Repeating myself, but at that point it's lost that thing that makes the Focus RS special. I understand it for track pursuits but otherwise, just say no.

 

I don't agree with that, that is like saying swapping out the S-AYC in the Evo X to a mechanical rear diff makes the the Evo X no longer special.

We all know that is not the case.

 

Except that the FoRS doesn't have a center diff, so a mechanical rear diff would be a large downgrade. The best we can reasonably hope for would be upgraded clutch packs, re-flash the rear diff controller, and perhaps different gear ratios for the rear output.

 

Now that you put it that way, you CAN'T put a regular rear diff in the RS. It won't be able to spin the front/rear axles at different speeds since the rear diff (twinster unit) is what does the decoupling. If you put a regular rear diff in it, it will no longer decouple, and it's like driving an AWD DSM with a welded center diff. Won't work as street or road race car.

 

I totally forget it doesn't have a center diff. Duh

 

yes not hard to do that, it is wierd to not having a center diff for sure.

 

From what I have read the Focus RS RX does not appear to have a center diff. "Each axle has a mechanical differential that is fully adjustable" http://www.topspeed.com/cars/ford/20...-ar173012.html

For a few years the WRC banned center diffs and required the front and rear diff be completely mechanical.

 

Drag race : Ford Focus RS VS Mercedes A 45 AMG

 

The missing center diff is compensated for by the Focus RS rear diff always slipping and overdriving. With a mechancal rear of whatever type I think we have cut out streetable b/c it is always effectively "locked"?

 

Went to the Ford dealer today to set up my lease return process on my Fiesta ST. I saw that they had a Focus RS so I was eager to check it out.

It sold as I was driving to the dealer, I only got to see it for about 3 secs as it drove to the back to get ready for delivery. Oh well....

It looks awesome in white though...

 

Maybe someday a white AWD performance vehicle of some sort will occupy space in my garage again.

 

The ring run in the rain looked super fun.

 

so I just got around to watching this weeks Top Gear. the guy that was testing the Focus RS said the engine was developed by Cosworth, he's full of crap, right?

 

I read somewhere that Cosworth was involved with increasing the flow of the head.

 

"The 2.3-litre four-cylinder Ecoboost turbo engine used by the Focus RS is related to that fitted in the new Ford Mustang – the block, the cylinders and the crankshaft being essentially the same. However, the cylinder liners, the revised turbocharger, the intake system, the cooling and the cylinder head are bespoke to the RS, enabling it to handle the additional pressures of increasing power from 306bhp to 345bhp. A certain Northampton-based company helped Ford with development of that cylinder head. Yep, there’s a little bit of Cosworth in this fast Ford, too."

source: http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-rev...t-ride-review/