Ford, at long last, plans Focus RS for U.S.

DETROIT -- Ford’s high-performance Focus RS has a cult following in the U.S. even though it has not been sold here. But U.S. fans of the pocket rocket from overseas soon will be able to get their hands on one.

In an elaborate premiere Tuesday in Cologne, Germany, and broadcast around the world, Ford unveiled a global version of the RS. The all-wheel-drive hatchback, the first RS model to be sold in North America, will arrive next year, possibly as a 2017 model.
The RS will slot above the performance-oriented, front-wheel-drive Focus ST, which will remain in production.

The RS is powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine that Ford says produces more than 315 hp. The engine is bolted to a six-speed manual transmission that powers all four wheels through a new awd system. The awd system features two sets of electrically controlled clutches that constantly send power to the wheels based on driving conditions.

Previous versions of the Focus RS were built in 2002 and 2009 and sold in Europe and Australia. Joe Bakaj, Ford of Europe’s vice president of product development, said the gap in RS models has enabled engineers to create the new RS from a strong base.

Ford hired star rally driver Ken Block to help develop the car.

Ford would not disclose prices, U.S. production allocation or a specific on-sale date for the street legal race car. The Focus RS will be built in Ford’s Saarlouis, Germany, plant starting this year.

You can reach Richard Truett at rtruett@crain.com.