Ford achieves 152 bhp/litre for new RS

Ford claims the "unique" 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine in the latest Focus RS will produce 350 bhp – far exceeding original estimates of 315 bhp – together with 350 lb.-ft. torque.

Ford also claims that the high output achieved by this EcoBoost engine is due to its all-new low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger with a larger compressor wheel that delivers more airflow and power throughout the rev range. Peak turbocharger boost is 23.2 psi.

Backing up this increased output is a large intercooler to maximize charge density. Air itself is delivered through a low-restriction intake manifold on the front end with a high-performance exhaust. The system includes an electronically controlled valve that optimizes back pressure and exhaust volume level.

In the cylinder block, what Ford calls "stout" high-tensile cast-iron cylinder liners are used to enhance the robustness of the engine, while a high-performance head gasket brings improved thermal capability.

Ford sources say the liners are not compacted graphite iron (CGI) but an iron that has been specially treated and tempered to increase tensile strength.

Engineers created additional space ahead of the engine to deploy a larger radiator than what’s used on other Focus models for enhanced cooling.

Despite the engine’s high output of 152 bhp/litre RS engineers tuned this EcoBoost to deliver right off idle all the way on up to a free-spinning 6,800 Rev/min with "chunky" midrange power delivery.

With all that torque, the manual-only hot hatch will be forgiving in the event that a driver stalls the engine, as Focus RS will debut with a "trick feature" called stall recovery.

There will be no need for drivers to manually restart the engine or move the gear selector to neutral as the innovative technology allows the driver to simply push the clutch back in after a stall and the engine will restart.

“We knew we wanted to put start-stop technology on the RS,” explained Tyrone Johnson, engineering and vehicle manager, Ford Performance Europe. “So we said, ‘What if we went one step further, and controlled for engine stall at launch using the same technology?’ Well, that’s exactly what we did and it’s just as fast as our start-stop technology.”

Developed by a small team of Ford Performance engineers in Europe and the US, the third-generation Focus RS follows models launched in 2002 and 2009. The 2016 Focus RS is the 30th car globally to wear the RS badge, joining the 1970 Escort RS1600, the 1984 mid-engine RS200 Group B rally car, 1985 Sierra RS Cosworth and 1992 Escort RS Cosworth.