2014 Ford Focus RS To Deliver More Than 260kW: Report
Ford is developing a new Focus RS flagship that will enter above the just-launched ST hot hatch, according to a new report out of Europe. Despite earlier reports to the contrary, UK mag AutoExpress claims a new RS will launch in 2014, employing an
Ford is developing a new Focus RS flagship that will enter above the just-launched ST hot hatch, according to a new report out of Europe.
Despite earlier reports to the contrary, UK mag AutoExpress claims a new RS will launch in 2014, employing an enlarged 350hp (261kW) 2.3 litre version of Ford’s four-cylinder EcoBoost engine.
The report suggests a move to a larger displacement than the ST’s 184kW 2.0 litre EcoBoost unit, rather than trying to stretch the output of the current engine with a larger turbo.
“If it [the turbo] is too big, and capable of too much power, you lose bottom-end torque and response”, Team RS’ Len Urwin said.
An output of 261kW would far eclipse the previous Focus RS’ 224kW 2.5 litre five-pot, and even exceed the 345HP (257kW) of the limited-build RS 500 version sold internationally.
Like the previous Focus RS, a front-wheel drive layout is expected to continue, due to its cost and weight advantages.
The difficult task of channeling 260-plus kiloWatts through the front wheels could be aided by the use of a sophisticated active differential.
“You could drop a mechanical diff in, as we did with the old Focus RS, but an E-diff would take that a step forward in that you can really optimise traction in all situations”, Urwin said.
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