Ford Performance is rolling deep into Manhattan next week – with a broad range of high-performance models. A threatening gang indeed — with the Nitrous Blue signature color atop the 2017 Ford GT concept, the 2017 Ford Raptor and the 2016 Ford Mustang GT350R.

But one of the most exciting vehicles to wear this scorching blue hue? One of the first to arrive in showrooms, too — the 340-horsepower 2016 Ford Focus RS.

With all-wheel-drive and dynamic torque vectoring at the back for a drift-mode plaything, the Focus RS is set to be the hottest Ford hatch ever made.

Competing head to head with the $40,000 VW Golf R and Subaru WRX STi, the 2016 Focus RS should deliver an estimated 4.8-second sprint to 60-mph and laptimes quicker than a Mustang GT.

Unique styling outside, chassis upgrades underneath and lux/performance cabin mean the Focus RS should be the ultimate Monday–through-Sunday supercar.

Arrival to the USA is expected around this time next year, with a price likely to kiss $40k with a few options. Ford Performance’s new signature Nitrous Blue paintwork will be offered, along with an exclusive black, grey and white palette that will not be shared with the standard Focus range.

Watch this space for more details on the Focus RS — and if you see this in your rear-view mirror, make way!

 

 Selected photo credit thanks to InAutoNews.com

http://www.inautonews.com/2015-geneva-motor-show-live-2016-ford-focus-rs/

 

2016 Ford Focus RS

 

 

The new Ford Focus RS is official, and officially stunning!

With a new 2.3-liter turbo engine and an extreme new AWD setup, the wildest part of the new Focus RS might be under the metal. But that metal is also pretty intense: wide-body fenders, a giant splitter up front, deeper sills and a rear end to honor the Ford RS legacy.

That means a giant Rallycross wing and huge coffee-can exhausts mounted inboard for max visual and aural impact.

Best news of all? This new Focus RS is coming to America!

Check out the video below to see and hear the new RS in action at its German launch.

 2016 Ford Focus RS

 

Start spreading the news: All-new Focus RS to make US debut in New York with exclusive new signature colour

• All-new Ford Focus RS makes American debut at the New York International Auto Show next week

• Ford reveals all-new Focus RS in exclusive new signature colour Nitrous Blue

• European customer deliveries from early 2016

• First Ford RS ever to be sold in North America features innovative Ford Performance All-Wheel-Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring, and special 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine

• All-new Ford Focus RS is among 12 new performance vehicles Ford will deliver by 2020 globally and will be built in Saarlouis, Germany

Cologne, Germany:  Ford’s all-new high-performance hatchback, the Focus RS, will make its first appearance in America next week, revealing exclusive new signature colour Nitrous Blue at the New York International Auto Show

This is the first ever Ford RS vehicle to be sold in the U.S. and will be offered in markets all over the world. Ford confirmed deliveries to customers in Europe will start early 2016.

“Customers have begged for the Focus RS to come to the United States for years,” said Raj Nair, group vice president, Global Product Development, Ford Motor Company. “And now we can say that they are getting one of the most innovative, powerful and best-looking RS cars ever. That is special.

“The RS line has a proud history of technical breakthroughs.  It’s a great example of our passion for innovation through performance, and creating vehicles that make people’s hearts pound.”

One of 12 new performance vehicles Ford will bring to customers globally by 2020 in a new era of Ford performance, the all-new Focus RS features the innovative Ford Performance All-Wheel-Drive system and a specially engineered 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine.

Ford Performance All-Wheel-Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring delivers a new level of handling capability and driver enjoyment, combining outstanding traction and grip with unmatched agility and cornering speed. The high-performance hatchback’s EcoBoost engine shares its fundamental structure with the all-aluminium four-cylinder engine in the all-new Mustang. This engine has, however, been significantly upgraded through a comprehensive package of design changes to deliver a projected output well in excess of 320PS.

The all-new Focus RS also introduces advanced performance technologies, and is the first Ford RS equipped with selectable Drive Modes – including an industry-first Drift Mode that allows controlled oversteer drifts – and Launch Control.

The exterior design of the all-new Focus RS is both dramatic and functional, with a more powerful and muscular character. It will be offered in a choice of four-coat metallic finish Nitrous Blue and further striking exterior colours including Shadow Black, Magnetic Grey and Frozen White.

“This is the ultimate Focus – stunning to look at and entirely fit for purpose,” said Joel Piaskowski, director, Design, Ford of Europe. “RS models have always been striking, high-performance cars where function is paramount. This new Focus RS is true to that heritage.”

Developed by a small team of Ford Performance engineers in Europe and U.S., the new Focus RS is the third generation of Focus RS cars, following models launched in 2002 and 2009. The 30^th car to wear the legendary RS badge, the Focus RS will be built in Saarlouis, Germany, from late this year.

Further details about the all-new Ford Focus RS are available via the online press kit.

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About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 187,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 47,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and approximately 66,000 people when joint ventures and unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 23 manufacturing facilities (12 wholly owned or consolidated joint venture facilities and 11 unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.