316bhp AWD 2016 Ford Focus RS unveiled

We knew that Ford would be bringing out a madder version of the Focus with the RS badge, courtesy the Ford Performance program and here it is, sporting over 316bhp and AWD. Right from the Mk1, the Focus RS has always been one of the most capable and desired hot hatches, and it seems like the new Mk4 version will more than meet benchmarks in the segment. While Ford’s new hot hatch will debut at the Geneva Motor Show, here’s what we know so far:

1. The 2016 Focus RS will ditch the old 2.5-litre in-line, five-pot motor for the Mustang’s 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine producing 305bhp and 434Nm. The actual output figures will have to wait till it’s Geneva debut, but Ford has confirmed that they’ve mustered over 316bhp from the turbocharged four-pot, and also revs all the way up to 6800rpm. This six-speed manual transmission should restore purists’ faith in Ford.

When comapred to its rivals, the only hot hatches in international markets that outpower the Focus RS, are the 355bhp Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG, and the 362bhp Audi RS3. However, Ford’s hot hatch has its main competition, the 296bhp Volkswagen Golf R and the 276bhp Honda Civic Type R, out-gunned.

2. The last generation Focus RS was front wheel drive, and had the cool sounding ‘RevoKnuckle’ set-up that didn’t quite manage to handle all that torque coming out of the five-cylinder engine. The 2016 Focus RS comes with four-wheel drive with torque vectoring in the rear axle. Upto 70 per cent of the expected 450Nm of torque can be distributed to the rear wheels when required. Ford’s new all wheel drive system, which should trickle down to smaller cars soon (namely, the next-gen Fiesta RS), uses two clutches at the rear axle that could send that 70 per cent (about 300Nm) to any one of the rear wheels.

3. Ford’s mentioned how the new Focus RS will be quite the handler. This video of Ken Block drifting it like his life depended on it sure promises a lot in terms of delivering fun.

4. The car looks pretty good. While the American manufacturer confirms that most of the exterior is the same as the standard Focus, we can see that the front and rear bumpers have had some serious work done on them, not to mention the rather large rear spoiler. I do wish they brought back the flared arches that had featured on the last generation model.

5. Inside, the faster sibling shares a lot with the slightly slower ST, like the flat-bottomed steering wheel and Recaro seats, though optional bucket seats are available.

The upcoming Geneva Motor show is going to be quite spectacular, and I know I’m not the only one going a little crazy in anticipation.