Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

Now, its kind of Anthema to this site. But I suppose its technically thirdgen related, even if its not a GM Product. It is a third generation RS.

4 years ago, Ford said they were bringing the Focus ST to the states. I held onto hope for the RS, but nothing was coming. I made peace with it, and replaced my Pontiac G6 GTP with a 2013 Focus ST, which was much more capable performance wise. I was happy with the ST, but what I really wanted was the Focus RS. I wanted that bonkers car that had 350hp with a hatch back.

Last year, Ford announced the RS was coming to America. Details were slim, but as they started to emerge I wanted it more and more. Today, Ford's order banks opened up. In a few months, I will be ecstatic to own the first generation Focus RS to come to America.

Ford hasn't released ALL of the specs yet, and there are no reviews yet. But I know its going to handle better than my Focus ST, and that means its going to be amazing.

Ford also hasn't released the 1/4 mile yet, but as it includes Launch Control and AWD, I'm guessing low 13's around 105-107mph assuming I can shift it fast enough.

So, onto the stats.

• 0-60mph = 4.5 seconds
• Top Speed = 165mph
• Displacement = 2.3L Turbocharged Direct Injection engine
• Power = 345hp, and 347lb/ft torque
• AWD System capable of sending up to 70% of the power to the rear axle, and on the rear axle, it can allocate 100% of that to either side.
• It uses the same torque vectoring system found in the Focus ST which can manipulate the brakes and make magic cornering stuff happen. The Focus ST is already a hoot to drive that will happily spend every corner sideways, but this is a proper AWD system with an additional 93 ponies to work with.
• And since this car will also fulfill the role of a daily driver, the AWD will be welcome in winter, as I'm purchasing a set of additional rims to mount Snow Tires on, making it the winter hatch from hell.

I optioned it up abit. I went with the RS2 package that includes: Heated Steering wheel, seats, and mirrors. SatNav, and the MySync 3 system which isn't great, but I'm happy enough with my ST's nav system.

The only other option I chose was the 19" Forged Alloy's that are 3.5lbs lighter at each corner than the standard 19" rims. The factory tire is a Michilen 235/35/19 Pilot Super Sport, which I currently have on the Focus ST.

The only performance option I didn't get was the optional Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Why? Because why pay for tires in a loan that will outlast the shoes. I predict I'll need tires within about 3 years. I made it about that far with the ST's factory shoes.

So, here it is. Ordered today, will be arriving sometime soon.

2016 Focus RS, in shadow black.

3.8TransAM

Brain cannot and will not comprehend Focus and $35k in the same sentence.

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

Ok, so how about a $35,650 VW GOLF R


"It’s no secret that the Golf R knows how to perform. But with impressive power that takes it from 0 to 60 in 4.9 seconds and around the Nürburgring in 8:15, clearly it’s not holding back." Taken from VW's site.

292 hp/280 lb-ft of torque7
Turbocharged 2.0T in-line 4-cyl engine
4MOTION® all-wheel drive

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

Daily Driving? AWD Good
Winter Driving? AWD Good
Track Driving? AWD Good

345hp? Good.
347lb/ft? Good

1G+ Lateral Grip? Great
Almost 100ft 60-0 distance? Great

I know it seems expensive, but its really not for the performance and usability. Can drive it all year round, hit the track any time you like. And it has 4 doors, a rear seat that folds flat, and will likely still get 30mpg.

The interior is basically the same as my ST, and its a pretty nice place to be, most of the materials are soft touch and wear well. My seats with 40000+ miles don't have any wear on them, though the blue inserts are showing dirt that I'll have to clean.

Its quiet and comfortable inside. And if you really want to, you can rip out of the hole like a rocket, stick like glue on every corner, and pop your passengers eye ***** out with the brakes.

I dont' see it as that expensive if I'm going to keep it for a VERY long time.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

Its a VW, so I'll never buy one. I'm happy to admire them from afar and not pay for the repair bills.

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

You know I used to feel the same way about VW's until I bought my mom a then new 2008 Jetta. And that car has not ever let her or me down when driving it. Then again, the car only has 26,000 miles on it.

Btw, not hating on the Ford since my daily driver is a 2001 Explorer Sport 4x4.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Congrats, Bill! That's an awesome car!

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

And the power was upped a bit to 350hp and 350lb/ft now that its finished SAE testing.

I can't wait to take delivery. Its going to be a real issue deciding which car to take to Track Days.

And on a more Thirdgen related topic, I took my Mother for her first ride in the GTA since its been rebuilt this year. The loves it, but the car scares the ever living CRAP out of her. When I drop the hammer at 4000rpm in 2nd, the nose jumps up, the engine screams to 7000rpm. The noise of a 7000rpm is Glorious. Thats the only way to describe the car at full song.

Also, did the Starved Rock cruise with The Chicago Garage. Was a great cruise, but the BEST part was when the back of the pack got separated from the group due to a Red Light and missed the call out for a turn. It was me in the Focus ST, a C6 Z06, Blown Mustang, and a big turbo EVO hustling down some epic backroad highways to catch back up to the main group. Ended up beating the main group to the Lunch stop.

I'm the blue smudge next to the white smudge WAY at the back of the pack on the hill. lol. Had good turnout, 22 or 23 cars.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

Estimated arrival is 1st quarter. My car hasn't been scheduled yet, so until it is, I won't really have a delivery date.

Can't wait.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

Well, I called the dealer today and swtiched up the color. I decided to go with a color that normally isn't on cars. Its called Stealth Grey.

And this is exactly what my RS will look like, it has all of the same options.







I know the brakes look small, but those are 13.8" rotors up front, and 13.2" out back. Stopping will not be a problem.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

My RS is getting closer, its currently "Selected for Scheduling". Meaning they scheduled it to be scheduled to be built. lol.

More cool things emerge. One of the strangest choices was the rear "differential". And I quote it, because its not really a differential at all in the sense we are used to.

the rear driveshaft is constantly spinning, up to 1.8x faster than the front BTW. The left and right rear axles aren't connected to the R&P. Instead it uses a set of wet clutches and hydraulic pressure to engage the rear wheels either partially or fully locked.

All very strange. Here's a picture.



But that just enables "wheee!" moments like this because it makes the car act more like a RWD car than a AWD car.



But its also Daily Drivable useful.

zerogsx

Very cool. Those cars are going to have tons of tuner potential. I wish they made a 3 door version or a sedan. Not that I'm in the market.

AMS is going to support the RS pretty heavily. The stock performance is beyond impressive already.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

Though I won't use Drift Mode, I admit it makes for an entertaining GIF.

wryte1

I gotta get me one of those ford camaros damit

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

So after lurking for 2 years you decide to make your first post just because you want to troll another members choice of cars?

wryte1

yep

3.8TransAM

I get the car, it is cool.

$35k on a frikkin' focus? That part does not compute.

Although its the same principle as the EVO and WRX. 4 wheel tin cans that went fast adds $$$$$$ to price tag (they weren't cheap either)

Why not get a Camaro? I can't grasp the $35k Focus? Or $36k Camaro(for a real one)?

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

No more tin can than f-bodies are. Interiors have come a long way in any case and it nice place to be for the daily grind. It's 4 doors. Decent on gas. Hatch back for the dog or occasional moving of big items. Aka it's practical and fun.

I have no interest in a 6th gen. I have my GTA and the only car that would replace it would be a z06, or viper. I don't like 5th gen or 6th gen coffin interiors and would have a gt350 before either of them.

As for the price? It's inflation. My GTA was 22k in 1989 and that's well over 40k in today's money.

TylerSteez

iTrader: (3)

so much unnecessary hate. when the new focus RS were revealed I liked them a lot and I HATE everything Ford related except old mustangs. If the guy likes the car and has been waiting years to finally be able to get one why can't we be happy for him?

Aside from the great looks, our thirdgens were a HUGE let down in power for the price when they came out but we all still love these cars. let the original poster enjoy his Focus.

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

The love and hate thing on car brands is the same thing as with sports and sports teams. If we all had and loved the same thing, it would be a boring world to live in.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

Have no issues with posts like 3.8's. I can have a discussion with people who don't agree.

However wryte1 is just a troll with zero contribution to this community. His posts are worthless.

zerogsx

Some people are so closed minded it gets frustrating. Welcome to the internet, right? Granted, a site like TGO will automatically probably have some bias against cars like the Focus. Sure, like what you like for your own reasons but be mature enough to accept just because you don't like something it doesn't necessarily make it a POS. There's playful banter and there's also blind ignorance.

I used to be V8-only til the sport compact boom of the late 90s. I've owned a couple AWD turbo 4-cylinders (DSMs) and they were every bit as quick as any FBody I owned- even my modded TTA. Honestly, even a bit cheaper and easier to mod too- and gain/$ was phenomenal. Boost is a great equalizer for smaller engines.

The Focus RS is going to be hurting many American V8s. On a road course or twisty road, there are few cars that will equal the RS. I'd never get one but I think they're cool and I'm glad they're on the market.

Not to get too far off on a tangent, but this stuck out to me. Power for the price when new there wasn't really anything comparable- really just 5.0 Mustangs. Corvettes had very close to the same output as the top FBodies for thousands more. I wouldn't call thirdgens a letdown for their time. By today's standards vs today's cars, yes they can be disappointing depending on how you look at it- sure. But even the LT1 4th gens weren't quite a giant leap forward from thirdgens. Slap a LT1 style or equivalent intake on an otherwise stock L98 and you're right at 4th gen LT1 power numbers. Cam, head, exhaust mods still apply too. Torque is what moves cars and L98s always had plenty of torque. But thirdgens will always be better looking. That's opinion though.

The fact that cars like the Focus RS and even mundane current cars will run and hide from a stock (or some modded) top of the line thirdgen (save Firehawk or TTA in some cases) from ~3 decades ago is nothing to be ashamed of. It's just the price of automotive progress.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

For the day the LB9 and L98 made good power. Compared to todays cars its rather lack-luster, but thats progress.

I mean, they just whippled a GT350 engine, and it went from making about 526 at the crank, to 819hp to the WHEELS. And that 819hp is at 7700rpm!!! It has over 500lb/ft to the wheels from 2500rpm to just over 8000rpm! Thats an insane power band to play with.
http://i2.wp.com/www.svtperformance....percharger.jpg

zerogsx

Really got my eye on a GT350. Not crazy about the how they packaged Track and Tech but I can get over it. I'd go for the base GT350 but think I'd always regret not getting the MagneRide. Hopefully the crazy dealer markups are done with too.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

The separation really annoyed me.

You can't get the good seats and coolers with the tech package and vice versa.

You can only get the whole shebang if you get the GT350R.

Frustrating.

zerogsx

Did you go through John at Al Piemonte for your Focus RS?

I'm still torn on which package I'd get. Maybe model year 2017 tweaks will resolve some of the frustration. Can't decide on a color either.

The R has a big price premium for decontenting then adding back on like Porsche likes to do. Those carbon R wheels and Aero are almost worth it though. :drool

Interesting to see how Camaro responds. Not a fan of the 5th or 6th gen styling at all but it should be fun to see GM's answer.

wryte1

From the OPs header I expected something different maybe a thirdgen sorry about your Butt love your Troll Mike

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

What, exactly, was unclear in the title?

2016 Focus RS seems pretty self explanatory. Go back to lurking.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

Yep, was working with John as early as August of last year, not much was done at that point because so little was till known about the car then so a ton of things were up in the air. Once the order guides were released I built the car on the configuration website and sent him all the specs.

He sent me my order# early on and I've been tracking it, even though "Selected for Scheduling" is vague and still doesn't give me any idea of when it will actually arrive.

M G Brewer

Don't hate me but I would take a new Ford over a new Chevy in this day in age. I really like where Ford is going! IROC's are in my blood though!

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

GM needs more cars for younger people to buy. The Camaro even in Turbo4 trim doesn't get competitive till you add in the RS and brake cooling package, and by then its a 29k car.

I hate that GM does not offer anything to compete against Fords cheaper offerings. Because the Fiesta ST and the Focus ST are an absolute riot with a ton of performance on the table. The ST line standardizes the best engine/transmission option, everything else you add is just gravy. The RS is the same way. I'm a Firebird guy, with Camaro's coming second. But its really hard to argue with a GT350 right now when its faster than the outgoing 5th gen Z28.

I'm sure the 6th gen SS 1LE package is going to be a rocket on track, and I honestly think its going to come very close or near equal to the GT350's performance. I also think that whenever the 6th gen Z28 hits its going to destroy the GT350R. That flat plane Voodoo engine is sublime, I loved the one I drove.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

So I received a UPS tracking# from Ford Racing last week. I had no idea what it was, so I was forced to wait for it to arrive, knowing only that it was coming from Ford Racing.

What I received appears to be limited to early purchasers of the Focus RS. Not many are getting them.

However, I'm pretty darn pleased with what I got.

The first and largest item was a 1:43rd scale Focus RS DieCast model. Its not the most detailed thing, but for free? I could have been happy with that seeing as how I didn't ask for it.

The 2nd item is the more important part though. I got a invite to the Focus RS Octane Academy, a free day of whipping a Focus RS that isn't mine around Miller Motorsports Park with some instruction on Track, and Stunt driving. All I have to do is pay for transportation and hotel. Not bad.

vette9190

iTrader: (2)

I'm Not usually a Ford guy but that is sweet. Hope you can go it sounds like a fun time.

I really love what Ford is doing these days. I wish Chevy would do more.

boneheadzz

Pretty interesting. I too think the 35k price tag is insane but I never buy new anyway. But I do see why you'd want it. It's a cool car with serious performance.
But I have to share this.
I drive a 06 GP GXP 5.3 and the commute to work is decent highway driving. I have a few stops close to work and going home one day in the mad rush to get out of there a Focus ST was next to me at a light. Thought it was a boy racer model. Never heard of one.
He got on it so I did the same. I pulled ahead for a second and then he walked away from me.
I was astounded since I'm usually one of the quicker cars on my commute and to me it was just a Focus. We lined up a few more times until he went a different direction. He always pulled away from me when we were getting on it. Wasn't a lot faster but man I was thinking "What the heck does the 'ST' stand for?!?!"
Well, I shared my commuter shame. Enjoy your pocket rocket!
Mike

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

They are okay for straight line speed. 98mph or so 1/4 mile when stock. 103mph or so with a Tune. Full bolt-ons with stock turbo is around the 108mph range.

But their ET's suck, FWD isn't fun to get off the line. Best I ever managed in my Focus ST was a 14.3 @ 98mph when stock. The only time I had it at the strip when tuned I gave up. The track prep wasn't great, and I was wheel hopping hard enough that I thought I was going to damage the car. So I quit. Keep the shiny side up and all. Others when tuned seem to go mid-high 13's around 103.

First instrumented test of the RS was done. 13.4 @ 105mph. Others will probably in similar ranges. It ran .98g on the skid pad with the standard tire/wheel combo. The Pilot SuperSports. The optional Cup2's should put it over 1G.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!

*Thats Day/Month/Year BTW.

Tibo

iTrader: (15)

Everyone has their own brand preference and mine is Mazda. Why did you pick that over the upcoming speed? The reports make it sound interesting.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

Got a email from the dealer, got really excited.

Turns out, it was a fake-out. They don't have the car, they just got the invoice from Ford.

So I got my out the door pricing without the downpayment or trade in $$$. Which is fine. I have an idea what I'll get for the trade-in, and I have the downpayment money safely tucked away in a savings account.

With that, and my credit score, I can play the finance game with a bit more accuracy now.

On the home stretch, can't wait for the RS to be here.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

The car arrived in the US on 6/10!! Sadly, its been at the port for a while now. I'm anxiously awaiting my new car!

God, this looks fun. We need a Nurburgring.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

Also, Ford is hinting at an insane limited run version of the RS. Another use of the RS500 moniker. Word is that the car will be like the GT350R is to the GT350.

No radio, composite lightweight panels. bigger brakes, even more power, and a dual clutch transmission. The guess is about 400hp and about 150lbs less than the current RS. Something to slay the Merc CLA55 AMG, and the Audi RS3.

Price? I'm going to guess that even if MSRP is near 50k, you'll never get one for that, and Ford will probably make less than 500.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

While it may be 2.3L it certainly doesn't lack the torque.

Owning an ST, I can tell you the spool on the turbo is lightning quick. You might catch a bit of lag below 1500rpm, but at 2000rpm or faster the turbo is very responsive.

Thats some good power and torque there.

QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

Nice car, hope you enjoy it. I am really interested to know how it responds to a tune. The Focus RS gets a better version of the 2.3L than the Mustang, and the Mustang is a 12 second car with a tune.

I have a 3.5L Ecoboost F150 with tune, downpipes, and intercooler. That crew cab 6300 lb pig runs 13's.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

The 2.3s seem to come with a larger turbo relative to the displacement than the 2.0s did. The turbo is said to flow about 46lb/min. So that should be enough for around 450hp crank.

The stock 2.0eb turbo in the ST only flows around 27lb/min and is pretty maxed out stock. Tons of torque, not much top end.

PurelyPMD

iTrader: (3)

Still no car? We're all waiting for this thing to show up!

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

You have no idea how much I want to see that Stealth Grey RS in my parking spot each morning!

Because once that RS is in the parking spot, It means I can lift the spending hold I have on the GTA and buy the items it needs.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

Speaking of Arrivals.

Its here.

1988 Iroc 5.7

iTrader: (3)

Beautiful Focus RS, love the color. Sure to surprise a few unknowing drivers out on the street! Enjoy it!

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

Picked it up this morning. Got amazing value on my ST as a trade in. With my downpayment my monthy payments are only a little more than they were with the ST. And I got a smoking interest rate on the loan.

I'm almost as happy about the interest rate on the loan as I am about having the car. I've worked hard to put my credit in a good position and it feels good to get a great rate.

I got the lowest APR possible on the loan. Whats crazy is I called around a few banks to get pre-qualified and some of them were upwards of 5% for a brand new car! Even on the shorter term loans.

With the downpayment + the trade-in I'm actually positive equity right now. So thats awesome too.

Waiting on the company making the tow hook Plate mount so I don't have to drill holes in my bumper.

TylerSteez

iTrader: (3)

I love the color, I personally would tint the Windows a little bit and drool at the site of it every morning I opened the door. So is it at your house or is it staying at the dealer to have that installed?

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

Got an appointment to look at some tinting options this week. Not going limo tint. But just mild. Also looking at some of the ceramic tints that don't have to be near as dark to block the same amount of light. More expensive, but if it keeps heat out of the car without approaching the really dark normal tints.