Monthly Archives: October 2014

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

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.

 

 

Flat Four-cylinder Turbo Porsche Cayman

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

The Heart and Soul of Every Subaru — the Boxer Engine

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:

Matt Farah tracks the 2015 Mustang EcoBoost

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:

More News on the 2016 Ford Focus RS

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.

Read more @ http://www.roadandtrack.com/go/future-cars/the-mighty-2016-ford-focus-rs-shows-its-face

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.

Read more @ http://wot.motortrend.com/1410_spied_camouflaged_ford_focus_rs_tests_near_the_ring.html

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