Ford Focus RS Roush gets 372kW

Ford North America has backed tuning company Roush Performance with development of a high-output Focus RS with 372kW of power and three-way adjustable suspension.

Unveiled alongside tuned Mustang coupes and even Fiesta and Focus ST models at the SEMA show in Las Vegas this month, the Focus RS concept gets a shortblock performance assembly, cooling system and heavy calibration work in order to leap 115kW from the standard 257kW. No torque figure is given beyond the production model’s 440Nm.

PFC slotted brake rotors and Roush PerformanceTrakPak three-way adjustable suspension with camber plates are added underneath, and 255/35 R19 Continental ExtremeContact Sport tyres wrap around lightweight forged alloy wheels.

Completing the “track-themed” Focus RS concept are unique front and side splitters, front tow hook, rear wing, diffuser, custom-stripe graphics, bonnet vents, even ambient grille lighting and a sneaky Roush imprint on the front-mounted intercooler.

“With calibration work producing an impressive 500 horsepower, the lines between design and functional performance blur – transforming this into a true street/race car,” Ford US said in a statement.

If the styling isn’t to all tastes, then there are rival Focus RS alternatives that were likewise Ford-backed for SEMA.

A Hyper-Focus RS concept from Velox Motorsports makes good on that claim with a new twin-scroll turbo kit, new intercooler and charge pipes, 3-inch turbo-back dual exhaust system, 3-inch cold-air intake and crankcase catch can – though it makes 336kW.

The “stealth grey and fire orange” example even gets a carbonfibre driveshaft, upgraded CV axles and front limited-slip differential.

Complete with white OzRacing 18-inch wheels, however, the H&R Performance Focus RS prefers to doff its lid to Ford’s rallying roots. No engine upgrades are detailed, but coilover suspension, a short-shifter kit, aluminium shift bushings and wheel spacers are detailed.

While Ford’s hottest hatchbacks are all seen here in concept form, performance parts are filtering into the American market now. Ford Australia has only backed Mountune performance parts for its Fiesta ST and Focus ST models locally, however, with word still to come through about potential Focus RS tuning kits for our market.