2016 Focus RS

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That's a reasonably legit AWD system, although PTUs are pretty prone to overheating with abuse and the twin clutch system like this has no differential, all the rear wheel speed differentiation in a turn is done through slipping the clutches, so that is prone to overheating in a track situation as well. I hope they have coolers on the PTU and RDM.
 
That said, I would much prefer they gave a torque capacity for the AWD than saying a maximum of 70% of torque can go to the rear. Because up to 70% of torque to the rear means 70% of available torque out of the trans in 6th gear. Which means in first gear the percentage isn't very high.
 
I think I like it. What's interesting is how much they beefed up the engine and revs out to 6500. Reports are well in excess of 315 hp. Gonna be a long wait though. This fall?
 
The competition for this car in the US is drying up. The Evo is basically dead, the STi is $40k, so I think Ford can come in at $35-36k to start and be competitive. Overall, I like the car. The wheels seem a bit too "consumer" for me, but the aesthetics look like I would expect an RS to. I think the US-spec model will look better, without the goofy front plate and rear fog lamp in the diffuser, the car will (IMO) look sharper.

Now, Ford just needs to get around to offering that show car color, Liquid Blue, on their 2016MY cars. That's probably my favorite new car color in the past five years, and they keep teasing us with all of the new Ford Performance stuff painted in this color, but they are "weighing consumer interest" for now. DO IT!
 
Priced too high. I think this should come in around upper 20s. If I were in the market for a turbo AWD manual car, I would pick a $40k STi over a $37k RS.
 
For those talking about price and competition, consider the below:

2015 Subaru WRX STI - Base MSRP: $34,495 Power: 305/290
2015 Audi S3 - Base MSRP: $41,100 Power: 292/280
2015 VW Golf R - Base MSRP: $36,595 Power: 292/280

All of the above cars run low 13's easily and very high 4's or low 5's for 0-60. I'd expect the Focus RS to fall right in line with all numbers, including the price. I agree it isn't exactly apples to oranges having all of these together, but they all are aimed at a roughly similar market (maybe outside of the Audi, although I did leave the CLA45 AMG out of it because of the higher MSRP.)

Those two VAG cars will run 12.3 @ 113 with just a tune, with a considerably nicer interior than what Subaru or Ford is going to offer. The STI has some catching up to do, and I hope the Focus RS can price itself to make sense with this competition. Personally, this is the exact segment I'll be shopping in next year.

As much as we would all love to see this thing listed for less than $30,000, it isn't going to happen. Without incentives, you can easily get a Focus ST to around $30,000 after options and trim level upgrades.
 
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