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Ford Focus RS – 345 HP?!

The juicy tidbits:

The Volkswagen Golf R? The Subaru WRX STI? Ford rooster-tails sand in their faces with the announcement that the awesome new Focus RS will make a staggering 345 horsepower from its 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder. The VW packs 292 horsepower, the STI 305.

Ford claimed “more than 315 horsepower” when it first detailed the car in February, and this announcement more than fulfills that promise. The word comes ahead of the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where Ford rally driver and RS development consultant Ken Block will run the all-wheel-drive superhatch up the hill.

Also confirmed: the RS’s torque figure, which comes in at 325 lb-ft between 2000 and 4500 rpm. An overboost function allows for a maximum of 347 lb-ft for up to 15 seconds when the driver’s right foot is buried against the firewall. (For further comparison, the Golf R peaks at 280 lb-ft and the STI at 290.) The EcoBoost’s rev limiter cuts in at 6800 rpm.

People continue to harp that this is more than the Subaru WRX STI. Yes it is…that’s extremely obvious. But there are some things that Subaru has going for it’s flagship.

The WRX STI will be a LOT cheaper and less limited, production-wise.

As well, the Subaru offers true AWD. Having 100% power directed to the rears or fronts means that the car isn’t really AWD. Yes, such a system gives better fuel economy, but I highly doubt it’s going to be as agile in inclement weather with such a system. Subaru’s AWD technology is very much second-to-none when compared to all cars in it’s category and several outside of it’s genre.

Resale value will be another item to ponder with the Focus RS, even with it being sold in limited qualities, will they retain value as well as Subaru’s STIs? Blue Book value one a 2011 Subaru WRX STI that was sold at $32,000 can be between $24,500 and $29,500 (low price being rough value and high price being excellent condition value)…that’s on a 4-year old JAPANESE make. In my opinion, that’s extreme value retainment for a car that isn’t really considered a limited edition model (they are sold in limited quantities but are not limited to such low counts as to be considered a limited edition model). The Focus RS may retain value just as well or even better, but only because it would be an actual limited production car, which probably makes comparing resale an apples/oranges comparison.

Subaru’s aftermarket is HUGE…much larger than Ford’s Focus aftermarket. The Focus may have better modification potential due to it’s more modern engine, but it’s a bit difficult to compare modification potential objectively since the technology between the two engines are so different. I doubt the Focus RS aftermarket will top Subaru’s, since the car will be sold in limited numbers.

There’s no doubt the Focus will be the better car, but that’ doesn’t mean the STI will become irrelevant. Ford will have to prove it’s better…on racing circuits and in video and e-zine reviews…not just on paper. And, again, there’s a drastic difference between the two cars. The Focus RS would better compare to the Mercedes CLA-45 AMG (which is a front-biased AWD car with 350-HP from a turbocharged inline-four — it has much more in common with the Ford Focus RS than a Subaru WRX STI).

Boxer-powered Motorcycle??

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Check this out! Now, this isn’t the very first Boxer-powered motorcycle…BMW has a crap-ton of them. Honda’s Goldwings have always used the horizontally-opposed engine configuration, as well. I like this one, though, because both wheels are powered. As well, that black engine looks sinister! I’m not sure if the coloring has been photoshopped to represent WRX/STI rally colors (rally blue with gold wheels…Subaru trademark).

There’s also this:

http://thekneeslider.com/kickboxer-subaru-wrx-powered-motorcycle-concept/

This IS powered by a WRX engine, but it’s also just an electronic sketch. Be sure to visit that link, because it has a ton of pictures of the bike and engine…it also has a quick article on how the bike was designed.

Post by Subimods.com.

2016 Ford Focus RS Shows Off Its AWD Chops – Road & Track

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I posted about the upcoming Ford Focus RS a few times already, but R&T apparently analyzed some video footage of a Ford Focus RS on the track and determined that the car is indeed AWD. I’m not sure I believe it. Video analysis of handling characteristics might not be enough.

Post by Road & Track Magazine.

Flat Four-cylinder Turbo Porsche Cayman

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I posted awhile back that Porsche might be going mainstream with turbocharged flat-four engines. Boxer engines aren’t the most efficient when it comes to making power, but they do offer outstanding balance (center of gravity, which will enhance handling).

Here’s another article:

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-videos/the-4-cylinder-turbo-porsche-cayman-cometh

Post by Road & Track Magazine.

The Heart and Soul of Every Subaru — the Boxer Engine

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Do you like documentaries on car engines? Here’s one from Subaru of America on their horizontally-opposed engines (aka boxer engines).

I’ve not yet viewed it, but once I have, I’ll update this post with my comments (if any).

To read commentary responses to Subaru of America’s Facebook post, visit here:

Post by Subaru of America, Inc.

Matt Farah tracks the 2015 Mustang EcoBoost

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http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-videos/matt-farah-tracks-the-2015-ecoboost-mustang

“Is the four-banger ‘Stang ready to depose the 5.0? Not quite, says Matt.”

I’m not sure what the above quoted comment is about. The Mustang EcoBoost was never meant as a Mustang GT replacement. It was created as a global car for people living in areas where fuel costs are a concern. As well, the car will benefit those who live in countries that tax car owners based on engine displacement. To expect this particular car to be an equivalent to a Mustang 5.0L is a bit ridiculous…most car makers ensure their product line follows a strict hierarchy and Ford is no exception.

The video footage is pretty cool…I just don’t care for the commentary. I really shouldn’t have expected much from the commentary, since Matt Farah is more of a street scene type of guy (he certainly isn’t of the caliber of most mainstream reviewers, such as R&T, MT, Automobile, and C&D).

If you’re a glutton for punishing commentary, you can also read the R&T’s Facebook comments about this particular subject:

Post by Road & Track Magazine.

More News on the 2016 Ford Focus RS

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From R&T:

Back in August, we got some bombshell news about the 2016 Ford Focus RS. Not just that it was abandoning its FWD heritage for an AWD setup, or that it was going to produce something in the order of 325 to 350 hp from a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four. The biggest surprise was that Ford is seriously considering selling it in North America, in limited numbers.

…our spies in Europe have captured a Focus RS flexing muscle and dropping camo. What we’re looking at is clearly not just an ST—larger reshaped front intakes direct more air to the intercooler, and larger ducts likewise feed air to the brakes and engine. More air means more power, and that’s exactly what the RS will bring to the table.

From Motor Trend:

An earlier Ford Focus RS mule wore a temporary front clip, while the latest prototype features a more aggressive hood and bumper that look better suited to the task of keeping the more powerful engine cool.

The last-generation Ford Focus RS was powered by a Volvo-sourced 2.5-liter turbocharged I-5 that sent power to the front wheels with the aid of Ford’s Revoknuckle front suspension. Unlike that model and the current Focus ST, the upcoming Focus RS will feature a new all-wheel drive system. Like the last Focus RS mule, this prototype features upgraded brakes behind its larger 19-inch wheels.

Curious about R&T’s and MT’s Facebook comments of the article and subject-matter? Visit here:

Post by Road & Track Magazine.

Post by Motor Trend Magazine.

2015 Subaru WRX Long Term Review Update – Car & Driver

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http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2015-subaru-wrx-long-term-test-intro-review

Car & Driver has blasted through 40K miles of review testing of the 2015 Subaru WRX. I’ve yet to read the review (I just woke up but will be reading through the review today while waking up to coffee). I’ll update the post with my thoughts afterward.

Post by Car and Driver.

After-reading-the-article-notes:

This review just might help me better decide my next car purchase, as I’ve considered whether the 2015-2016 WRX would be a good choice of upgrade for me (considering that I’m coming from a 2011 STI sedan).

I want to highlight some of the article’s comments (the ones that jumped out at me). I’ll add my thoughts on some of them, but some of the comments might not need any comments from me —

…the WRX offers lively steering, confident grip, and a flat ride that rounds off the jolt on sharp impacts just so.

This is great, as most people think that the WRX’s handling would be watered-down compared to the STI. Remember, I’m comparing this car to my current ride.

By passing on the Limited trim, we missed out on a power driver’s seat, leather-trimmed upholstery, LED headlights, proximity entry, and push-button ignition.

This is interesting. I hadn’t thought on which trim level I might desire. My current car is a base model but offers enough options in base trim to make me happy. I might desire the LED headlights, proximity entry, and push-button ignition, though.

PRICE AS TESTED: $31,290 (base price: $29,290)

That’s a pretty hefty price for a WRX. I paid $34K for my STI and I can get a base 2015 STI for around the same price as I purchased mine. The question is, is a 2015 WRX actually worth $29K? Do WRXs have the same value retainment as STIs?

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual

This is good. I also wanted to highlight that because Subaru also offers a CVT option for WRXs (not that I care for it…I just wanted to note that that’s not the version of transmission I care for).

PERFORMANCE: NEW
Zero to 60 mph: 5.0 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 13.4 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 26.5 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 6.4 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 11.1 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 7.8 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.7 sec @ 101 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 144 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 157 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.91g

That’s strong performance and is very close to pre-2015 STI stats. That’s not saying that 2015 WRXs will offer the same track experience or road feel as pre-2015 STIs, though.

With the 1000-mile break-in cleared, we spun the engine to the 6700-rpm redline and dropped the left pedal with only a whisper of clutch slip. Then we did it a dozen more times looking for the quickest acceleration time. We used this technique—combined with short-shifting into second gear at 5300 rpm—to great effect during an earlier WRX road test, recording a 4.8-second zero-to-60 time. Yet in more than a dozen attempts, our long-termer couldn’t quite match that feat. Instead it peaked at 5.0 seconds in the run to 60 mph and 13.7 seconds through the quarter mile with a trap speed of 101 mph. Not too shabby for a $30,000 four-door, eh? The chassis numbers were equally impressive with our WRX stopping from 70 mph in 157 feet and rounding the skidpad at 0.91 g.

The above is interesting. I remember the ruckus that C&D generated in their testing procedures. Not everyone is going to be willing to flog their car off the line at redline. Mags don’t own the cars they test…they return them after testing. And if an owner takes their car in for an issue and it is found that the cause of the issue was due to them launching the car in such a manner, the warranty claim will be denied due to abusive driving. Another interesting tidbit: the long termer couldn’t match the 4.8-sec 0-60 time…that’s certainly understandable, though, since atmospheric and road conditions may have been different (along with a different driver).

Drivers have called out the excellent electric power steering (which was first perfected on the BRZ) and a more polished cockpit. You won’t mistake the interior for a Volkswagen’s, but our staff has noticed better fits, improved finishes, and a quieter ride than in previous WRXs.

I wish everyone would be as generous in making such comments. Most people expect every GTI competitor to have a similar interior as the GTI. That’s not going to happen. Besides, it is better to compare the new WRX to the old to highlight changes in the model-year…that’s the best way to measure progress, IMO. VW’s interior is the exception, not the norm, obviously.

While the output of the turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four—268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque—is nothing to scoff at, power delivery is lumpy and peaky. We shift early in first gear for our testing because the power falls off above 5300 rpm. Lower in the rev range there’s a sudden surge of boost indicative of turbo lag. In an age when turbocharged engines are practically mainstream and their power curves have been smoothed out, this Subaru flat-four still drives like an R&D experiment from the early 1990s.

Hrmmm…that’s not a particularly good note. I wonder if Cobb has smoothed this out (the lag and lumpiness that C&D claims is prevalent). I’m not sure how this car can produce turbo lag, with it’s lag-lessening equipment such as the twin scroll turbocharger, which ensures the turbocharger begins to work low in the rev range (the car produces 258 lb-ft of torque at 2000 RPM). But every WRX enthusiast knows that this particular engine is not a revver, which is why Subaru nuts usually shift earlier than 6K RPM. USDM boxer engines are not particularly rev-happy. The article only mentions the 1st-2nd gear shift, though…which makes me wonder if the ECU is limiting power in 1st gear (either on it’s own or due to purposeful mapping). In fact, I think that the map might well be the cause, as someone else in the article’s comments mentioned “boost threshold”. That’s not the first time I’ve heard someone mention that Subaru purposely limits the WRX so that it won’t overshadow it’s halo car, the STI. So that lumpiness and lag are more than likely purposely implemented. That still doesn’t explain the mention of the 1st gear limitation…is it just first gear, or is it gear-agnostic?

Color-changing LED Turn Signal Bulbs for 2008-2014 WRXs & STIs

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These LEDs are pretty cool. It solves the issue of wanting white LED turn signal bulbs but also wanting to stay legal (not having orange turn signals is illegal in many (if not all) states).

The link to order these bulbs is here.

They are normally $59.99 a pair, though. Note that they’re currently marked down to $49.99 for the normal set and $79.99 for the mega-bright set(as of 9/4/2014).

UPDATE: Note that if you use these LEDs, you’re going to need an LED-capable blinker relay…that’s the case with any upgrade to LEDs. It can be found here (same site). The price is $19.99, as of 10/7/2014.

It might be time to update the wish list!

Upcoming STI Hatch?

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http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/09/subaru-wrx-hatchback-spied-testing.html

There’s a bit of an uproar today. Why? A mule of what’s apparently a VA-series STI hatch has been spotted. What’s the uproar about? Well, it’s two-fold.

A hatch version was speculation. The current WRX and STI line-up consists only of sedan models.
“WTF?! It’s ugly!”…people don’t understand that mules rarely look like the production models. The same exact thing happened with the sedan’s mule spotting (WTF?! It’s ugly!). They also saw the WRX concept and did the exact same thing: they let their emotions and the pre-production viewings get the better of them…their expectations ran amuck.

I’m not a hatch guy, so I’m fine with the current sedan model, but I’ll wait until a production photo is released for the hatch before I judge it.

Additional links:

Automobile Magazine – WRX/STI Hatch Spied (added 9/2/2014 @ 6:14PM EST)

Motor Trend – Subaru WRX/STI Hatch (added 9/2/2014 @ 7:14PM EST)

You can read more comments of the mule below and at the above URL’s comment section. Also, here’s a few comments on the IWSTI forums.

Post by igotasti.com.