The Whale Tail Spoiler, one of the coolest ever seen on the Sierra Cosworth and Escort Cosworth. Though one thing is people, be thankful we are being given something that Ford has always denied us, while we drove what they said we wanted they played with these toys in Dearborn.

 

This is what I think of when I read "whale tail"

I like the Porsche; but I think the Ford wing looks better

Changing topics a bit, I also wish Ford would build a modern Puma; and bring back the old "XR-" model identifiers.

 

I love the air cooled 911s, but I've always hated that big wing they have. Really like the cossie escort wing though!

 

With all the talk about FWD vs AWD as being a deal maker or breaker... I hope they make it selectable. That way they can claim better highway mileage (FWD) and still have WRC type performance, as well as winter safety (AWD). I know, more costly, and a touch more weight, but that beats the heck out of having to deal with all the crappy nanny system torque controls the car would require for the general public if FWD only.

What I really wish is that Ford (and all manufacturers) would start/keep making the nanny systems on their highest performance models selectable, so good drivers could actually have fun with the car after they learned it by turning some or all of them off.

 

by Ciprian Florea, Posted on 6 January 2015

The Focus RS saga began in late 2002 when the first-generation model was launched and Ford revived the RS badge after six years. Powered by a turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine, the RS MkI churned 212 horsepower, making it the closest road-going hatch to the WRC car. Discontinued in 2003, the RS returned six year later, this time with a 305-horsepower, 2.5-liter, five-cylinder under its hood. With a facelifted, third-generation Focus now in showrooms, Ford is introducing a brand-new RS in 2015, one that’s expected to take the nameplate’s credentials even further. What’s more, Ford will offer the Focus RS in the U.S. for the first time in 2015.

We say "expected" because the official details have yet to arrive, but rumors hint that the new RS will crank out around 330 ponies from a 2.3-liter EcoBoost sourced from the 2015 Mustang. Exciting doesn’t even begin to cover it, but there’s more good news coming from the grapevine, including the fact that all that oomph might be traveling to all four wheels thanks to an AWD system. Read on for all the juicy details surrounding the 2016 Focus RS.

Updated 01/05/2014: Based on the recent spy shots, we created a rendering for the new Focus RS, which is rumored to be unveiled next week at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.

2016 Ford Focus RS | car review @ Top Speed

The second rendering info:

A new rendering is showing us how the upcoming 2016 Ford Focus RS might look like once it will become available.

The new generation of the Ford Focus RS range topping hot hatch is just around the corner and with the car company getting ready to officially pull the wraps off its body, probably at the 2015 NAIAS (no confirmation yet), renderings with the model keep popping onto the web, providing us with a look on how the vehicle may be like.

The newest rendering has been signed by Top Speed and it is showing us the model from its front three-quarters and from the start we can notice the resemblance with its smaller brother, the Fiesta ST. The Aston Martin like front grille has been dropped for the vehicle and this has been equipped with a slightly more aggressive body kit, which includes front fender vents, a ventilated hood, a rear spoiler and several other tweaks.

We are not sure at this time exactly what engine we will find under its hood, but rumor has it that the 2.3 liter from the Mustang EcoBoost is a big possibility. The unit should produce between 325 HP (242 kW) and 350 HP (261 kW), being connected to a 6-speed manual transmission and, for the first time ever, an all-wheel drive system. More details on the new Ford Focus RS are limited at this time and will be announced probably at the 2015 NAIAS, in Detroit, next week.

http://www.inautonews.com/rendered-2016-ford-focus-rs#.VK7mkEd0yUk

 

NAIAS 2015 starts on the 12th. This is going to be one long weekend, unless theres a leak or two. One for the way the RS looks, and the other for it's drivetrain. The rest of the details I can wait for. I know the car is going to be impressive.


This caught my eye, until I realised that it's not the RS. (It's an ST. Nothing to see.)
http://www.freep.com/story/money/ca...ey/cars/detroit-auto-show/2015/01/08/naias-construction-mayor-preview/21444259/

I have the feeling that something is gonna leak over the weekend.

 

I think I like the bottom rendering.

What the?

Lower rendering...

 

The bottom rendering is pretty close, though I wonder if the RS will have Fog Lights. That's a question that has been on my mind.

 

i could see there being fog lights. I just hope there isn't 20ft of LED strips.

 

Oh you mean lets take away real fog lights which could be crucial to seeing the road at night in bad weather, and just throw LED strips with chrome behind them so the vehicle looks hip and trendy like a certain small Ford that was introduced just a few years ago?

 

The problem I have with the blue rendering is this...

Up front it's little more than the normal Focus with a different grill. They could have at least started with the ST in their rendering. That would have been closer to what the RS appears to be. :dunno:

 

Why does every rendering have to put scoups in the worse places? They are completely impractical and are against all design logic. Maybe that is why they are writers and not designers.

 

The blue one is a bit too regular Focus.

 

Not to gripe but I still have not forgiven Ford for doing that. Yes it is a great car to drive but I have to have fog lights, though I'm sure somebody has made a real fog light kit for it.

 

No fog kit that I've found. There's been a few that retro'd fogs behind the grille, or added a light bar, but nothing for the light stick location. Plus, the 14+ have fogs, so we probably wont see anything for the ancient 11-13s.

 

So are Fords announcements done at the autoshow? GT350R, Raptor, GT. No Focus RS.

 

Yes, the press conference was short and sweet. Ford pretty much gave good hints before what was to be expected in Detroit today. Most of their reveals, as well as others, have been spread across the year and at different venues. The RS might be a Geneva item (hopefully).

 

Damn it. Another 2 months.

 

Why would Ford go to Europe and announce they are releasing the European model in the US rather than announce here, in the US that a European model is coming? Isn't logical from a marketing standpoint...

 

Because that is where it is done, Geneva. Please look up the history of the RS.

 

Well its not in Europe yet either so the announcement will be for the world. They are spreading out the new products so they don't blow all their new products at once. They have to show up to Geneva was something good or the other manufacturers would get all the attention. Showing up with the Raptor wouldn't make much sense.

I understand the reason but they should have waited until after the NAIAS before teasing.

 

Well at least those concerned about an RS know it's being developed, so the teases weren't a complete waste. The extra 2 month wait is the only downside, if the car is shown at Geneva.

I hope it's revealed before then, and then it's first "public" appearance is at Geneva. But that's not going to happen. If it's going to be revealed at Geneva, then that's going to be the first time the new RS breaks cover.

 

Look forward to some real teasers, and some more spy pics.

 

Don't like my sketch?

 

I think you're close very close to the actual product, and I think what I've posted is what we'll get or very VERY close to it. Less we forget well before the camo is applied, the hiding and the testing begin. The final product is made, it is tested and tweaked under that camo. If I have learned anything from what I was told over five years ago by the Ford Rep in Daytona and I think now I get it. Look at the leaked pics, that is the Focus RS guys and that is the concept production design.

 

I much preferred the front end, grill, tail lights, wide fenders of the last RS, but I really like that the rear is very similar. I cant wait to see it in gray and white And some better looking wheels, like some wrc tarmac stage replicas.

 

OMG, still no pictures or spec posted??????

2.3L EcoBoost
320hp
320lb-ft
6-speed manual
AWD
Price: ?

 

Now that's more like it. Thanks Rallyman.

I didn't have time to get into the specs yet. I find 320HP to be a little surprising, I was expecting at least 350HP but 320.will have to do.

I'm glad its manual only. No DCT, no Automatic. Good choice Ford!

Other than that, I want to see it in Red or Black.

 

I didn't have time to get into the specs yet. I find 320HP to be a little surprising, I was expecting at least 350HP but 320.will have to do.

Until you get a tune

 

Here's the Ford press release:

FEB 3, 2015 | COLOGNE, GERMANY
ALL-NEW FORD FOCUS RS; HIGH-PERFORMANCE HATCH WITH INNOVATIVE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE SET FOR U.S. DEBUT
Third-generation Ford Focus RS will be available in major markets around the world and for the first time in the United States; Focus RS follows the reveal last month of the new Ford GT supercar – a new era of Ford performance that will deliver 12 new vehicles by 2020

All-new Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control paired with a powerful 2.3-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder engine will provide impressive performance

Aggressive, functional design inside and out makes Focus RS the most powerful production Focus ever, with highly capable performance on both road and track

Professional rally driver and star of Gymkhana films Ken Block teamed with Ford as a consultant on development of Focus RS

Ford today revealed the all-new Focus RS, a high-performance road car that debuts Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control, which contributes to performance never before seen in a Focus RS. The all-new Focus RS is equipped with a new 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine producing well in excess of 315 horsepower.

Focus RS is the latest unveiling in a new era of Ford performance that will bring more than 12 performance vehicles to global customers by 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.

“The all-new Focus RS is a serious machine with high-performance technology and innovative engineering that sets a new benchmark for driving exhilaration on the road and track,” said Raj Nair, group vice president, Global Product Development, Ford Motor Company. “The RS line has a proud history of technical breakthroughs that have migrated to mainstream Ford vehicles to benefit all of our customers, and the new Focus RS is no exception. It’s a great example of our passion for innovation through performance, and creating vehicles that make people’s hearts pound.”

Developed by a small team of global Ford Performance engineers, the new Focus RS is the third generation in the line, following models launched in 2002 and 2009. It will be the 30th car to wear the legendary RS badge, following such technology trendsetters as the 1970 Escort RS1600 with 16 valves, 1985 Sierra RS Cosworth with turbocharging and radical aerodynamics and 1992 Escort RS Cosworth with four-wheel drive.

Sporting a dramatic exterior design that delivers enhanced aerodynamics and cooling, the new Focus RS offers technologies new to the RS line including Ford SYNC® connectivity system.

The all-new Focus RS is the first-ever RS model that will be sold around the world, including the United States, and produced for all markets at Ford’s Saarlouis, Germany, manufacturing plant beginning late this year.

“We are acutely aware of the benchmarks we have set ourselves with RS performance models through the years, and rest assured this new car raises the game to a new level,” said Jim Farley, president, Ford of Europe, Middle East and Africa.

“Just as important is the fact that with technologies such as EcoBoost, we are able to demonstrate how an innovation that powers almost every car in our range can also be the heartbeat of our finest performance cars,” added Farley.

Gymkhana and World Rallycross star Ken Block was brought on as a consultant on the all-new Focus RS, and joined the Ford Performance team at the preview event in Cologne, Germany –where the RS legend was born with the Ford 15M RS in 1968.

Innovative Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive offers a new level of handling
The all-new Focus RS exploits innovative new Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring to deliver a new level of handling capability and driver enjoyment, combining outstanding traction and grip with exciting agility and cornering speed.

The Ford Performance All-Wheel-Drive system 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 the side-to-side torque distribution on the rear axle – delivering the “torque vectoring” capability that has a dramatic impact on handling and cornering stability.

The control unit in the rear drive unit continuously varies the front/rear and side-to-side torque distribution to suit the current driving situation, monitoring inputs from multiple vehicle sensors 100 times per second. A maximum of 70 percent of the drive torque can be diverted to the rear axle. Up to 100 percent of available torque at the rear axle can be sent to each rear wheel.

During cornering, the rear drive unit pre-emptively diverts torque to the outer rear wheel immediately based on inputs such as steering wheel angle, lateral acceleration, yaw and speed. This torque transfer has the effect of “driving” the car into the bend, achieving improved turn-in and stability, and virtually eliminating understeer.

The AWD system has been tuned to deliver exceptional grip – with lateral acceleration exceeding 1 g – and great 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 an exceptional fun-to-drive experience.

To deliver optimum driving dynamics, the Ford Performance All-Wheel-Drive system was calibrated alongside the car’s advanced Electronic Stability Control, in particular the brake-based Torque Vectoring Control system that works in parallel with the torque-vectoring AWD. Other exclusive chassis features include sports suspension with spring rates, bushings and antiroll bars – all of which are stiffer than those found in Focus ST, and two-mode switchable dampers, which offer a firmer setting for track driving. A carefully tuned electric power-assisted steering system working in combination with a more rigid front suspension knuckle design and shorter-link arms delivers connected and responsive steering with outstanding feel.

“The Focus ST and Fiesta ST showed that we can achieve sporty steering feel with an electric power-assisted steering system, and the RS raises the bar,” said Dave Pericak, director, Global Ford Performance. “We set out to provide drivers with steering that is very direct, precise and well balanced – and the RS delivers.”

Ford engineers worked closely with Michelin to develop a choice of high-performance 235/35 R19 tires to complement the driving dynamics of the Focus RS: a standard Pilot Super Sport tire for every-day use, and – for the first time on an RS – an optional Pilot Sport Cup 2 tire for enhanced vehicle dynamics on the track.

The vehicle’s exterior design has also been developed to support the dynamic objectives. Careful aerodynamic optimization of the front splitter, rear spoiler and underbody features eliminates lift forces, and the final design delivers balanced performance with zero lift front and rear for optimum high-speed handling and stability.

Unique powertrain for increased output
Ford’s EcoBoost technology powers Focus RS and nearly every new Ford vehicle. The specially engineered 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine has levels of power and torque that translate into impressive acceleration when combined with the exceptional all-wheel-drive traction.

Projected to produce well in excess of 315 horsepower, the custom unit shares its fundamental structure with the all-aluminum 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine in the all-new Mustang, but has been significantly upgraded through a comprehensive package of design changes.

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

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. The cylinder block employs stronger high-tensile cast iron liners.

Engine cooling also has been given the highest priority, with engineers creating additional space within the front of the vehicle to house a significantly larger radiator pack that provides the level of cooling demanded for hard circuit use.

Meticulous calibration work ensures that the power unit delivers excellent low-end responsiveness with a powerful mid-range pull, climbing to a free-revving top end up to a maximum rev limit of 6,800 rpm.

The six-speed manual transmission has been optimized for the enthusiast driver with a shorter gear lever to deliver faster and more accurate shifts. Both the transmission and the clutch have been 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, advanced turbocharging and Auto Start-Stop as standard, the engine also delivers significantly improved fuel consumption.

High-performance design for stunning looks with optimum function
Focus RS exterior design is both dramatic and functional, with a more powerful and muscular character. Designers worked closely with Ford Performance to ensure that the necessary functional attributes were achieved, focusing on the aerodynamic downforce and balance delivered by the design, as well as the cooling demands of the powertrain and brakes.

RS features a powerful new front end appearance with a bold upper trapezoidal grille above the deep splitter, incorporating the largest possible apertures for engine cooling. A wide, muscular stance is emphasized by the lower wings and large outboard openings on each side of the car, which feed the brake cooling ducts and house vertically mounted lamps.

At the rear, the fascia panel is dominated by the exceptionally large diffuser, which optimizes airflow from under the vehicle and contains the twin round high-performance exhaust outlets. Focus RS for Europe and Asia markets will also get a clear central fog lamp. The distinctive rear roof spoiler is carefully integrated with the car’s silhouette through body-colored side panels featuring a subtle embossed RS logo.

The dynamic side profile is emphasized by sculptured rocker panels, and the bold wheel lips that house a choice of multi-spoke 19-inch RS alloy wheels – including a high-performance lightweight forged design finished in low-gloss black, which offers enhanced strength and impact resistance.

The high-performance character of Focus RS is reflected inside the car, where heavily bolstered partial-leather Recaro sports seats serve as the centerpiece of the ****pit.

The interior features the reworked Focus control layout with its simpler, more intuitive design. SYNC connectivity provides access to audio, navigation, climate control and mobile phones via voice control, and via a high-definition, 8-inch color touch screen. SYNC can be specified with rear view camera with park distance control, as well as a Sony premium sound system with 10-speakers including a subwoofer.

The RS driving experience is reinforced by a new flat-bottomed steering wheel with a soft-feel leather-covered rim, alloy pedals and unique instrument graphics within the main cluster. An additional bank of gauges above the center console displays turbocharger boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure.

Four striking exterior colors include Nitrous Blue, a vibrant four-coat metallic finish exclusive to RS, as well as Stealth Gray, Absolute Black and Frozen White. The car revealed in Cologne features the same special Liquid Blue color scheme first seen on the all-new Ford GT revealed last month at the North American International Auto Show.

Rich heritage of innovation and performance
Since the first Ford RS models took to the road, the line has been an essential element of Ford’s DNA, delivering technical innovation and performance on road and track. Dating back to the early days of Ford’s success in Rallye Sport, the first RS models established a reputation for advanced technology and driving exhilaration that continues to this day.