Ford Focus RS to debut at 2016 FIA World Rallycross Championship

The all-new 2016 Ford Focus RS will be put to the extreme test after Ford Performance confirmed its participation at the upcoming 2016 FIA World Rallycross Championship.

Sporting the RS badge, the initials stand for Rallye Sport, Ford Performance takes its role seriously in pushing ‘the limits of performance and innovation’ and in this case test Ford’s latest torque vectoring all-wheel drive installed in the 2016 Focus RS.

“RS is a worldwide brand with a rich heritage that motorsports enthusiasts know and love. Our RS badge has a natural connection to racing, and we have a passionate, dedicated team on the project. We’re excited to honor the history of Rallye Sport by pushing every aspect of performance and design to the limit,” said Dave Pericak, global director, Ford Performance.

Built in collaboration with Ken Block’s Hoonigan Racing and U.K.-based M-Sport, the 2016 Focus RS uses a 2.0L EcoBoost® engine with a Garrett Turbocharger with 45mm restrictor including an optimized rallycross intercooler and radiator package.

Engine management is handled by Cosworth Electronics while the gearbox is a Sadev 6-speed sequential with adjustable, mechanical front and rear differentials, and triple plate AP carbon clutch.

Total output is 608 PS and 900 Nm of torque, and will go from 0-100 kph in less than two seconds.

It has an SLA-type suspension with both front and rear using 3-way adjustable Reiger dampers.

As for its brakes, the 2016 Focus RS comes with Brembo 4-pot calipers with 350mm rotors and a Sadev Hydraulic handbrake system.

“We’ve dedicated the same level of cutting-edge tools, technical resources and engineering know-how from our Le Mans GT and NASCAR programs, and working with M-Sport brings renowned expertise in rallycross and stage rally vehicle development,” said Mark Rushbrook, motorsports engineering manager, Ford Performance.

Ken Block and Andreas Bakkerud will be behind the wheel of the two Focus RS Rallycross cars when it debuts at the FIA World Rallycross event in Portugal, April 15-17.

The 12-race series takes place in 11 countries on three continents around the world.

"I'm really happy to be expanding my relationship with Ford Performance. To have official factory support for my race season in 2016 and beyond as I enter the FIA World Rallycross Championship full-time is absolutely incredible. It opens up a ton of powerful resources that myself and my team will be able to benefit from in terms of engineering prowess, research, development and racing experience from different fields. Plus, have you seen the car that they've created for me to go race in? My mind was blown when they showed it to me in Dearborn a few months ago. I absolutely cannot wait to get behind the wheel and start testing," said Hoonigan Racing Division’s Ken Block. "