I was tickled to death when the wife mentioned this to me. I'd been keeping a close watch on it for some time when she started kicking around the idea of getting back into a car.

It should serve me well as a backup track car also

 

I hardly doubt its gonna be more mod friendly. Being DI and all.

 

Wouldn't that Depend on the limits of the injector size? That seems to be the only real issue with DI, you go as far as the stock fuel system can take you... Then you are stuck. Keep in mind though, mustangs with the 2.3L are already running 11s with a tune and slicks in a (hopefully) heavier car and are doing it through the automatic trans. There is at least some head room there in stock form.

As much as the system seems overkill, I think Toyota is going the right direction by keeping the port injection with DI. Not even for tunability but because spraying fuel on the back of the intake valves occasionally can fix the build up issues that seems to plague all DI motors.

With regards to the AWD system, it is disappointing to me but it's too be expected that it's not a mechanical system. I think mitsu got it right on the IX with ACD center, clutch pack rear and torsen front. Sure, you can use electronics to make an average driver faster, but will it actually make a good driver faster? More importantly though, will all those electronic controls actually make the car less predictable and less fun to drive?

On fuel economy, I wouldn't trust Ford on their claims. My wife's car is a 2.0L ecoboost escape. It was advertised at like 22/28 city/hwy yet I've never seen it get better than 25mpg all freeway and it averages 21mpg with my wife driving who is very light on the throttle.

 

With the Ecoboosts (and most 4cyl DI's), first limit is the HPFP, then Injectors, then LPFP.

Since the HPFP is cam driven, it limits the amount of boost you can run down low if you are close to fueling limit. It also limits the top end if you have a turbo that flows well but usually it's the low end boost you have to worry about.

It's not as easy as just swapping injectors and LPFP as the HPFP is the "hard limit"

The rear is very much mechanical as much as the Evo S-AYC is.

 

Comparo was IX, which has no S-AYC for US market.

 

I was addressing this part of his statement.

 

The question I have been toying with is will this new Ford RS AWD system be superior to a LSD FWD product or say a RWD LSD product. I would venture to say yes it will. Is it superior to the current Evo spec AWD system? We will just have to see how well this RS debuts on it's shake down. Alot will depend on how much a " porker" it will be and whether or not Ford pumps up the 2.3 for it's final numbers. If it can beat a stock IX RS in performance I will be greatly impressed but I have my doubts. If it can outperform across the board this benchmark EVO it would be an amazing achievement for a US car manufacture.

 

Yes, but as mentioned, I think they nailed it with the IX... Not S-AYC.

I suppose by mechanical I was more implying simple. The ACD mimics more of a mechanical system then attempting to do anything like torque vectoring. I can concede though, they might have a system that is very fun to drive that works well. I kind of like the more primal systems though that punish (or reward) the drivers ability level.

Depending on price and weight though, I am leaning more towards the cheaper FIST. AWD would be great again though... If Utah ever gets another winter that is.

 

The Ecoboost motors in everything else are EXTREMELY mod friendly. I don't see why this one should be any different. They are picking up lots of power with small mods, and a tune.

 

Agreed, +1

 

I agree with you on the non AYC rear. One thing to note is that Haldex does a pretty good job being a "ACD" from the rear. (that's what she said?) Should be interesting to see how they implemented it in the RS since the rear is a much larger AYC style unit.

As you know, the Haldex has nothing to do with torque vectoring, nor does ACD. It's the rear AYC style unit and also brake assisted (like the Evo 10) unless you turn that off.

I really like my FiST but I would really LOVE it if it was AWD.

 

I wonder if taking an RS to the track will void its warranty? Ford's own press release is chock full of track references:

- Focus RS the most powerful production Focus ever, with highly capable performance on both road and track

- The all-new Focus RS is a serious machine with high-performance technology and innovative engineering that sets a new benchmark for driving exhilaration on the road and track

- With neutral and adjustable limit handling, and the ability to achieve controlled oversteer drifts at the track

- Other exclusive chassis features include sports suspension with spring rates, bushings and antiroll bars – all of which are stiffer than those found in Focus ST, and two-mode switchable dampers, which offer a firmer setting for track driving

- an optional Pilot Sport Cup 2 tire for enhanced vehicle dynamics on the track.

- Since the first Ford RS models took to the road, the line has been an essential element of Ford’s DNA, delivering technical innovation and performance on road and track.

https://media.ford.com/content/fordm...d-focus-rs.pdf

I can see it now:
owner - But I bought the optional Pilot Sport Cup tires to take it to the track, just like Ford recommends.
service manager - Yes, that voids your warranty.

Thoughts?

 

kinda like GTRs being sold with launch control?

 

The warranty side and the advertising side of car companies have never been on the same page. Mitsubishi, Subaru, and many others have shown that over the years. I think it's safe to say that if you take in a Focus RS that's obviously been tracked (shredded tires after 500 miles?!), Ford won't go out of their way to help you.

You might find a dealer willing to help you; you might not. I just wouldn't count on support as a track vehicle.

 

I don't get why everyone worries so much about warranties, as if the local dealership can prove that you took it to the track, or how you used it? They have neither the time, nor the resources to care about what you do with your car after you buy it. If it breaks, you bring it in, they fix it unless you wrecked it, or modified it. Driving a car around a track doesn't break anything that wouldn't be covered any more than rough street driving unless you hit something, which wouldn't be covered on or off the track. Wear items also aren't covered, so that shouldn't be a question either.