New Ford Focus RS gets all wheel drive

FordFordUnited Kingdom, 1909 > present33 models
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unveiled today the third generation of the Focus RSFord Focus RSUnited Kingdom, 2015 > present, the performance version equipped with a special turbocharged 2.3-liter with more than 315hp. One of the big news of the new Focus RS is the fact that for the first time it will be equipped with an all-wheel drive system.

The American brand unveiled the first images and technical data, however, the complete information will only be confirmed next month at the Geneva Motor Show.

Compared to other versions of the Focus, the main highlight is the "All-Wheel-Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring" system. The brand ensures that the system offers class-leading speed cornering, limit driving and drift ability. With continuous power distribution to the front and rear wheels and to both sides on the rear axle, the all wheel drive system uses sensors that monitor 100 times per second traction conditions.

Despite having caught many by surprise, Raj Nair, Group Ford's Vice President of Global Product Development confirmed that the decision to equip the Focus RS AWD was quickly taken at the beginning of the development program.

The 2.3-liter Ecoboost engine that equips the new Focus RS is an improved version of the engine available on the new Ford MustangFord Mustang 6United States of America, 2015 > present16 versions
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. The engine is combined with a manual six-speed gearbox with shortened gear changes to make them faster and more accurate.

The new Ford Focus RS will be sold only in five-door variant. In order to improve the aerodynamics and increase the cooling of the engine and brakes, the vehicle gets a more aggressive exterior design. The interior has also been updated with Recaro sport seats, a flat bottom leather steering wheel, alloy pedals and a simpler dashboard.