My Thoughts On The New Focus RS

"Upshift" (Upshift) 10/13/2015 at 19:00 • Filed to: Focus RS, Mustang, GT, STi, Golf R, Type-R

3

19

First off, apologies for the lack of photos in this post. Too lazy tonight and I’m just killing time really.

Now that the power figures for the Focus RS have been announced, I have a few thoughts as to where this hot hatch stands. Most of which can be summed up like this: It is abso-fucking-lutely absurd.

First of all, the immediate competition in North America will be the Civic Type-R, the Golf R and the WRX STi (RIP Evo). The first in the list doesn’t even have all-wheel-drive so really, it’s for the Honda diehards or those looking to save a few grand compared to the rest of the line-up. The STi and Golf R are priced similarly, with the STi being more hardcore in that duo and the Golf R being more refined. All three have about 300hp on average.

Where does the Focus RS stand? It has all-wheel drive like the STi and Golf R. It will very likely be as hardcore and fun as the STi if not more judging by how ford likes to make their cars, especially their hot hatches (Plus DRIFT button) while also having interior refinement likely to be VERY close to the VW. It will be priced in the same range as these, which is a given. Finally, it has FIFTY MORE HORSEPOWER. Which. last time I checked, is not an insignificant amount. Honestly, unless the dynamics are crap, I see it as the best pick in this foursome unless you have a brand-specific hard-on.

Now, 50hp is not a small gap at all. It’s a 17% advantage in power compared to the 3 others on average. It’s weight should be in the same ballpark as well, or about 3300lbs. It’s game-changing enough that ford released a hot hatch with a good chunk more horsepower than it’s competition. But what has me truly surprised is something else entirely.

How the fuck did this get approved for production as-is?

Why am I surprised this thing even exists with this kind of on-paper performance? Because the Mustang exists.

When you look at how things have been in the past oh, at least 15-20 years, nothing in Ford’s lineup has been quicker than a Mustang GT (Excluding the V6 mustang because well, Taurus SHO) except a more hardcore Mustang. The way I see it? The Focus RS has the potential to match or even BEAT a Mustang GT 5.0 in a straight line, and do it for about the same purchase price. Sure, even if we account a 500lb advantage to the Focus, the Mustang still has a Power to Weight ratio advantage. But then my Mustang V6 has a P:W ratio advantage over my buddy’s 2012 Ralliart and I still get creamed in a drag race. The main advantage the Focus has is All-Wheel-Drive which will allow for much more aggressive launches without incurring time-robbing wheelspin. This alone should make a big difference. Plus, if we look at the 1/4 mile times of stuff like the Subaru and account for the fact the focus has more power and less weight, I wouldn’t be surprised if this was potentially a 12-second car. A Focus that can hang with a 5.0L Mustang? It shouldn’t exist but I’m glad it does.

What do you guys/girls think? Am I on crack or on track?

spanfucker retire bitch > Upshift 10/13/2015 at 19:09

3

while also having interior refinement likely to be VERY close to the VW

Very doubtful, I don’t think it’ll come even close to the Golf R. I think it’ll be a step up above the Subaru, but the Golf R is the “professional” among those 3 cars, and it has BY FAR the best interior. But it’ll also get beat around a track by either the STi or Focus RS I imagine.

fourvalleys > Upshift 10/13/2015 at 19:12

2

It exists despite the Mustang because it simply doesn’t compete with the Mustang.

Some people want a RWD 2+2 muscle car, whether because of nostalgia or because the Mustang is honestly becoming a pretty incredible car.

Some people want an AWD hot hatch that they can shuttle their friends around in without hacking off their legs and head first. Also probably an incredible car.

It’s the same reason the Mustang isn’t really a direct competitor to the WRX or the Golf R. You definitely get people who cross-shop them, but not every body or driveline style is for everyone.

71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors > Upshift 10/13/2015 at 19:56

2

I was thinking about the RS but instead I just bought a new STi. Why? Honestly, because Subaru. I like the heritage, I like the community, I just needed the STi. I appreciate the RS, but it doesn’t make me as happy inside. Also Smurf blue+big wing=awesome

Short-throw Granny Shifter is 2 #blessed 2b stressed > Upshift 10/13/2015 at 19:58

3

I think 3300 lbs is an optimistic curb weight considering a stripper ST is just about 3200. The I’m sure the weight disadvantage won’t even be noticeable with the AWD and power though.

I agree with your assesment, other than about the interior. The interior isn’t going to be any better than a loaded ST, which is superior to the Subie in terms of design, but not materials, and isn’t even close to the Golf R that I’ve seen.

You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much > Upshift 10/14/2015 at 09:23

1

You’re pretty close with your thoughts. Fourvalleys is right in that I don’t think you’ll see a ton of people cross shopping the RS and the Mustang. There will be some, but they will be the same people who were cross shopping the STi and the Mustang.

I do think the RS is going to put a huge dent in STi sales. The performance gap should be massive and the interior will be nicer. The pricing on the RS really makes it a Subaru killer. Configuring both how I would order them the STi comes out to $36,088 and the RS clocks in at $37,300. An extra $1200 for a hatch and 50hp is a no brainer to me. Back when the STi was available as hatch or sedan the hatch was a $2-3k option.

Anticipation of the first head to head test with the STi and Golf R is very high indeed. First drive reports and road tests can’t come soon enough.

Garrett Davis > spanfucker retire bitch 10/14/2015 at 11:04

1

You know, everyone seems to think that VW interiors are so much better, but I find that they tend to age terribly. It’s hard to find a last gen GTI without paint chipped/worn switch gear all over the place, electronics acting up, and panels rattling. I must have checked out 7-8 MK6 GTIs and all of them had some problem with the interior.

I’m also not impressed with the Passat. The plastics look nice, but they are surprisingly hard in common touch points, and the panel gaps in the interior are quite poor.

Upshift > spanfucker retire bitch 10/14/2015 at 13:59

0

Like Garrett Davis said, the interior of the Golf R is overrated. Sure, it’s nice for a hot hatch but it’s not anywhere near the interior quality of what you should expect at it’s price point. And, while it IS better than the Subaru, Ford interiors have been getting a LOT better. I’m not saying the RS will MATCH the Golf, but it will be close enough to sway a lot of people. It will definitely be much closer in quality to the VW than the Subaru. You just need to look at the pictures to see it. The biggest difference is that the Golf R has a simpler, less-busy design while the Ford aims to be more high-tech looking.

Upshift > fourvalleys 10/14/2015 at 14:04

0

I know that not many people cross-shop these cars, but some still do. It’s not about cross-shopping but it’s about brand image.

Just look at how many industry experts thought that the reason the Cayman was so neutered was because of the existence of the 911. Porsche still ended up delivering the GT4, but it took a damn long time and most people were thinking along my lines.

Image-wise, a Halo car should be, by definition, the pinnacle of performance for a brand. But it seems that ford is pretty serious about being “The fast car company”.

And, in the end, some will still cross-shop because they simply want the most bang for the buck. Yes the mustang has a different appeal than the Focus RS, but to many people, if you can get about the same performance levels in a more practical package, the choice becomes obvious.

Upshift > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 10/14/2015 at 14:06

0

The STI is a good car regardless of the existence of the RS. It’s still a very good and valid choice, especially since it’s reputation is already cemented. The RS is the newcomer, it still has to prove itself to be more than just a Spec Queen.

Upshift > You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much 10/14/2015 at 14:12

0

I’d say you’re 100% right with your first paragraph. I don’t expect many people to cross-shop the Mustang GT and the focus RS. At least, not your typical Mustang buyer that you normally see in local stang clubs. Those people will ALWAYS buy Mustangs.

But someone who’s NOT devoted to the pony and is just looking for a performance car in that specific price range, as long as the person is looking beyond pure horsepower figures, he/she will likely cross-shop. I know I would. I currently have a Mustang, but I’m going to chose it’s eventual replacement based on overall merits and not model affiliation. I love RWD and V8s but, if I can get the same performance in a car that I’ll be able to carry my future eventual kids in AND have AWD for our brutal winters, I’ll gladly choose a hatchback over a sports-coupe.

I also can’t wait to see the comparison videos amongst it’s competition. I agree, If it drives well, it will be a killer in that segment.

Upshift > Short-throw Granny Shifter is 2 #blessed 2b stressed 10/14/2015 at 14:16

0

The interior equiment of an RS should be pretty similar to an ST so the weight gain will likely be the AWD system and nothing else. The 2.3L Ecoboost is simply a higher-displacement version of the same engine that exists in the ST so I doubt there will be any note-worthy weight gains in that regards. So, I’m pretty confident with the 3300lbs mark.

As for the interior, even if the quality isn’t up to par with the Golf R, it should split the difference between the R and the STi enough to grab people’s attention.

Short-throw Granny Shifter is 2 #blessed 2b stressed > Upshift 10/14/2015 at 14:40

0

As owner of an ST, I can say I really like the interior on the Focus. Ergonomically, it is as good as anything else I have driven. Can’t wait to test drive an RS, even though I can’t really afford one right now.

I was just saying, with the Recaro’s and a moonroof, you can buy an ST right now that probably has a 3300 lb curb weight. Then again, manufacturers are so opaque and inconsistent when it comes to vehicle weights that they are almost irrelevant. All that matters is how the car feels.

Upshift > Short-throw Granny Shifter is 2 #blessed 2b stressed 10/14/2015 at 17:18

0

According to Car and Driver, the ST weighs 3248lbs but that’s without moonroof. An RS without the glass roof might be 80-100lbs added. Either way, we will see. But you’re right about manufacturers being all over the place with weight estimates.

jjhats > Upshift 10/27/2015 at 16:46

0

why do you care about the 50 hp when its the same speed as the current golf R and sti to 60 and the same speed as the EVO and sti were 10 years ago. in short that 350 hp is great for bragging but doesn’t translate to faster when the RS was clocked at 4.7 seconds. so they aren’t beating competition merely matching it and rather late if you ask me.

Upshift > jjhats 10/27/2015 at 20:30

0

Except the upcoming RS has NOT been tested yet. So your numbers are pulled out of thin air.

jjhats > Upshift 10/27/2015 at 20:42

0

Lol did you miss this: http://jalopnik.com/2016-ford-focu…

Also I should point out I have zero faith in the awd system ford developed and would take subarus any day of the week over fords fake electronic bullshit fwd based system. And just to be completely clear I love the RS. I love that ford is giving it to us but it doesn’t look like they have innovated anything and a sti from 10 years ago seems the same on paper so why are we excited for the ford?

Upshift > jjhats 10/28/2015 at 14:55

0

Manufacturer claims do not equal actual test numbers and they are traditionally on the conservative side. I’ll wait until I see actual test numbers and 1/4 mile times before slamming it.

As for your comment about the awd: I agree that the subaru system will be better. That much should be obvious.

jjhats > Upshift 10/28/2015 at 14:56

0

idk I just feel like if anyone would have anything to gain by fibbing a quicker time it would be the manufacturer not an independent magazine

Upshift > jjhats 10/29/2015 at 12:16

0

You would think. But i’ve seen it everywhere. Manufacturer makes a claim and then some magazine’s hotshoe crushes that time.

Plus, ford has been sued before for claiming performance higher than reality. They’ve been going the conservative route ever since.