My buddy went to SEMA this last November (I didn't make it unfortunately). He told me, you could almost hear crickets at the GM and Chrysler booths. Ford on the other hand, was absolutely packed with people. They're killing it for sure.
The RS looks amazing! Finally Ford is giving us what we have wanted here in the states for years! There line up just keeps getting better and better each year! Ford is really stepping it up and changing the game which is awesome to see!
i bought one of these new in summer of 2017 and not a day has passed where i haven’t enjoyed it immensely nor regretted my decision to go into debt for 5 years to secure one in my garage.
I am almost crying because of the fact that I have truly loved the focus rs but I live in Merica so I couldn't buy this. Now that it will be released make me happy, but it being AWD, makes be cry (In a good way). When I turn 15 this car will come out which is pretty amazing. If you dont know, the car has around 315-350 hp and it will have symmetrical all wheel drive and it will whey less that a subi sit hatch. I cant wait
Finally a good contender for my STI!!!! We just needed to wait 7 years to see that happen 😂😂... I am stage 2 close to 390hp, it will be interesting to see how this RS can handle stage 2! Keep up the good work ford
I read somewhere "The big news is that the rear axle does not completely decouple, which means this is permanent AWD rather than a front-wheel drive car that can transfer power to the rears when needed."
I'm looking for any sort of official confirmation of full time awd (ie. from Ford themselves).... this is driving me nuts, I must know! Although.... if you look at 1:44, you can see how fast the rear wheel is spinning. There is no way that it is spinning from simple inertia because he had to stop the car, and reverse it onto the lift. There is no opportunity to drive the car in a stationary position (ie. no rollers on the floor) and then get picked up by the lift just to 'fake' the rear wheels spinning.
Ford, let me just say you are quickly becoming my favorite auto manufacturer. Between this, both ST models, the new Rapture, the Shelby GT350R Mustang and the new GT supercar you are putting performance first. I can only applaud such innovation, and I hope the rumors are true that a Fiesta RS is coming. Keep up the amazing work.
0:13 How would I try this at home? Do I have the Ford's Cologne manufacturing plant at home in my back yard? Do I have the latest Ford performance prototype? I would love to try this at home. I just can't.
Did he hit the mirror coming out of the closing doors at 0:30? it sounds like it, and when the car goes by it looks like the mirror is moved in. Then it skips to the mirror being back to normal. Just wondering LOL
***** The new ones will be, the new fa2.0 engines run equal length headers so you lose the subie rumble, makes me sad everytime I hear one. This RS sounds nicer than the fa engine. I love my subbie but when it comes time for a new one if they dont bring back the hatch, this will be my next car if it lives up to the hype.
Jon Kelly My hope is that the Focus RS pushes Subaru to compete by giving us an updated hatchback STI with an FA25 engine and similar power to the 2.3L EcoBoost. I have never been shy about stating that the 2015 STI was a half-assed effort, and the Focus RS is basically a shining beacon for people like me.
elusivellama I'm right there with you, if they make one that looks like the concept and lose the EJ engune I will be all over it whether its a hatch or not. The competition is good, subaru has been slacking so I'm excited to see them step up to the plate. I never thought I would switch but this could do it depending on subarus answer to it.
elusivellama completely agreeing with you. The 2015 STI was a completely new chapter, yet it featured so little innovation compared to previous model updates. It rides firmer and handling is more precise, an updated interior.. and thats about it. IMO styling has gone backwards, and I'm not a fan of firmer suspension when this is a rally car made for dirt tracks and off road capability rather than track challenges. And the hatch was a good alternative if you wanted more practicality but keep performance high. If they make a change to the model for 2016 I sure hope they will be pushed by the newfound rival at Ford. Seems like it was the lack of Mitsu that made Subaru relax a bit and take it slow and safe. But we got the germans for that safe and relaxed part, Subaru was always a brand who were proud of their heritage and not afraid to stand out of the crowd. I'd like to see those days returned :)
Anyone notice the headlights on the Focus RS in this video are the ones from the 2013-2014 Focus ST? Every photo I've seen from the Focus RS, the headlights are from the 2015 design Focus ST. Wonder what that's about.
The mustang GT price is under 33k. Given that the AWD cost them more, but this is 4 less cylinders… you got to think the pricing will be similar. They won't want to piss off the V8 lovers with pricing this higher. This is a BRILLIANT move on Ford's part. Still… we shouldn't have to wait for a car here in the USA from a company that was started in the USA! Hope it shows up sooner than later. I'm doing a test drive like Ken Block.
If this car is the same price as an STI, which it will be very likely, Subi will officially be FUCKED!! Same goes for the Golf R! Not a ford fanboy BTW!
Haha thats cool to hear from a non ford guy. I was never really a ford person either, but lately with bringing their European models over I think they've been on a constant roll (hence why i bought an ST). This will be epic.
Subaru has a year to respond. This car goes into production later this year, with availability at some point in 2016... plenty of time for Subaru to drop the new, more powerful motor into the 2017 STI. (Already in development.)
In before 1500 views. This thing will have a million views soon enough! This is a brilliant way to create even more hype and intrigue for this car. Hey Subaru it's time to give the STI a new engine, or you will be left in the dust.
About time we had a real rallye sport weapon no more volvo engined fwd crap!! imagine the the mk2 rs in this layout , now back 4 pot engine and 4wd:-) mitsi pishi and scooby who better beware lol all we needs a cosworth version :-)
I never cared for domestic vehicles, especially ford, till now. Despite how ugly focuses were in previous generations, the looks of the car today is just a bonus (but also engineered for drag coefficient). Because this car, off the lot is built like a boss. Ford did these motors and turbos on their own engineering expense and raised the bar. An AWD, turbo (ecoboost), 320hp, 6 speed,.... hatchback? Yes! How did Ford take a car like the Focus and make me look away from buying an STI or Evo? Looks good, awesome as a daily, and filled the hole for the Evo at the right time. Subaru has yet to make plans for the current gen WRX of being a hatch. I've had all import vehicles my whole life and nothing makes more sense than this car. Also note that this car is gonna be made in the states, so as far as price is concerned, it's gonna be competitive knowing the US wont have to deal with import taxes and fees from overseas manufactures. Converted and sold. Saving up now! I'd also like to edit that I've been fan of their Microsoft SYNC option in ford/lincolns.
Finally, another hatchback that could hold a candle to the STi. Now that Subaru isn't doing a hatch, looks like there may be a new top dog. I do have an STi hatch and I'm interested in this new RS. Too bad it sounds like a fart-can. I think I'd be too embarrassed to drive it in public.
Looks like Ken Block is having a hell of a time getting it to do what he wants it to do with the limited power. Too docile for the types of vehicles he is used to driving. Can't get enough power out to really fling it around. Gets a minor drift out before grip checks in and it can't get enough oomph out to really sustain anything. Amazing car, but for a guy like Ken Block it needs bolt ons and a tune at a bare minimum.
I remember being in absolute awe watching this 7 years ago.. today, I bought one and will be away to get it next week 💙
Anyone remember these times, when petrol engines had a future and we had a focus RS?
Rest in peace Ken Block
Ford is killing it with their car line up
My buddy went to SEMA this last November (I didn't make it unfortunately). He told me, you could almost hear crickets at the GM and Chrysler booths.
Ford on the other hand, was absolutely packed with people.
They're killing it for sure.
Ryan W.
You definitely fell for the joke ;)
+Bdr. n In its homeland yes. In europe they are reclining.
Wow..that sounds way better than I expected..
The RS looks amazing! Finally Ford is giving us what we have wanted here in the states for years! There line up just keeps getting better and better each year! Ford is really stepping it up and changing the game which is awesome to see!
Oh boy!! :D
AWD. Good choice Ford.
It also sounds *AMAZING!*
hey tomcat!
Doesn't sound as good as the 5 cyl mk2
TOMCAT!!! I didn't actually think you where into cars, even though you play car games, but still!!!!!
It’s 2024 and I still love my RS.
i bought one of these new in summer of 2017 and not a day has passed where i haven’t enjoyed it immensely nor regretted my decision to go into debt for 5 years to secure one in my garage.
That little sound clip when he backs up..... omg so amazing sounding
I am almost crying because of the fact that I have truly loved the focus rs but I live in Merica so I couldn't buy this. Now that it will be released make me happy, but it being AWD, makes be cry (In a good way). When I turn 15 this car will come out which is pretty amazing. If you dont know, the car has around 315-350 hp and it will have symmetrical all wheel drive and it will whey less that a subi sit hatch. I cant wait
Finally a good contender for my STI!!!! We just needed to wait 7 years to see that happen 😂😂... I am stage 2 close to 390hp, it will be interesting to see how this RS can handle stage 2!
Keep up the good work ford
Is....is that FULL TIME AWD I see at 1:44?
*SCREAMS*
I read somewhere "The big news is that the rear axle does not completely decouple, which means this is permanent AWD rather than a front-wheel drive car that can transfer power to the rears when needed."
eWorkx
Thanks, found the article:
www.carthrottle.com/post/heres-everything-we-know-about-the-ford-focus-rs/
I'm looking for any sort of official confirmation of full time awd (ie. from Ford themselves).... this is driving me nuts, I must know! Although.... if you look at 1:44, you can see how fast the rear wheel is spinning. There is no way that it is spinning from simple inertia because he had to stop the car, and reverse it onto the lift. There is no opportunity to drive the car in a stationary position (ie. no rollers on the floor) and then get picked up by the lift just to 'fake' the rear wheels spinning.
elusivellama It was said by ford themselves quite a few times as a selling point, how can you miss that?
Hmmm source? I must have missed where they specifically said that it would be full-time AWD.
Are there any after market modifications to this prototype specifically for this run?
Ford, let me just say you are quickly becoming my favorite auto manufacturer. Between this, both ST models, the new Rapture, the Shelby GT350R Mustang and the new GT supercar you are putting performance first. I can only applaud such innovation, and I hope the rumors are true that a Fiesta RS is coming. Keep up the amazing work.
Ford, I know you don't plan to build it in that same shade of blue, but you really should, because it's awesome.
i think he crashed the left mirror at 0:59
0:13 How would I try this at home?
Do I have the Ford's Cologne manufacturing plant at home in my back yard?
Do I have the latest Ford performance prototype?
I would love to try this at home. I just can't.
Did he hit the mirror coming out of the closing doors at 0:30? it sounds like it, and when the car goes by it looks like the mirror is moved in. Then it skips to the mirror being back to normal. Just wondering LOL
Most fascinating part is, how they where able to change to paint job on the car during the ride!
Ford is killing the market with all these sport model variants it has been introducing lately. I love it.
Ford has just opened a Brand New Division that's Dedicated to producing Performance Vehicles.
Even if subaru drops new fa engine in the sti....
It'll still be missing adjustable dampers, recaro seats, nice exhaust sound
And a hatchback.
***** The new ones will be, the new fa2.0 engines run equal length headers so you lose the subie rumble, makes me sad everytime I hear one. This RS sounds nicer than the fa engine. I love my subbie but when it comes time for a new one if they dont bring back the hatch, this will be my next car if it lives up to the hype.
Jon Kelly My hope is that the Focus RS pushes Subaru to compete by giving us an updated hatchback STI with an FA25 engine and similar power to the 2.3L EcoBoost. I have never been shy about stating that the 2015 STI was a half-assed effort, and the Focus RS is basically a shining beacon for people like me.
elusivellama I'm right there with you, if they make one that looks like the concept and lose the EJ engune I will be all over it whether its a hatch or not. The competition is good, subaru has been slacking so I'm excited to see them step up to the plate. I never thought I would switch but this could do it depending on subarus answer to it.
elusivellama completely agreeing with you. The 2015 STI was a completely new chapter, yet it featured so little innovation compared to previous model updates. It rides firmer and handling is more precise, an updated interior.. and thats about it. IMO styling has gone backwards, and I'm not a fan of firmer suspension when this is a rally car made for dirt tracks and off road capability rather than track challenges. And the hatch was a good alternative if you wanted more practicality but keep performance high. If they make a change to the model for 2016 I sure hope they will be pushed by the newfound rival at Ford. Seems like it was the lack of Mitsu that made Subaru relax a bit and take it slow and safe. But we got the germans for that safe and relaxed part, Subaru was always a brand who were proud of their heritage and not afraid to stand out of the crowd. I'd like to see those days returned :)
found a bug 0:57 hits the left mirror, do i get a New RS for free ?
why has it got the pre-facelift taillights ?
I hope this means that ESP and TCS are able to be fully deactivated by customers (not just Ken Block).
Thank you Ford for finally giving it 4WD :D
Okay, this has my interest. I wonder how it'll compare to the STI.
Anyone notice the headlights on the Focus RS in this video are the ones from the 2013-2014 Focus ST? Every photo I've seen from the Focus RS, the headlights are from the 2015 design Focus ST. Wonder what that's about.
+Rene Delgado That hmmm this was a test mule with a generic focus body on it lol, common practice on development cars.. come on dude.
This is how exactly i drive my RS to and from work every day.
Can we do one for the fiesta?
The mustang GT price is under 33k. Given that the AWD cost them more, but this is 4 less cylinders… you got to think the pricing will be similar. They won't want to piss off the V8 lovers with pricing this higher. This is a BRILLIANT move on Ford's part.
Still… we shouldn't have to wait for a car here in the USA from a company that was started in the USA! Hope it shows up sooner than later. I'm doing a test drive like Ken Block.
i wanna see how it handles the dirt
*drools, then faints, wakes up and repeats!
Full drive on Focus???
This is a top contender in the hot hatch market!!! I've got my eye on these.....
0:59 mirror
penalty -5s
If this car is the same price as an STI, which it will be very likely, Subi will officially be FUCKED!! Same goes for the Golf R! Not a ford fanboy BTW!
Haha thats cool to hear from a non ford guy. I was never really a ford person either, but lately with bringing their European models over I think they've been on a constant roll (hence why i bought an ST). This will be epic.
Subaru has a year to respond. This car goes into production later this year, with availability at some point in 2016... plenty of time for Subaru to drop the new, more powerful motor into the 2017 STI. (Already in development.)
low to mid 30's. way below an sti i believe
Driving Sports TV a 2017 rebuttal might be too late as this is a 2016 model. For all we know, ford could release a 2017 version that tops both.
Andrew Brinkman a loaded ST is at about $28,000 I would give this at least a $10,000 premium I would say 40-45k
now if only offered a Ken Block special edition RS. with nothing more than HOONIGAN stickers
india launch date?
Will miss this man 😭
台灣哪時上市???Very Good啊………I like😍
This Focus is a must-have 😃
SO EXCITED!! This is going to be a great car.
That was neat. Also I didn't realize they built these in Germany
Fords cars are just getting better and better. Just wish I could afford one of these cars :-)
The RS is back!!!!!!
That evo front end...i still like it :D
amazing just wish it was the for gt doing this
In before 1500 views. This thing will have a million views soon enough! This is a brilliant way to create even more hype and intrigue for this car. Hey Subaru it's time to give the STI a new engine, or you will be left in the dust.
did anyone else see him hit the door opening with his outside drivers mirror at the 1 min mark?
I did
ya
+Josh H if you listen closely to the audio you can hear the window hit the garage door!
and yet the mirror magically reappeared back in place as if it never happened. dark sorcery for sure.
it's fwd?
nope AWD all the time.
0:58 сбил зеркало?
I hope really sounds that good!
If it's a Ford, I love it. No need a beeeemer, merciiidz or auuudi. Thank You.
If this car can be driven like this daily, i'll surely buy one to hoon on my way college.
how am i gonna try this at home. who has a factory in their house?
Awesome! Thanks for sharing!
I want to see Sébastien Loeb's version of this.
Take my money right now!!!!
I just love reading all the immature messages on youtube keep it up guys !
I want the prototype wheels once I they start taking order lol
Very exciting. Now will it last 300k+ miles being driven around like this....sigh...few things do.
About time we had a real rallye sport weapon no more volvo engined fwd crap!! imagine the the mk2 rs in this layout , now back 4 pot engine and 4wd:-) mitsi pishi and scooby who better beware lol all we needs a cosworth version :-)
I will be pre-ordering one. Who wants to start a ECO-boost club in Columbus, OH?
Wow that thing loves to go sideways!!
We need this in USA
+Mushfiq Chowdhury You're in luck, because it's here!
www.ford.com/cars/focus/trim/rs/
what an engine sound, =) i want one..
I never cared for domestic vehicles, especially ford, till now. Despite how ugly focuses were in previous generations, the looks of the car today is just a bonus (but also engineered for drag coefficient). Because this car, off the lot is built like a boss. Ford did these motors and turbos on their own engineering expense and raised the bar. An AWD, turbo (ecoboost), 320hp, 6 speed,.... hatchback? Yes! How did Ford take a car like the Focus and make me look away from buying an STI or Evo? Looks good, awesome as a daily, and filled the hole for the Evo at the right time. Subaru has yet to make plans for the current gen WRX of being a hatch. I've had all import vehicles my whole life and nothing makes more sense than this car. Also note that this car is gonna be made in the states, so as far as price is concerned, it's gonna be competitive knowing the US wont have to deal with import taxes and fees from overseas manufactures. Converted and sold. Saving up now!
I'd also like to edit that I've been fan of their Microsoft SYNC option in ford/lincolns.
+John Dang It's been 10 months since this post but surely you know it is being assembled in Saarlouis, Germany? This car will not be made here.
About damn time
looked as fast as a vauxhall corsa.... struggling away.. ohh well back to the drawing board.. least there headed in the right direction..
Is that what they call: Fart cannon?
Very good sound!!!
ken block. what a swell guy.
This is so badass
i hope i can trade in my 2009 focus ses coupe for this.
Finally, another hatchback that could hold a candle to the STi. Now that Subaru isn't doing a hatch, looks like there may be a new top dog. I do have an STi hatch and I'm interested in this new RS. Too bad it sounds like a fart-can. I think I'd be too embarrassed to drive it in public.
Ahhhhh yeeeeeessss! #FocusRS
If it was a coupe, I'd take a look at it.
Looks like Ken Block is having a hell of a time getting it to do what he wants it to do with the limited power. Too docile for the types of vehicles he is used to driving. Can't get enough power out to really fling it around. Gets a minor drift out before grip checks in and it can't get enough oomph out to really sustain anything. Amazing car, but for a guy like Ken Block it needs bolt ons and a tune at a bare minimum.
I disagree. I think he did plenty with the car in stock form.
Yes he did. But he did with it only what it was capable of.
the point is sort of to show what it can do bone stock....
Considering the Fiesta he normally drives is $500,000 US, and this car is what, $30k USD?
Probably closer to 40k, but yeah. Can't wait to drive one myself.
Wow ford is boning the competition on all fronts now.
I wish they would rework the interior! This car looks so awesome but the dash just looks like it was meant for teenagers.
Drove one today. Pretty good. The build quality and cabin are average. It would be perfect if the Japanese or Koreans had built it.
The Focus ST is already fantastic and a bad ass little hot hatch to drive. This new RS is going to shit all over every other hatch on market.
SUPER VIDEO NICES !!!
I'm a little sad that I can't afford this one :(
I have those things, but thanks for your valuable advice
you could clearly see it lacked power in some of those maneuvers he attempted.
you can tell this was not filmed at the same time
Engine sounds strange. But car itself is very nice :)
please ford bring it back the design and the awd
EPIC EPIC EPIC EPIC EPIC EPIC EPIC EPIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Esse ta bruto!!
Ford going hard in 2015
you know this car will be in the BTCC.....
***** Watch this, I would love one mid next year
awesome
wow !
Welp, there goes the sti.
Legend
That exhaust sounds mighty good! Better watch your ass Subaru cause it looks like you're about to get fucked by Ford!
Why is the handbrake so shitty just like in the ST? Didn't ford realize that nobody likes the handbrake from the ST?
I like it.
Pilo ST3 How so?
Obox what's wrong with the handbrake? I hope you are not asking for an e-brake.
eWorkx It's made of plastic and easily bends and when pulled to the max it still has a hard time locking up the rear
Obox oh ok didn't know that. This car will be costly they better not cheap out on the handbrake.
Hmmm...sounds weird, more like a Subaru than an inline 4. Good lookin' car though.
what? I did not hear a Subaru at all.