Sold 2016 Ford Focus RS 2146354198 Tweet

2016 Ford Focus RS
s/n WF0DP3TH7G4115727
Stealth Grey with Black Interior

For decades, Ford Europe produced a variety of tasty RS-badged performance cars which were frustratingly absent from the US market. European motoring press raved about the Escort RS in the 1970s, the Sierra RS Cosworth in the 80s, the Escort RS Cosworth in the 90s, and the first two generations of the Focus RS in the 2000s, while disappointed American gearheads tried not to read about how magnificent the cars they were missing were. A similar story unfolded with Japanese cars, including the basic and STi WRX models, as well as the Lancer Evo, which Subaru and Mitsubishi finally resolved around 2003, to the delight of American motorsports enthusiasts. Ford was late to the party, but finally brought the RS variant of the third generation Focus to North America, where journalists and enthusiasts alike could barely contain their squeals of delight.

Heralded as an absolute sensation, the Focus RS arrived on American soil for the 2016 model year as a whopping 350 hp, all-wheel drive, six-speed manual catapult of excitement, all wrapped in a 4-door hatchback package, ready for anything the average (or not so average) driver might throw at it. The total package was an instant hit among reviewers and early customers who raved about the sweet-shifting gearbox, amazing and neutral handling, and ripping performance. World-class performance was provided by some of the best in the business: massive Brembo brakes, Recaro bucket seats, and a torque-vectoring rear differential. The 2.3 Liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine was more than enough for the 3450 pound car, delivered through a proprietary torque-vectoring system that distributed power to each wheel as needed, depending on load requirements. 60 mph came in 4.6 seconds with 105 mph quarter mile speeds achieved in 13.4 seconds, with launch-control for drivers seeking perfectly repeatable and maximally accelerative launches. Cornering was even more satisfying with .98g of lateral grip and shockingly neutral handling for any car, let alone a car with all wheel drive and a transversely mounted engine. Chassis adjustability was remarkable with convenient stalk operation for the variety of damper modes, and even a drift mode to help drivers sustain luird powerslides as they sought to emulate Ken Blocks antics in his Gymkhana videos, the ninth of which featured a modified Focus RS. Although the Focus RS finally made it to North America, it didnt stay long. It lasted just three model years, with only 1,000 examples brought to the US for the final model year.

This particular Focus RS is a one-owner California car that has been properly maintained and is unmodified. It was purchased it new at Future Ford in Sacramento , California, having been shipped to the dealer in September 2016 and sold to its first and only owner in December 2016. The car has covered just 8,588 miles and (per recent Carfax) in January 2018, had the recommended Program #17B32 Head Gasket Replacement service performed.

Today the car presents in excellent overall condition, appearing nearly new in all respects. The paint and exterior finishes overall are glossy and factory fresh. The wheels and tires are also in excellent condition with the right rims showing some curb rash on the outermost edge. The factory tinted glass and windshield, lighting, lenses, and trim are all in excellent condition as well. A few scuffs are present on the drivers door interior panel from ingress and egress and a handful of small chips are present on the front of the car from road use.

Inside the car a host of contemporary finishes creates a nice blend of performance, style, and durability, with a few touches of tech and welcome conveniences. The car has a power sunroof, four different selectable ride control modes, air conditioning, power windows, Recaro seats (partially leather surfaced, partially alcantara), four-wheel power disc brakes with ABS, and Fords SYNC2 nine speaker multimedia system, compatible with a range of electronic devices. The condition of the interior is essentially as new with fresh surfaces, clean carpeting, and tidy presentation. The car comes with an owners packet including the manual and assorted support literature, as well as the Ford letter confirming the authorized head gasket replacement.

Nimble, powerful, stunningly quick and capable on the track or in commuter traffic, the Ford Focus RS reminds us of all the things we love about sports cars, motorsports, and just plain old fun. That such a tremendous drivers car exists is a testament to the golden age performance cars in which we live today, especially as Americans who have been denied such pleasurable cars for so many years. This example has no stories or modifications and has been properly looked after by its single California owner. With production concluded, these cars have the potential to become collectible, and represent a truly exciting and usable performance package regardless of whether the Focus RS becomes collectible tomorrow, or in two decades.