Start spreading the news – Ford’s hottest hatch the Focus RS is about to invade New York.
The Blue Oval brand’s high performance flyer will actually be making its first Stateside appearance when it reveals an exclusive new signature colour called Nitrous Blue at the Big Apple’s International Auto Show.
This is the first ever Ford RS vehicle to be sold in the U.S. and will be offered in markets all over the world, including the UK where deliveries will start early next year.
One of 12 new performance vehicles the company will bring to customers globally by 2020 in a new era of Ford performance, the Focus RS features a specially engineered 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine and all-wheel drive.
The all-new Ford Focus RS will be on display at the New York Auto Show
Ford says the system, with Dynamic Torque Vectoring, will deliver a new level of handling capability and driver enjoyment, while the engine is similar to the four-cylinder unit in the new Mustang.
This engine has, however, been significantly upgraded through a package of design changes to deliver a projected output in excess of 320PS.
It is also the first Ford RS equipped with selectable Drive Modes – including an industry-first Drift Mode that allows controlled oversteer drifts – and Launch Control.
Style-wise the Focus looks both more muscular and powerful and will be up for grabs in a choice of colours including the new Nitrous Blue, along with Shadow Black, Magnetic Grey and Frozen White.
Developed by a small team of Ford Performance engineers in Europe and the US, the car is the third generation of Focus RS models, following versions launched in 2002 and 2009.
Ford vice president for global producr development Raj Nair said: “Customers have begged for the Focus RS to come to the United States for years.
“And now we can say that they are getting one of the most innovative, powerful and best-looking RS cars ever. That is special.
“The RS line has a proud history of technical breakthroughs. It’s a great example of our passion for innovation through performance, and creating vehicles that make people’s hearts pound.”
Ford Focus RS – rear view
