When it comes to pioneering innovations, Ford’s at it again as it unveils the new Focus RS. This powerhouse now sports a unique torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, which could again cause quite a stir in the automobile industry — not to mention the staggering costs Ford had to endure to revolutionize the previously front-drive Focus.
According to Joe Bakaj, Ford of Europe’s VP of product development, many automobile features we enjoy today actually came from Ford’s game-changing designs. “And I can see this as one of those technologies of the future,” he added.
Although dubbed as one of Ford’s firsts, we can say that the Focus’s rear-drive unit could be similar to the rear axle “Active Driveline” of the high-performance versions of the Range Rover Evoque. What makes both models similar are the twin electronically controlled clutches on the rear axle and the side-to-side torque-vectoring trick.
As to how far Sweden-based GKN Driveline got their hands on with the Ford Focus RS, we have yet to confirm. But the same Swedish company previously did make the Land Rover’s system. But even though the Focus RS’s seemingly promising new feature, it looks as if the Land Rover’s and Evoque’s systems are here to stay.
We know how enthusiasts of used cars can’t wait to get their first bargains on second hand Focus RS, that we hopefully might go on sale in the next few years. So watch out!