FORD Reveals that the All-New Focus RS can sprint to 62mph in 4.7 seconds and onto a top speed of 165mph.

• All-new Ford Focus RS sprints 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 165mph
• Fastest ever Ford RS model now available to order from £28,940 featuring Ford Performance AWD and 350PS 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine
• Innovative Focus RS also offers Drive Modes – including industry-first Drift Mode – and Launch Control; customer deliveries of high performance hatchback starting in Europe in early 2016

Ford Motor Company has announced that the all-new Focus RS will sprint from 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds, making the high-performance hatchback the fastest accelerating RS model ever.

The Focus RS will reach a top speed of 165mph powered by a specially engineered version of Ford’s new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine delivering maximum power output of 350PS.

Ford also announced that the Focus RS is now available to order with prices from £28,940.

The all-new Focus RS optimises acceleration by introducing Launch Control technology to a Ford RS model for the first time. The model also debuts new Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring, for outstanding traction and grip with unmatched agility and cornering speed.

The Focus RS is joined on display in Frankfurt by the full Ford Performance line-up for Europe, including the all-new Ford GT ultra-high-performance supercar, Focus ST wagon and 5-door models, and the multi-award-winning Fiesta ST.

“The all-new Focus RS delivers stunning performance and innovative technology at a price that will make both our customers and premium automakers look twice,” said Jürgen Gagstatter, chief program engineer for Focus RS. “After experiencing the acceleration and cornering capability of the Focus RS, drivers will question the sense in spending almost £10,000 more on a premium competitor.”

The Focus RS Launch Control system configures the vehicle’s chassis and powertrain systems to deliver the fastest possible acceleration, whatever the track conditions. The driver selects Launch Control from the cluster menu, engages first gear, applies full throttle and then releases the clutch. The system then delivers optimum drive – including distributing torque through the AWD system, maintaining maximum torque using turbo overboost function, managing the traction control system, and setting the dampers.

To achieve maximum acceleration through the gears, a performance shift light in the instrument cluster alerts the driver when approaching the optimum upshift point of 5,900 rpm, and flashes if the engine hits the limit of 6,800 rpm.

The Ford Performance AWD system uses twin electronically-controlled clutch packs to manage the car’s front/rear torque split, and also can control the side-to-side torque distribution on the rear axle – delivering the “torque vectoring” capability, which has a dramatic impact on handling and cornering stability.

The AWD system monitors inputs from multiple vehicle sensors 100 times per second. To deliver optimum driving dynamics, Ford Performance AWD was calibrated alongside the car’s advanced Electronic Stability Control, in particular the brake-based Torque Vectoring Control system that works in parallel with the torque-vectoring AWD.

Focus RS drivers can select four different Drive Modes that configure the AWD system, damper controls, Electronic Stability Control, steering and engine responses, and exhaust sound to deliver optimum performance in road or circuit driving conditions. Normal, Sport or Track settings are available, alongside a special Drift Mode to help the driver achieve controlled oversteer drifts under circuit conditions.

The new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine for the all-new Focus RS shares its fundamental structure with the all-aluminium four-cylinder engine in the all-new Ford Mustang and is significantly upgraded for the Focus RS to deliver 10 per cent more power. The engine features a new low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger with larger compressor, enhanced air intake design, and a large-bore high performance exhaust system.

Maximum torque of 440Nm is delivered between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm, with 470Nm available for up to 15 seconds on transient overboost during hard acceleration.

Developed by a team of Ford Performance engineers in Europe and the US, the all-new Focus RS is the third generation of Focus RS cars, following models launched in 2002 and 2009.

The Ford Performance organisation serves as an innovation laboratory and test bed to create unique performance vehicles, parts, accessories and experiences for customers. This includes developing innovations and technologies in aerodynamics, light-weighting, electronics, powertrain performance and fuel efficiency that can be applied more broadly to Ford’s product portfolio.

The 30^th car to wear the legendary RS badge, the Focus RS will be built in Saarlouis, Germany, and is one of 12 new performance vehicles Ford will bring to customers globally through 2020 as part of a new era of Ford performance. Ford expects delivery to European customers from early 2016.