Ford has finally let us enjoy the wonders of globalization by bringing the Ford Focus RS to the states.

We’ve heard manufacturers tell us about their global platforms and how their uniformity will benefit us consumers with savings and abundant parts. While that sounded great from an economics vantage, hesitation seemed to emerge when we wanted the high performance variants from Europe.

Evaluations were required. Will their foreign product cannibalize sales from their most successful products? Are consumers willing to pay the price after exchange rates? Are the enthusiasts drumming louder and distorting the true demand?

This represents an ideological shift for Ford, which has recently consolidated its performance branches into a single department: Ford Performance. This uniformity doesn’t just help with execution, but finally brings knowledge and collaboration with teams that didn’t frequently with each other.

So what does this consolidation bring the RS? A rumored 2.3L EcoBoost motor from the Mustang that will be good for 300hp+, which will make it more than capable of hunting down STIs. In addition, a trick AWD system (a RS first) will help this rally inspired car have more poise in bad weather and exit/entries. I assume that the short wheelbase, will still create opportunities to drive with only three wheels on the tarmac.

To increase the hype and excitement Ford of Europe released a teaser video of the RS in action. Enjoy.

Source:: Speedhunters