Official: Focus RS to sport 345 HP

[yh125d]

No way it'll be $29k considering a loaded Fiesta ST is $25k, I think a loaded Focus ST is $30k. Maybe $35k but with AWD and this engine I wouldn't be surprised at all by nearly $40k. It'll be a much more special car than a Mustang GT and quite different in many (and superior in some) ways. As a Fiesta ST owner I'd consider one... especially if it's $35k!

I've had 6 Mustangs (all V8s) since I started driving and I feel like the Fiesta ST is preferable for almost all my needs. I don't need to get sidewayz anymore and fortunately have access to Porsches for that

Why couldn't it start at $29k? Fiesta ST is $20945-$24155. Focus ST is $24370-$28820. (from current pricing I'm seeing on ford's website).

RS could totally be $29k-$34k

 

[Kalvin00]

Can we put that engine in a Mustang?

As someone else said, it is.

I did a road trip and ended up with a rental 2015 Mustang that had the 4cyl turbo in it. Averaged 33 mpg over 4000 miles and it is pretty quick when you lay into it (and I was filling it up with 87 the whole time.) I was quite impressed with that motor and the car overall.

 

[tweakmonkey]

Why couldn't it start at $29k? Fiesta ST is $20945-$24155. Focus ST is $24370-$28820. (from current pricing I'm seeing on ford's website).

RS could totally be $29k-$34k

Could be, but it's got a lot of upgrades for that $5k.

It's more exclusive, bigger brakes, better suspension, all wheel drive (a huge shift from FWD for parts), more engine, different aero etc. That's why I think it'll be more. Just a hunch.

If it's $29k that's awesome. Everyone will want Recaros though, so let's call it $31k and at 31k w/ Recaros I'd get one.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

I'm sure lots of people already know, but I still see alot of people commenting about this vs. the WRX, and this car is not WRX competition. It is WRX STI competition. The WRX STI has very little in common drive-train wise with the WRX. On the same note, the Focus RS looks like it will be a very different beast from the Focus ST (transverse FWD vs AWD).

Focus = Impreza
Focus ST = WRX
Focus RS = WRX STI

Given the WRX STI is 35K base and 40K with leather in Limited trim, I'm sure the Focus RS will be right in that price price bracket.

What I'm curious about is whether this Engine will be Transverse or Longitudinal, as we already know the current 2.3L Ecoboost can be either (Transverse in the Lincoln MKC, while Longitudinal in the Mustang).

 

[yh125d]

I'm thinking there's probably a 70% chance I'll move from my ST to an RS when it comes out, but I would like to see an indication from Subaru about an updated STI by then so I can feel sure about the purchase. If I bought an RS and 4 months later they update the STI with 360hp I might be disappointed

 

[Aharami]

if this is sub 35K car, it's gonna be my next car. As it is, i am considering a Focus ST as my next car. I'll sping another 5-6K for the RS!

 

[Aharami]

I'm thinking there's probably a 70% chance I'll move from my ST to an RS when it comes out, but I would like to see an indication from Subaru about an updated STI by then so I can feel sure about the purchase. If I bought an RS and 4 months later they update the STI with 360hp I might be disappointed

yea but the subie won't look as good as this

 

[Kaido]

As someone else said, it is.

I did a road trip and ended up with a rental 2015 Mustang that had the 4cyl turbo in it. Averaged 33 mpg over 4000 miles and it is pretty quick when you lay into it (and I was filling it up with 87 the whole time.) I was quite impressed with that motor and the car overall.

Interesting, I was wondering how regular gas did in it.

 

[Kaido]

Could be, but it's got a lot of upgrades for that $5k.

It's more exclusive, bigger brakes, better suspension, all wheel drive (a huge shift from FWD for parts), more engine, different aero etc. That's why I think it'll be more. Just a hunch.

If it's $29k that's awesome. Everyone will want Recaros though, so let's call it $31k and at 31k w/ Recaros I'd get one.

As long as it's not the '15 Mustang Recaros, even the stock seats are better than those ones :thumbsdown:

 

[Kaido]

yea but the subie won't look as good as this

Ran across another new WRX. Wouldn't have spotted it without the wing. Looks so plain now

 

[LTC8K6]

As someone else said, it is.

But as I already posted, someone else said the RS version has a different head and different cylinder liners, meaning it isn't.

Likely the Mustang version isn't strong enough?

 

[leonsk528485]

Excellent.

 

[Kaido]

But as I already posted, someone else said the RS version has a different head and different cylinder liners, meaning it isn't.

Likely the Mustang version isn't strong enough?

Same engine, just tuned with some upgraded parts:

The same engine is found in the Mustang EcoBoost, where it delivers 310 hp. For the Focus RS, the engine features a new low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger with a larger compressor that delivers significantly greater air flow, along with a much bigger intercooler to maximize charge density. Engine breathing is also enhanced through a less restrictive intake design, and a large-bore high performance active exhaust system.

Furthermore, the cylinder head is produced from an upgraded alloy material capable of withstanding higher temperatures, while 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.

So Mustang Ecoboost engine + larger turbocharger & intercooler + new intake + new exhaust + upgraded cylinder head & block + bigger radiator pack. Same engine, simply tweaked for more horsies & torque :thumbsup:

 

[Wuzup101]

I can definitely see replacing my Evo X with this if the price is right. At 38-40k, I'm out. A good friend of mine just bought a fully loaded (ST3 + moonroof + optional rims) Focus ST for 28k OTD (including 6% tax + title + tag). 38k MSRP fully loaded might be fine as long as this is treated like a normal ford vehicle and not some limited production SVT car that never has any rebates. That would be ~8k over a fully loaded ST.

 

[railer]

I can definitely see replacing my Evo X with this if the price is right. At 38-40k, I'm out. A good friend of mine just bought a fully loaded (ST3 + moonroof + optional rims) Focus ST for 28k OTD (including 6% tax + title + tag). 38k MSRP fully loaded might be fine as long as this is treated like a normal ford vehicle and not some limited production SVT car that never has any rebates. That would be ~8k over a fully loaded ST.

Yeah - I'm curious to see if this will be a limited release, priced at or above MSRP, or a vehicle that will be sitting out on regular Ford lots for normal purchase at ~ 10% below MSRP. If the latter, I would be interested for sure.

 

[uclaLabrat]

As long as it's not the '15 Mustang Recaros, even the stock seats are better than those ones :thumbsdown:

What's wrong with the mustang recaros? I sat in them, but I haven't driven in them yet.

 

[Viper GTS]

I know the price isn't really comparable but I'd bet on the GLA45 getting the updated power levels of the A45:

http://jalopnik.com/the-mercedes-amg-a45-is-the-most-powerful-production-ha-1714364735

Damn you Mercedes for making what was a very clear choice slightly less so. I still think the warrantied aftermarket on the Focus will result in more power though with 15% more displacement to work with.

Viper GTS

 

[KentState]

I want one as a daily driver. Would be a blast to drive, has enough room and not that expensive.

 

[Kaido]

What's wrong with the mustang recaros? I sat in them, but I haven't driven in them yet.

Found them a little squeezy, found the stock seats to be nicer. Apparently it's a common complaint with the 2015 versions. Have been in other Recaros without issue. Although maybe I'm just getting too fat :biggrin:

 

[LTC8K6]

Same engine, just tuned with some upgraded parts:



So Mustang Ecoboost engine + larger turbocharger & intercooler + new intake + new exhaust + upgraded cylinder head & block + bigger radiator pack. Same engine, simply tweaked for more horsies & torque :thumbsup:

Doesn't meet my definition of "the same" at all.

 

[Wuzup101]

Doesn't meet my definition of "the same" at all.

Yeah - I'm with you.

 

[gus6464]

BTW the Mustang Eco with $2500 worth of upgrades can do ~340 RWHP and ~420 ft/lbs torque. This is with Performance Package which comes with a bigger radiator.

MAP intercooler
MAP downpipe
MAP cat-back
MAP intake
Cobb Accessport

 

[uclaLabrat]

Found them a little squeezy, found the stock seats to be nicer. Apparently it's a common complaint with the 2015 versions. Have been in other Recaros without issue. Although maybe I'm just getting too fat :biggrin:

It's definitely something I'd need to check out, at 6'7 and 250 I'm not exactly petite...but I didn't find them overwhelming.

 

[darkswordsman17]

I had a hunch this would be putting out closer to 350hp, but kept seeing commentors say it'd have 315 because they didn't get the "at least" 315 that Ford stated. I do wonder if that might be a hint at the output with 87 though.

I'm sure lots of people already know, but I still see alot of people commenting about this vs. the WRX, and this car is not WRX competition. It is WRX STI competition. The WRX STI has very little in common drive-train wise with the WRX. On the same note, the Focus RS looks like it will be a very different beast from the Focus ST (transverse FWD vs AWD).

Focus = Impreza
Focus ST = WRX
Focus RS = WRX STI

Given the WRX STI is 35K base and 40K with leather in Limited trim, I'm sure the Focus RS will be right in that price price bracket.

What I'm curious about is whether this Engine will be Transverse or Longitudinal, as we already know the current 2.3L Ecoboost can be either (Transverse in the Lincoln MKC, while Longitudinal in the Mustang).

I'm going to assume it's transverse. Doubt they could fit it in the Focus engine bay otherwise, especially with intercooler.

It's longitudinal in the Mustang because it's RWD and it has plenty of room to place it like that.

 

[tracerbullet]

I'm seeing MSRP's of the Golf R and the WRX STI's, as just examples, in the 35-40k range and can't possibly imagine how this car would be any different. I hope it's lower but I wouldn't count on it.

Either way I'm really excited to see this available. I am still loving my 135i and don't see changing it anytime soon but I've loved the Focus RS ever since seeing them in Europe when I was there ~ 5 years ago or so.