What's the news?
You were probably thinking that the 350hp, four-wheel drive, Drift-Mode-equipped Ford Focus RS was already pretty good fun, and that there wasn't much that could be done to make it more so. Well, Ford disagrees, and has just introduced the Focus RS Edition, which comes with a few styling tweaks to keep things looking fresh, but also one major mechanical upgrade underneath.
The styling tweaks are pretty minor, relegated to a carbon-black finish for the roof and mirrors, new 19-inch alloy wheels, also in black, Recaro shell seats with two-tone black-and-blue colour scheme, and a few bits of extra equipment such as parking sensors, active emergency autonomous braking, and cruise control with speed limiter.
Into the drivetrain, though, comes a significant addition. There's now a mechanical limited slip differential, made by renowned transmission expert Quaife, nestled between the front wheels.
Ford claims that the extra ability to transfer grip from one side to the other at the front means that the RS' power can now be exploited even more. "Our new Focus RS Edition represents accessible performance at its finest," said Leo Roeks, Ford Performance Director, Europe. "Improving on the class-leading driving dynamics of the Focus RS was no small task - but our Ford Performance engineers have delivered a drivetrain capable of wringing every drop of performance from the 350hp EcoBoost engine.
"For hardcore driving enthusiasts, the additional mechanical grip offered by the Quaife LSD will make it even easier to carry speed through a corner on the track, and maximise acceleration on the way out. The new setup also delivers greater mechanical stability and control when braking hard, and will help drivers set the car up for power-slides using Drift Mode," Roeks said. "The Focus RS Edition takes our 'fun to drive' philosophy to a new level for an everyday road car."
Thought the Focus RS couldn't be any more fun? Think again...