In life, I have come to learn that even a good thing comes to an end but for everything, the end is very important. Ford seems to know this all too well as the automaker has given the Ford Focus RS quite a memorable send off because as we prepare to usher in a new Focus in the 2019 model year. Rather than assume they know what enthusiasts want, Ford decided to explore social media to learn what enthusiasts would love to see in the Focus RS. From these online forums, blogs, Facebook pages and fan clubs, Ford has given the hatch an array of new features all as standard. After months of filtering these online views, Ford finally unveiled the last of the current generation RS production line. To make the 2018 Ford Focus RS Limited Edition model even more memorable, the automaker announced that its production will be limited to only 1,500 units (1000 units for the U.S. market and 500 for the Canadian market).
2018 Ford Focus RS Limited Edition Exterior
The hot hatch has received a number of exterior upgrades. These upgrades include gloss black paint finish on the mirror caps, roof as well as the rear spoiler. The RS hatch rides on new, forged alloy wheels with a 19-inch diameter. The wheels also sport blue RS caps. You will also find RS logos on the side wings, rear spoiler as well as on its heated side mirrors. Most enthusiasts are used to the RS wearing the Notrous Blue body paint. For the 2018 model, enthusiasts will have an option for a Race Red color which I understand was one of the things fans requested the automaker to offer.
Interior
Ford has used carbon-fiber on a number of features including on the handbrake lever, door handles and the area surrounding the turbo boost gauge. Most of the features offered as options in the RS2 package are standard in the RS including a heated steering wheel and heated front bucket seats. The seats are wrapped in Recaro leather and feature Miko-Dinamica microfiber inserts. The driver’ seat is 8-way power adjustable. The cabin also features numerous RS logos. Ford has also upgraded the Sync 3 infotainment system by adding voice-controlled navigation.
Engine and performance
While almost every feature in the 2018 Ford Focus RS Limited Edition has been revised, the automaker decided to carry over the model’s all-familiar 2.3 L EcoBoost mill unchanged. The mill produces 350 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. To give enthusiast a real feel of the last of the current RS production-line, the model is hooked up with a 6-speed manual gearbox. This pairing is enhanced by the Ford Performance AWD system that features Dynamic Torque Vectoring.
The model gets an upgraded Quaife mechanical limited-slip differential at the front. This system is integrated into the vehicle’s AWD setup along with torque vectoring to enable transfer of torque to the front tires while still ensuring a strong grip. This enables the hatch to navigate corners at a higher speed while still ensuring stability and easy handling.
Price and release date
1,500 units may seem quite a handful but going by the number of enthusiasts who would love to own this limited RS, these units are likely to sell out in no time. Therefore, if you are looking to acquire this hot hatch, you better place your order when Ford starts accepting orders this summer; deliveries will commence in the last quarter of this year. As for the price, Ford is yet to announce official figures but insider sources allege the model will have a $5,000 premium over the current model which has a $36,995 price tag.
