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MAY 30, 2017 | Ford Performance Staff

Q&A with the 2018 Ford Focus RS Development Team

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Live Blog Live Chat w/ the Ford Focus RS Team

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE 2018 LIMITED EDITION FOCUS RS

Hello everyone, and welcome to our live chat with the Ford Focus RS team.

Obviously we are very excited about the new limited edition Focus RS vehicles being produced for the 2018 model year, and we are anxious to hear from you, the enthusiasts who helped shape what these vehicles have become.

So with that, we'll start taking your questions!

We have with us today John Wick, Program Manager, and Matt Sylvester, Focus RS Brand Manager.

QUESTION:

How is the LSD setup? Any mechanical adjust-ability from it and how much hp is it rated at?

ANSWER:

John: The limited slip is mechanical, automatic torque biasing helical differential. There's no adjustability from the cockpit.

QUESTION:

Hello, I am in the market for a RS purchase and am going to have to decide between the 2017 RS and the 2018 RS. When is the latest date to order a 2017 RS? Is the 2018 RS ONLY available as the limited edition? Thanks

ANSWER:

Yes! You can order your 2018 Ford Focus RS today. We won't be taking any more orders for the 2017, but you can check with your local dealer about any availability on the 2017. The 2018 is only being produced in the limited edition.

QUESTION:

Why make a limited edition?

ANSWER:

We listened to what our most passionate enthusiasts wanted, and decided adding a limited slip differential and some unique styling cues were perfect upgrades for this final model year.

QUESTION:

Will Ford Performance offer a warrenty-friendly tune?

ANSWER:

No.

QUESTION:

Will the options coming with the limited edition RS be made available via the ford performance store (carbon fiber interior trim,etc.)?

ANSWER:

The limited slip differential is available via our Ford Performance Parts website. https://performanceparts.ford.com

QUESTION:

Will it be available in Europe?

ANSWER:

European customers will be able to choose a special option pack for the Focus RS, which contains many of the same features.

QUESTION:

What's the Allocation and Allotment look like with only 1,000 units in the US ?

ANSWER:

This will be your last chance to get your hands on this generation Focus RS. There will be 1,000 units made for the US, and another 500 for Canada.

QUESTION:

When can we start to order?

ANSWER:

You can head to your dealer right now and place your order!

QUESTION:

Will the LSD be made available through Ford Performance? Were there software changes made to the car when it was added?

ANSWER:

2016 and 2017 models are compatible with the LSD (current software). So no software update required. The torque vectoring works seamlessly with the automatic torque biasing differential.

QUESTION:

Any hints on how the limited edition will be priced?

ANSWER:

Pricing will be announced at a later date, so stay tuned!

QUESTION:

Is the LSD offered in the limited Edition any different from the Quaife one offered by Mountune, or is it the same?

ANSWER:

No difference. They are the same.

By controlling the torque delivered to each front wheel, the Quaife limited-slip differential enables 2018 Focus RS drivers to fully tap the 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine’s 350 horsepower. The limited-slip differential limits engine torque delivered to a particular front wheel that has reduced traction on the road surface, redistributing torque to the wheel with more traction to reduce differences in wheel spin that can hamper acceleration and stability.

QUESTION:

How did the success of the RS brand in the US bode for future RS products - in particular, a new Focus RS or Fiesta RS?

ANSWER:

The RS brand is iconic around the world and we couldn't be more pleased with the response this vehicle generated from customers like those of you joining us today.

QUESTION:

Why race red? Why not Green Envy or something unique and not on another Focus?

ANSWER:

The color "Race Red" was actually chosen by the team after seeing renderings done by actual enthusiasts just like you inside the forums. It was the enthusiast feedback that really pushed us toward that decision.

QUESTION:

Will there be a software update that allows the car to start in Sport mode by default? Also, is there a way to disable auto start/stop by default?

ANSWER:

Unfortunately there won't be this option due to government regulations. The vehicle is required to start in normal mode with start/stop enabled.

QUESTION:

I absolutely loved going to the Academy in Utah. Are there plans out to be able to get everyone to go before their year mark or will it be waived since there are so few slots?

ANSWER:

I actually met with the school yesterday, and we're doing everything in our power to accommodate everyone who wants to attend as soon as possible. We've added two cars to increase class sizes, and we're doing our best to add even more class days.

Thank you to everyone for joining us today, unfortunately that's all the time we have, but appreciate you joining us and sharing in the excitement for the launch of the new limited edition 2018 Ford Focus RS.

Just to wrap up, we want to let you know that those of you who are able to order immediately can expect delivery later this year.