The 2016 Ford Focus RS is one of the most anticipated new cars of the year. It’s the first RS model to be sold in the United States, and with its 350-horsepower engine and sophisticated all wheel drive system, it should be a blast to drive.
TFLcar’s Roman Mica is at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show and got a chance to talk with Ford marketing manager Omar O’Day about the RS and to find out as much as possible about the new hot hatchback.
The 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine makes 350 lb-ft of torque to go along with those 350 horses. It’s similar to the engine in the EcoBoost Mustang, but has more power in the Focus RS.
One of the most talked-about features of the new RS is the drift mode, which enables the all-wheel-drive system to act more like a rear wheel drive. When in drift mode, the AWD system allows more power to be sent to the rear wheels. Having more power at the rear means that the RS can be coaxed into power-on oversteer like a rear-drive car.
The RS starts at $36,000 for the base model up to $40,000 well equipped and will be available in dealerships in the Spring. High demand means that most dealers have a waiting list, but O’Day said that there should be enough built to allow for most people who want one to get one.
TFLcar is covering the Chicago Auto Show, so stay tuned for more updates and unveilings.
Check out the full video of everything you want to know about the 2016 Ford Focus RS:
