The third generation Ford Focus RS was officially unveiled earlier this year after an online teaser campaignand Ford have now revealed output figures for the high-performance vehicle.With a 2.3-litre four-cylinder Ecoboost turbocharged engine sourced from the SA-bound Mustang, this new Focus RS will continue the legacy of fast Fords.

The first generation Ford Focus RS came to SA in extremely small numbers and was a bit of a handful to drive. Powered by a 2.0-litre Duratech turbo engine with 158 kW and fitted with a Quaife limited slip differential, this Ford Focus RS scared and enthralled those who drove it.

The second generation Ford Focus RS is what I call the Hulk, thanks to its rather vibrant green paint and muscular body kit. Coupled with a monstrously tuned version of the 2.5-litre turbo engine found in the Focus ST, this Focus RS boasted 224 kW and 440 Nm. Having driven that car, I can tell you that it was next level extreme. Not only was it fast, it was also excessively loud and felt like a racecar for the road with its rorty exhaust and turbo whistles.

Ford Focus RS Details

Welcome then, to the third generation of Ford Focus RS. Gone is the five-cylinder motor and in its place is an all-new four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Its a 2.3-litre and is the same motor that does duty in the Ford Mustang. Ford has now confirmed that the new Focus RS will offer 257 kW and 440 Nm of torque, with an additional 30 Nm overboost available.

“This very special 2.3-litre EcoBoost unit will inspire drivers as they feel the surge of the turbo, and reward them as they take it to the red line – all delivered with a visceral sound guaranteed to put a smile on your face.” saysDave Pericak, global director, Ford Performance.

More importantly, the new Ford Focus RS will feature all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, meaning cornering ability will be superb. Power is transmitted to all four wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, which will keep the enthusiasts happy.The all-wheel drive system is based around twin electronically controlled clutches, which simulate the same effect as a limited-slip differential.

This system then uses sensors to continuously monitor the current conditions and then sends the power from the engine between the front and back wheels. As much as 70% of the vehicle’s power can be sent to the rear.It can also send power to either side of the rear axle. This is most useful when it comes to sharp turning, where the outer wheel will receive added grunt which improves stability and turn-in. Ford claims that it will ‘virtually eliminate understeer’. We’ll have to take Ford’s word on that, for now.

Ford announced that Youtube star andrallycross driver Ken Block was a consultant on the Focus RS project, which should mean the car is dramatic and exciting. Ken Block will show off his talent in the new Focus RS at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Ford South Africa confirmed that the new Ford Focus RS will arrive on our shores in 2016, and the vehicle forms part of a plan to deliver 12 performance vehicles by 2020.