of the pony car, where it delivers 310 hp and 320 lb-ft.
FWD or AWD?
Our spy videos, which show the Focus RS furiously lapping the Nurburgring, offer hints of front-wheel drive, which would only mean Ford wants to stick to the previous generations’ recipe. In fact, the Blue Oval opened up on this topic a few years ago, explaining they could make the RS and AWD machine, but the move wouldn’t make financial sense.Given all this, we’ll take the AWD mention of the report with a grain of clutch.
Nonetheless, the closest competitor of the upcoming Ford is Volkswagen’s Golf R, which does use all four wheels to put its 292 hp to the road. The nutty Vee Dub will arrive “for the 2015 model year”, while Ford is expected to release the Focus RS sometime next year, as a 2016 model.
By the way, unlike US-Spec Golf R32 or Golf R models, the Golf 7 R will come with electronic stability controlled that can be switched off, so prepare to see plenty of sideways battles between these two insane hatches. Subaru drivers will probably join the party too.
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