A few decades ago, the Swedish laboratory scientests at Saab claimed that the maximum amount of power for a front-wheel-drive vehicle should be no more than 250-hp. Ford has yet to confirm exactly how much power will lie underneath the hood of the next-generation Ford Focus RS hot hatchback but sources have uttered figures at 350-hp. Seriously. Let that sink in.
Ford was never shy to inject s***tons of power into vehicles with less than ideal chassis traits. Earlier this year, Ford unveiled its new 660-hp Shelby Mustang GT500, live-rear-axle and all.
At 100-hp beyond Saab's recommended max threshold, Ford is no doubt pushing the fringes of the FF layout. In order to harness the car and to mitigate any handling challenges as much as possible, Ford is rumored to apply an advanced active front limited-slip differential specially for the upcoming Focus RS.
According to the Ford of Europe performance division powertrain engineering manager Len Urwin, the greatest challenge for the next-generation RS will no doubt be torque-steer management. Reaching out to Swedish differential manufacturer GKN, Urwin conducted a series of tests to see whether the application would help Ford's new pocket rocket. Testing a component that's also used for BMW M cars, Urwin came away significantly impressed and even said that it worked better than he expected.
By choosing an electric active differential over a mechanical unit, Urwin can present a new Focus RS that detects slip before it begins to happen.
The new ultimate Focus from Ford is shaping up to be the most exciting hot hatch to hit the market since, well, the last Ford Focus RS. Stay tuned for its official production debut by early 2013. Given the "One-Ford" global strategy, cross your fingers for the next Ford Focus RS to finally be the first 'RS' model to hit US showrooms.
