Ford Introduces Powerful, Innovative New Focus RS to China

• New Ford Focus RS brings RS badge and technology to China for the first time, delivering the ultimate fun-to-drive experience
• Focus RS pioneers innovative Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring for class-leading cornering speed and handling
• First RS model with selectable drive modes, including industry-first drift mode and launch control
• Features specially calibrated 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine producing more than 320 PS
• Focus RS is the latest vehicle in Ford’s plan to introduce 12 performance vehicles globally through 2020

SHANGHAI -- April 20, 2015: The new Ford Focus RS made its China debut today at Auto Shanghai 2015, bringing the latest in a long line of Ford performance vehicles to the world’s largest auto market for the first time.

The Focus RS introduces advanced performance technologies, including innovative Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive, and delivers class-leading cornering speed. It is also the first Focus RS to be equipped with selectable drive modes, including industry-first drift mode, as well as launch control. Powered by a new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, delivering more than 320 PS and featuring the most powerful RS braking system ever, the Focus RS is designed to offer a hugely rewarding driving experience.

“The new Focus RS delivers performance without compromise,” said John Lawler, chairman and CEO, Ford China. “It’s a perfect example of our passion for performance, technical innovation, quality engineering, and our dedication to going further in everything we do.”

Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive for unmatched handling
The new Focus RS takes advantage of innovative Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring, which helps to maximize handling and driver enjoyment by combining outstanding traction and grip with unmatched agility and cornering speed.

Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive is based on twin electronically controlled clutch packs on each side of the rear-drive unit. These manage the car’s front/rear torque split, and can control side-to-side torque distribution on the rear axle. The control unit in the rear-drive unit monitors various vehicle inputs 100 times per second and uses the information to continuously vary the front/rear and side-to-side torque distribution to suit the driving situation. Up to 70 percent of the drive torque can be diverted to the rear axle, and 100 percent of the torque available at the rear axle can be sent to each rear wheel. This has a dramatic impact on handling and cornering stability.

When cornering, the rear-drive unit pre-emptively diverts torque to the outer rear wheel based on inputs such as steering wheel angle, lateral acceleration, yaw and speed. This torque transfer has the effect of “driving” the car into a bend – improving stability while virtually eliminating understeer.

The system is tuned to deliver exceptional grip with 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, Focus RS delivers the ultimate fun-to-drive experience.

“The all-wheel drive system is truly innovative technology that delivers incredible cornering and handling abilities,” said Trevor Worthington, vice president, Product Development, Ford Asia Pacific. “Our Ford Performance engineers have created a car that’s agile, responsive and incredibly rewarding to drive.”

To optimize driving dynamics, Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive has been calibrated alongside the car’s advanced Electronic Stability Control, particularly the brake-based torque-vectoring system that works in parallel with the 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 driving. A finely tuned Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system, in combination with an optimized front suspension knuckle design and shorter steering link arms, delivers connected and responsive steering with outstanding feel – all while delivering fuel efficiency improvements over a traditional power steering system.

A partnership between Ford and Michelin developed a choice of high-performance 235/35R-19 tires to complement the Focus RS. These include a standard Pilot Super Sport for everyday use, and an optional Pilot Sport Cup 2 for improved performance on the track, a first for an RS.

Even the car’s exterior design has been developed to support the engineers’ dynamic objectives. The front splitter, rear spoiler and underbody have been optimized to improve aerodynamics and eliminate lift forces, and the final design delivers balanced performance with zero-lift front and rear, for optimum high-speed handling and stability.

Advanced performance technologies
The new Focus RS offers advanced performance and driver-assist technologies to help drivers stay in control and ensure its extreme driving capabilities are easy to use.

Drivers can now select from four different drive modes to configure the car for optimum performance both on the road and on the track – normal, sport, track or a special drift mode, which features specially developed calibration for all-wheel drive that modifies torque distribution to help the driver achieve controlled oversteer drifts under circuit conditions.

These modes are selected using a switch alongside the gear lever and feature specific settings for the all-wheel-drive system, damper controls, Electronic Stability Control, steering and engine response, and exhaust sound.

For ultimate performance off the line, launch control configures the car’s chassis and powertrain systems to deliver the fastest possible acceleration. The driver selects launch control from the cluster menu, engages first gear, applies full throttle and then releases the clutch. The car then distributes torque through the all-wheel-drive system, maintaining maximum torque using the turbo overboost function, managing traction control and setting the dampers.

To optimize gear shifting, a performance shift light in the instrument cluster alerts the driver when the optimum upshift point of 5,900 rpm approaches, flashing if the engine hits the limit of 6,800 rpm.

For enhanced braking performance in hard track driving, the all-new Focus RS features 13.78-inch ventilated front discs. Lightweight aluminum Brembo four-piston monobloc calipers are painted in distinctive RS blue with a Brembo logo available. Brake cooling is maximized with dedicated cooling ducts fed from the front fascia, twin “jet tunnels” in the underbody and airflow guides on the lower suspension arms. The front discs feature aerodynamically optimized ventilation fins for enhanced cooling.

Unique powertrain for high performance
Projected to deliver more than 320 PS, the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine for the all-new Focus RS shares its basic structure with the four-cylinder engine in the new Mustang. This engine, however, is significantly upgraded through a comprehensive package of design changes.

Increased output is generated by a new low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger with a larger compressor that delivers significantly greater airflow, along with a much bigger intercooler to maximize charge density. Engine breathing is maximized through a less restrictive intake design, and a large-bore high-performance exhaust system with an electronically controlled valve in the tailpipe that helps to optimize the balance of back pressure and noise output.

A number of other changes have been made to the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine in order to elevate it to the performance level demanded by the RS badge.

• The cylinder head is produced from an upgraded alloy material capable of withstanding higher temperatures, and is mounted on a more robust head gasket with improved thermal capability
• Engine cooling was a high priority for the team of engineers. Additional space within the front of the vehicle houses the biggest radiator pack ever fitted to a Focus for the level of cooling demanded for hard circuit use
• Meticulous calibration ensures the power unit delivers excellent low-end responsiveness with a powerful mid-range pull, climbing to a free-revving top end and up to a maximum rev limit of 6,800 rpm
• To complement the inspiring performance levels, Ford Performance engineers have tuned the RS to deliver a rewarding and sporty sound, with the distinctive burbles and pops that are an RS signature
• The six-speed manual transmission has been optimized for the enthusiast driver with a shorter gear lever 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

With its high-efficiency EcoBoost design featuring direct fuel injection, twin independent variable camshaft timing and advanced turbocharging, the engine also delivers impressive fuel economy. The addition of Auto Start-Stop helps to further reduce CO2 emissions and increase fuel efficiency.

High-performance design for stunning looks with optimum function
The dramatic exterior of the Focus RS is the ultimate marriage of function and design. Designers and Ford performance engineers worked closely together to ensure the necessary functional attributes were achieved without sacrificing the car’s muscular and powerful appearance. Their key priorities were aerodynamic downforce and balance, as well as meeting the cooling demands of the powertrain and brakes.

Based on the new Ford Focus, the RS model features a powerful new front-end appearance, with a bold upper trapezoidal grille above the deep splitter designed to maximize engine cooling. Standard bi-xenon HID headlamps offer brilliant illumination in all road conditions. A muscular stance is emphasized by lower wings and large outboard openings on each side of the car, which feed the brake cooling ducts and house vertically mounted fog lamps.

The dynamic side profile features sculptured panels and bold wheel lips that house a choice of multi-spoke 19-inch RS alloy wheels. A high-performance, lightweight wheel design is finished in low-gloss black and offers enhanced strength and impact resistance with weight savings of 1.3 pounds per wheel.

At the rear, the fascia panel is dominated by a large diffuser to optimize airflow from under the car to reduce drag. It contains twin round high-performance exhaust outlets and a clear central fog lamp. The distinctive roof spoiler is carefully integrated with the car’s silhouette through body-colored side panels featuring a subtle embossed RS logo.

Moving inside, the high-performance character of the vehicle is reflected in the cockpit, with heavily bolstered, partial-leather Recaro sport seats as the centerpiece.

The interior uses the same new layout as the new Focus, with a cleaner, more intuitive design to allow drivers to effortlessly access the car’s controls. SYNC^® 3 connectivity provides access to audio, navigation, climate control and smart phones via voice control and a high-definition, 8-inch color touch screen.

The RS drive experience is enhanced with a new flat-bottomed steering wheel with soft-feel, leather-covered rim, alloy pedals and unique instrument graphics for the main cluster. Three gauges above the center console display turbocharger 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 shifter and in the RS logo itself – proudly displayed on the seats, steering wheel and door scuff plates.

The Focus RS comes in a choice of four striking colors: Nitrous Blue, a vibrant four-coat metallic finish exclusive to RS, Stealth Gray, Shadow Black and Frozen White.

Focus RS is the latest vehicle in the new era of Ford Performance, which will bring 12 performance vehicles to customers globally through 2020. In addition to pleasing enthusiasts, these vehicles help deliver the company’s One Ford plan for profitable growth, product excellence and innovation in every part of its business.

“Through the years, the RS name has been synonymous with pioneering innovative performance technologies,” said Worthington. “Driving enthusiasts have always aspired to own an RS vehicle, and we’re thrilled to now offer that opportunity to enthusiasts here in China.”

Developed by a small team of Ford Performance engineers in Europe and the United States, the new Focus RS will be built at Ford’s Saarlouis plant in Germany starting later this year. It is the 30th car to wear the legendary RS badge, and the first to be offered in China.