Focus RS gets 345 HP 347 TQ

[Tommy Gun]

:wtg:


http://www.torquenews.com/106/how-mustang-ecoboost-makes-345hp-focus-rs

.

[Carnut]

More boost, more power. Pretty cool.

[68fastback]

Sweet! :wtg: ...and more than 330HP, as predicted :shades:

[Tommy Gun]

...gonna talk to our local tuner about possibilities :innocent:

[68fastback]

;-) ...probably not much left with just tuning ...with a different turbo, however, you could probably make a bunch more...the old 2.5L rally cars made 800-850 and the current 1.6L Fiesta rally cars make about 650 at 29# :faint:

[Tommy Gun]

450-500 HP at its weight would do nice at the track :look:

[Carnut]

That is the nice thing about turbos, keep wanging them up until they blow or blow up,

[68fastback]

That is the nice thing about turbos, keep wanging them up until they blow or blow up,


Is that a technical term? :biggrin:

[Carnut]

Is that a technical term? :biggrin:

Yes, and I have a patent on it. It means speeding up past all reasonable limits. Wanged up engines actually make a wanging sound above 6000 rpm or so hence the origin of the term. Some drivers, usually import drivers will continuous wang their pathetic engines up at stops lights, you heard the sound, wang wang wang. which sometimes precedes the boom chunka chunka sounds those cars make.

Sheesh, I thought you knew everything.

[Tommy Gun]

Sheesh, I thought you knew everything.


He does now. :popcorn:

[68fastback]

Yes, and I have a patent on it. It means speeding up past all reasonable limits. Wanged up engines actually make a wanging sound above 6000 rpm or so hence the origin of the term. Some drivers, usually import drivers will continuous wang their pathetic engines up at stops lights, you heard the sound, wang wang wang. which sometimes precedes the boom chunka chunka sounds those cars make.

Sheesh, I thought you knew everything.

:spitcopy:


He does now. :popcorn:

...and I am deeply indebted :shades:

[Tommy Gun]

Intake only looks like 15-20 HP gain.

Didn't get any real tune gains, but was told near 400 TQ w safe tune.

Trying to get by local tuner for some real numbers.

[68fastback]

Sweet! That'll get granny down to the Food Lion for ice cream in record time :giggle:

[Tommy Gun]

:nonono:

[Carnut]

Intake only looks like 15-20 HP gain.

Didn't get any real tune gains, but was told near 400 TQ w safe tune.

Trying to get by local tuner for some real numbers.

It needs to wanged up with a bigger turbo.

[68fastback]

:rofl3:

[Tommy Gun]

I'm gonna wang something Nut :trouble:

[Carnut]

What, Granny not around to do it?

[Tommy Gun]

What, Granny not around to do it?



That's for Mastersmech Silly

[Tommy Gun]

See if this works....


http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/ford-focus-rs-goodwood-hill-ken-block-video-2015-06-29?utm_source=email&utm_medium=sharenowbar&utm_campaign=Share+now

.

[68fastback]

This is a really cool feature!

"The new Focus RS (http://stangsunited.com/uk/tags/Focus-RS), when it goes on sale at the start of next year, will contain a button that allows you to switch it into Track or Drift modes. Track keeps things nice and straight. Drift sends 70 per cent of the torque to the back axle and, as Ken proves at the first corner, will allow it to sustain a slide."

:chirp:

[Tommy Gun]

:wtg:

[Joe G]

:chirp:


http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2015/09/16/2016-ford-focus-rs-0-62-mph-in-47-seconds-top-speed-165-mph/?intcmp=hpff

[68fastback]

SWEET !!!!! :chirp: Lookin' very good too ...what a performance steal at that price too.

[Joe G]

SWEET !!!!! :chirp: Lookin' very good too ...what a performance steal at that price too.

:but: Davey told TG he couldn't buy one!!

[68fastback]

:but: Davey told TG he couldn't buy one!!

Buy one while the market is high and then when Barry has the Fed screw with the interest rates (so he can declare in time for the election that the economy is so good -- not!) wait for the big dip and then sell it, then buy back in -- free ride :giggle: If Barry times it right he'll dump the problem on the rebublicans after 1-1-17 so TG could have the car for over a year :biggrin: It's perfect! :banana: :rofl3:

[Tommy Gun]

The article doesn't state that this car comes in at over 3600 lbs which killed the deal for me. :(

Once ripping out the interior and adding a cage it still comes in overweight and underpowered from my last track car. :(

Ford should have shaved off at least another 500 lbs at that price point.

Today's US cars suck.

I bet the Euro car is lighter.

[Tommy Gun]

Showing up on Fords site now.

Can even build, just can't get. :(


http://www.ford.com/cars/focus/features/#page=Feature24

[Tommy Gun]

http://shop.ford.com/build/focus/#/config/Config%5B%7CFord%7CFocus%7C2016%7C1%7C1.%7C.P3T... ..HAT.GAS.RET.RS.~FOCUS-RS.%5D

[Carnut]

The article doesn't state that this car comes in at over 3600 lbs which killed the deal for me. :(

Once ripping out the interior and adding a cage it still comes in overweight and underpowered from my last track car. :(

Ford should have shaved off at least another 500 lbs at that price point.

Today's US cars suck.

I bet the Euro car is lighter.

You can blame a lot of that weight on Government regulations and part of it on consumer demands.

[Tommy Gun]

Yeah, I realize that.

Talk and numbers lately are saying closer to 400 hp which would be like 340 at the wheels.

So if this "talk" has any value things are getting more promising.

I've heard some recent talk also about nice numbers being made w the EcoBoost Mustangs...which would seem promising for the EcoBoost Focus engine ....

[68fastback]

You can blame a lot of that weight on Government regulations and part of it on consumer demands.


The squirrel is wise ...unfortunately if it gets a VIN and is part of a volume build is has to meet all the crap regs.

[Joe G]

Showing up on Fords site now.

Can even build, just can't get. :(


http://www.ford.com/cars/focus/features/#page=Feature24

How many of those envelopes marked "$5000" do you have now? :look:

[68fastback]

Well, it's official...

2016 Focus RS:

2.3L EB -- 350HP/350Tq
6-speed manual
3400 lb.
0-62 under 4.7 sec
165 top speed
Standard tires: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 (same as GT350R)
Ford received over 100 orders before it was even available.

Absolutely glowing review in R&T (of all places)

"Believe the Hype -- Ford's new hot hatch exceeds expectations" "As amazing as we hoped the RS would be, it far exceeds our expectations" Has street, sport, track and drift modes that makes you feel like Ken Block in his gymkhana videos. It is, in other words, an absolute riot." Sport, Track and Drift modes get special chassis and engine programming and also utilize a second exhaust pipe (drivers side) along with the pass-side pipe -- both of which were engineered for straightness and ultra-low black-pressure -- you can hear it "backfire, gurgle and pop like a rally car." Also, "you can program the shocks independently if you want the handling without the noise" ...a wonderful "angry, spitting sound unique to the RS."

What makes it so good? Unique all wheel drive ...they tried the rally Haldex units everyone races and it could not be made to properly power-over-steer when desired and when biased with larger ratio in the rear to permit that, self destructs under the power/tq, so they created a new computer-controlled all wheel drive that eliminates the center diff entirely and can bias up 70% to an electronically controlled torque-vectoring rear diff which can send up to 100% to either rear wheel or any bias in between -- dynamically. Because it's dunamically controlled they can use a higher ratio in the rear diff and use the dynamic magnetic clutch-pak to overdrive the rear wheels when needed to power-steer the rear. Alos, since the clutches completely uncouple when going straight (and ONLY when going straight) hiway cruising milage is much improved over the Haldex and other non-dynamic AWDs.

Tried Magnaride but the range of adjustment was too small to accommodate the chassis dynamics, so Ford spec'd dynamically (electronically) controlled hydraulically valved dampers (made by Tenneco) ...as a result spring rates can be 33%F and 38% rear stiffer than the ST but not be harsh when in street mode. In track mode: fugettaboutit! It's like a true racer with a VIN.

Does not use the standard Focus chassis -- modified for 23% stiffness increase.

The RS is incredibly predictable and easy to drive quickly along twisty canyon roads" ... "significant amount of torque at low, allowing you to accelerate in most gears without feeling the need to downshift."

"The [Brembo] brakes are phenominal ...great in a straight line but more impressive is how they work when you entger a corner. You can step on the brakes hard with the wheel turned, with the weight transferring to the outside, and the car will continue to track where you pointed it!"

The steering is very quick 2.5 on the ST but 2.0 turns L-to-L on the RS.

"The RS is a track car through and through and through." "...the sophisticated AWD gets much of the credit. Throw the RS toward the striping, keep the gas pedal buried in the floor, and simply aim through the apex." "It's not just torque-vectoring sorcery. The suspension feels firm and planted and doesn't get upset if you jump over curbing" "the brakes are confident and only seem to improve during hard lapping"

"The result is a car you never have to fight." "like everything on this car the stability control is fully adjustable and is precisely developed."

In Drift ode "I was able to get all four tires smoking. This is as fun as it sounds. If I owned a Focus RS I'd rack up a huge debt to Michelin.

Conclusions:

"The first is that $36,605 is not a lot to pay for a car with 350HP, all-wheel-drive, Recaro seats, Brembo brakes, and electronically adjustable shocks. Especially when that car is a hatchback that can comfortable haul around your mom or kids, with a good-sized dog in back."
"The second is that other brands with all-wheel-drive performance cars should be very concerned."

[Joe G]

How many of those envelopes marked "$5000" do you have now? :look:

:waiting3:

[CH53Driver]

This would be an awesome car to add to the collection, but I'm not rich like TG. :look:

[Shelby-Don]

TG has a pile of cash

http://stangsunited.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16114&stc=1

[Tommy Gun]

350 hp, 3400 lbs $37,000

Or

410hp, 3600 lbs $40,000



Ford fail :nonono:


Car should be closer to $30K


Too close to the Mustang specs eventhough 4WD :nonono:


Ford fail.

[68fastback]

So a 526 HP GT350R should only be 50K then?

They don't price cars to HP ...it's about Cost + Margin, etc., etc.

I think it's steal at it's price. Jmho.

Tho I would not complain if it were cheaper ...and Ford decided to lose money because they have a big heart :haha:

[Tommy Gun]

So a 526 HP GT350R should only be 50K then?

They don't price cars to HP ...it's about Cost + Margin, etc., etc.

I think it's steal at it's price. Jmho.

Tho I would not complain if it were cheaper ...and Ford decided to lose money because they have a big heart :haha:

So who can afford these cars?

Average people?

What's the average income in America these days?


Didn't Ford move production out of the US because it realized its workers couldn't even afford their cars and was afraid of an uprising ...or didn't that make the news?

[68fastback]

:huh?:

[Joe G]

:huh?:

I think TG's drinking tonight. :rofl3:

[68fastback]

:spitcopy:

[CH53Driver]

TG must be referencing the new small car plant that Ford has decided to build in Mexico.

[68fastback]

TG must be referencing the new small car plant that Ford has decided to build in Mexico.

...for Keith? :innocent:

[Alloy Dave]

So who can afford these cars?

Average people?

What's the average income in America these days?


Didn't Ford move production out of the US because it realized its workers couldn't even afford their cars and was afraid of an uprising ...or didn't that make the news?
Average family income is around $54k/year.

IMO it's about priorities. If you're willing to live in a $30,000 house, you can buy a nicer car. If you like going on vacations to Hawaii, maybe you can't. Everyone makes choices about how they split up their pot of money.

[Tommy Gun]

Average family income is around $54k/year.

IMO it's about priorities. If you're willing to live in a $30,000 house, you can buy a nicer car. If you like going on vacations to Hawaii, maybe you can't. Everyone makes choices about how they split up their pot of money.


Part of my point. Average income is $54,000. A nice car starts about $45,000. So to me it makes sense that most average income people can't (or hardly can) afford a "nice" car anymore. :(

And yes, Ford has moved some plants to Mexico. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Ford_factories

[68fastback]

...but the RS is only $37K :hiding: ;-)

[Tommy Gun]

:doh:


Would have been a cool car, but IMO a little overpriced. Got my GT under $30K so couldn't justify the 4WD and a little less weight over the money savings. :(

[68fastback]

Everybody's different. I think many people just finance the car they want anyway. I don't see any real connection whatsoever between the pricing of a specialty car and the national average income -- sort of like apples and gorillas -lol

An RS costs no more than a full-boat Escape Titanium (assuming no dealer ADMs on the RS) ...and that's why everybody is different and there are so many different offerings. Like Dave said it's all about one's priorities. For those who haven't saved for a future car or can't afford a car's payments, or don't budget for them, they should not buy it. If someone can't hack the RS, there's the ST (and other variations). That doesn't mean the RS is priced too high, just means not everyone can justify $37K (like me -lol), while others can easily justify $65K for a GT350R, but that doesn't affect what I think of the pricing, jmho ...actually both are the very pinnacle of their segment's price-performance in the marketplace today.

The RS is all about handling. Handling-wise the RS will run circles around a GT, but the GT may run it down on the straights. For backroads fun it'd be no contest ...probably need a GT350 :shades: The RS would probably be fun on-track too, especially on a short track but it's really a backroad 'rally' monster :chirp:

[Alloy Dave]

Part of my point. Average income is $54,000. A nice car starts about $45,000. So to me it makes sense that most average income people can't (or hardly can) afford a "nice" car anymore. :(

And yes, Ford has moved some plants to Mexico. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Ford_factoriesYour definition of nice is different than mine. I think anyone who can afford to buy a brand new car is driving a "nice" car, even if it's a $16,000 Smart car. There are loads of people out there who are driving $2,000 beater cars. The Lexus we bought was about $50k, and it's more than nice. I don't think the "average" family should be buying new cars anyway...IMO they should buy only what they can pay cash for...typically a 3-4 year old car would suffice.

[68fastback]

Your definition of nice is different than mine. I think anyone who can afford to buy a brand new car is driving a "nice" car, even if it's a $16,000 Smart car. There are loads of people out there who are driving $2,000 beater cars. The Lexus we bought was about $50k, and it's more than nice. I don't think the "average" family should be buying new cars anyway...IMO they should buy only what they can pay cash for...typically a 3-4 year old car would suffice.


That's sort of our formula right there -- knee in the value curve is usually 3-5 years old.

Bought the Taurus Wagon at 5yrs old for $3500. Bought the Fusion at 3yrs old $11,800.

Bought the Ranger at ab out 18 years old but it only had 68K miles -- every rule has an exception :lol:

[Tommy Gun]

Everybody's different. I think many people just finance the car they want anyway. I don't see any real connection whatsoever between the pricing of a specialty car and the national average income -- sort of like apples and gorillas -lol

An RS costs no more than a full-boat Escape Titanium (assuming no dealer ADMs on the RS) ...and that's why everybody is different and there are so many different offerings. Like Dave said it's all about one's priorities. For those who haven't saved for a future car or can't afford a car's payments, or don't budget for them, they should not buy it. If someone can't hack the RS, there's the ST (and other variations). That doesn't mean the RS is priced too high, just means not everyone can justify $37K (like me -lol), while others can easily justify $65K for a GT350R, but that doesn't affect what I think of the pricing, jmho ...actually both are the very pinnacle of their segment's price-performance in the marketplace today.

The RS is all about handling. Handling-wise the RS will run circles around a GT, but the GT may run it down on the straights. For backroads fun it'd be no contest ...probably need a GT350 :shades: The RS would probably be fun on-track too, especially on a short track but it's really a backroad 'rally' monster :chirp:

Okay, so I need an AWD GT350. :look:

[Tommy Gun]

Your definition of nice is different than mine. I think anyone who can afford to buy a brand new car is driving a "nice" car, even if it's a $16,000 Smart car. There are loads of people out there who are driving $2,000 beater cars. The Lexus we bought was about $50k, and it's more than nice. I don't think the "average" family should be buying new cars anyway...IMO they should buy only what they can pay cash for...typically a 3-4 year old car would suffice.


Sounds like things are nicer here than they are there. Lol

[68fastback]

Okay, so I need an AWD GT350. :look:

Oooo -- wouldn't THAT be a kick! :chirp:

...add another $10K :faint: :rofl3:

[CH53Driver]

Okay, so I need an AWD GT350. :look:

Yes, that's called a GT-R. I'm sure you can afford it. :look:

[Tommy Gun]

16881



Saw a Canadian window sticker at $50,000 :nonono:

.

[68fastback]

http://stangsunited.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16881&stc=1



Saw a Canadian window sticker at $50,000 :nonono:

.

That's just a shade over $39K US

Two sweet rider there !!!! :banana:

[Tommy Gun]

I've seen no news on the RS in months, must be a flop :nonono:


Should have made it 2 doors and kept it under $38K like originally promised. :look:

[68fastback]

I saw one July 10th in our village ...didn't have my camera tho. Also in that same blue. They must have been in a restaurant b/c I waited around for about 10 minutes but no one came out ...figured if they just ran into a store they'd be out by them. VERY nice!

[Joe G]

:oops:


http://www.motortrend.com/news/watch-ford-focus-rs-drift-straight-wall/?wc_mid=4035:3279&wc_rid=4035:1064146&_wcsid=ACB81CF57739176B126522EAB2C8C7A94F8F9EC62E3 1112B



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asLA5qMTJec

[68fastback]

(Vid has been removed...)

I guess you still have to know how to drive to drift :giggle:

[Joe G]

(Vid has been removed...)

I guess you still have to know how to drive to drift :giggle:

:oops:

Probably didn't want insurance to find out.

[68fastback]

:oops:

Probably didn't want insurance to find out.

Honestly, I was parked and rock outcrop backed into me! :spitcopy:

[Tommy Gun]

Honestly, I was parked and rock outcrop backed into me! :spitcopy:



It can happen :innocent:

[68fastback]

It can happen :innocent:

...only in NC? :giggle:

Ruf break! :rofl3:

[Tommy Gun]

:ohsnap:

[Joe G]

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc289/JoeG_09/Ruf/Rufwall.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/JoeG_09/media/Ruf/Rufwall.jpg.html)

[68fastback]

:lol: :yes:

[Tommy Gun]

Double :ohsnap: