On one of the Ford forums (which I can't currently find!) there was a really interesting discussion with a guy who was involved in the drivetrain and electronics design (he was called Subaru) and he was absolutely adamant that the AWD could not handle anymore power without component changeand there wasn't space for said upgraded components space was that tight.
Bingo! Found the thread - although the guy was Scooby, not Subaru: http://www.fordrsnation.com/threads/442-AWD-Questions
A complex motor. More power possibilities but only through the front wheels and at what corresponding detriment to all round handling with the torque vectoring and software. It it sort of makes a simple remapped mk3 Megane with about 310 bhp and its lighter weight seem like a more pure and simple solution. Too much technology for technologies sake staring to creep in.
If, and it's a big if, I were to get it remapped, I'd stick with a warranty/insurance friendly mountune option. I'm interested to see their position on upgrade packages as it appears from that article it will change the dynamics of the car. Thanks for the link Georgeski.
Based on the complexity of it, I suspect there won't be a Ford sanctioned Mountune option. There is a significant amount of software, testing and proving required with this RS and if the rear drive is already designed to mechanically torque limit, that limits options for a Ford backed upgrade. Gone are the days of a quick boost increase and an airbox with this type of motor. I'm sure the aftermarket mappers will have a stab though. Messing about with standard cars complex ability to manage its behaviour through the 4 WD torque vectoring might be a challenge.
Having read that thread about the drivetrain i wouldn't one. Whole point of fast fords has always been cheap thrills and tune-ability. Remap a Golf R and off you go.
It will certainly be a brave man who lets their car become the test mule for a tuner to 'practice' on.
Mountune have already had the car for months, there will be a upgrade but it will not be released until the cars start getting delivered to customers.
The mazda 6 mps is a 2.3 4cylinder direct injection engine with AWD with ford motor company casting marks all over the engine and drivetrain components. I believe the new rs undernieth is development of the mps setup. The mps engine would handle over 400 bhp with a map and bolt on mods before forging was needed and the only gearbox/diff upgrades needed to cope with the power were the weak mounts. I very much doubt the new and improved rs system will be at its gearbox limits with stock power. Montane use a cobb v3 which is used on mazda subaru mitsubushi Nissan (gtr) all AWD turbo engines so big power increase will be available from very early days I'm sure. I still won't buy one though haha
With about as much as you can read into that comparison Vid, usual caveats etc, the Megane does well.
Anything official or just wishful thinking? Even the RS forums have doubts about power increases capabilities with the RWD elements.
Fuck me, the megane holds its own. First part of the vid the megane clearly claws back twice, it's only straight line power that pulls the ford ahead. I expected more of a whitewash with all that power and 4wd!
Thanks, just had a look. They are saying they will have a 'ton of products' available. No mention of any performance upgrades. You might just be getting excited over spoilers, wheels, exhausts and fluffy dice.
Yep, surprised it was up on a Ford forum. Not a great advert for it. Let's see what it can do once it's out of the hands of Fords manipulated media and going round a track with some serious independants timing and comparisons. Will all that bulk really cut it?
You only get a badge with a performance upgrade, Not with styling etc. I'd put money on them having a kit out this year pushing closer to 400.
Definitely badge comes with a performance upgrade.. Have a few friends with focus/fiesta ST's and you don't get a badge just walking in and buying something from the shop..
Apparently the first 2 things available are some iron bars and a shotgun for your house to stop it being nicked.
If that megane 250 is standard, the focus is not looking that impressive,could the type r have its pants down on the track with more power than the megane?
More stuff creeping out from Ford about a potential problem with power upgrades. Got the Focus forums worried as they all assumed a Mountune was a done deal: Our second cars worked perfectly fine, but Ford admits that the RS’s Twinster system is pretty close to its limits handling 350 horses and 350 foot pounds already, so in case you’re planning to go aftermarket and increase the power further without beefing up the drivetrain, expect to get some shredded metal with your voided warranty. And what if Ford made an even faster, hotter Focus RS? It will have to have bigger gears as well as a turbo, that’s for sure. http://jalopnik.com/the-2016-ford-focus-rs-is-god-in-hatchback-form-1754930368
Thought you might like to read this Mountune blog http://www.blog.mountune.com/index.php/component/k2/item/75-rsted-development-episode1
Lots of blah just leading to an air filter and more induction noise. Nothing significant. Significant power upgrades, full integration with the AWD and a Ford backed warranty on an existing power limited rear drive system is still tbd. Time will tell, but don't be so convinced it's a given on the big power front.
Well it sure would be a pisser if the Focus can't be tweaked up on the power front especially when you can get 310 bhp out of a Megane Mk3 for minimal outlay. The Meg would then be packing the same power to weight ratio. It would be a grim day for the blue oval worshippers watching the Focus get a spanking on a trackday from the old Meg.
I have to say the constant hype over this car is all getting a bit OTT. Other than the price, the thing isn't that special. Ford has managed its release to perfection though and without resorting to bribes seems to have sweetened up the press and reviewers beautifully. The production is now delayed for reliability issues. Hope there aren't going to be disappointed punters.
Several years ago I was on a trackday in my 250 (Stock power) and there was a Focus RS (MK2) with the Mountune pack - so around 350bhp. He was holding everyone up! There was a snake of 9 cars behind him, but he kept on blasting it on the straights and then slowing right down for the corners. It was so frustrating! That said, given the 100bhp advantage he had, he was only pulling about 1 car length on the straights at Llandow. Sounded fantastic though, I could hear the pops and bangs with my windows shut. He was later told off by the organisers and had to let everyone pass...
Can't really compare cars with different drivers, he might have been scared of damaging his car. I have been on the track in my Clio 182 and been held up by a 550bhp supercharged Jag but put that car in a better drivers hands and it would have left me for dead, the two trackdays I did in my Megane 250 most things passed me as I did not want to push the car too hard.
This, very much this. I always have to laugh when people pipe up saying they killed X on track, Driver plays a massive role. Stick someone who can actually pedal in it and it will be a totally different story.
Same result though. The better drivers were quicker. I also reckon the new Focus RS isn't going to live up to all the hype on track with lap times.
TBH I could not give a shit how fast it is round a track as mine will never see the track along with most others, that is why I have my Clio. All talk about lap times to me is just pub talk and means nothing in the real world, if lap times were that important to Ford they would have stripped it out and not made the car "fun" to drive and made it more dedicated towards the track. As Jamie has said driver is the most important part, I have been in cars on track with BTCC drivers and it is scary how fast they go without even trying.
Exactly this, I'll have my R26 to use on track. Track times mean nothing to me, I ordered mine months ago before any reviews. Everything I've read so far has just made me realise what an awesome car I'm about to receive. Have you been given a date yet?
No date yet just the vista date of June but that does not really mean anything. I am waiting list batch 2, how about you?
Well a lot of people will be interested in how it performs on track as that sets a benchmark for its capability. It's been one of the most hyped hot hatches in recent times. Just how good it really is will come down to its lap time in a variety of comparable conditions and circuits. It's about capability and credibility when pushed to the limit and how it measures up to the competition. If anyone just wants to cruise around in it or just polish it that's up to them.
Batch 1, or at least I should be. Ordered back in July, and my dealer told me my order was confirmed with Ford on the 18th September.
