What bhp is a Ford Focus RS?
The power output of the Ford Focus RS depends on its generation. Roughly, Mk1 is about 212 bhp, Mk2 around 301 bhp, and Mk3 about 345–350 bhp depending on market and specification.
Power by generation
Ford Focus RS Mk1 (2002–2004)
First‑generation Focus RS figures come from the early turbocharged era. The engine produced about 215 PS (roughly 212 bhp) with torque around 310 Nm, delivered through all‑wheel drive in a hot hatch package.
- Power: 215 PS (≈ 212 bhp)
- Torque: ~310 Nm (≈ 229 lb‑ft)
- Drivetrain: All‑wheel drive
Conclusion: The Mk1 Focus RS offered around 212 bhp in common measurements, marking the birth of Ford’s performance Focus era.
Ford Focus RS Mk2 (2009–2011)
The second generation significantly boosted output while preserving all‑wheel drive. Official figures are about 305 PS, which translates to roughly 301 bhp, with torque around 440 Nm (≈ 325 lb‑ft).
- Power: 305 PS (≈ 301 bhp)
- Torque: 440 Nm (≈ 325 lb‑ft)
- Drivetrain: All‑wheel drive
Conclusion: Mk2 moved the Focus RS firmly into the 300+ bhp territory, delivering noticeably stronger performance than the original.
Ford Focus RS Mk3 (2015–2018)
The modern Focus RS increased power again, with Europe listing 350 PS (about 345 bhp) and peak torque of 470 Nm, aided by an overboost function that temporarily raises torque. In the United States, the car was commonly rated at 350 hp.
- Power: 350 PS (≈ 345 bhp) | US spec: 350 hp
- Torque: 470 Nm (≈ 347 lb‑ft) with overboost
- Drivetrain: All‑wheel drive with dynamic torque vectoring
Conclusion: Mk3 represents the peak of the Focus RS lineage in horsepower, typically cited as around 345–350 bhp depending on market and measurement standards.
Market differences and notes
Horsepower figures are sometimes presented as PS (Pferdestärke) or bhp (brake horsepower), leading to small numerical differences when converting. European marketing often cites 350 PS (~345 bhp), while US marketing commonly lists 350 hp. The Mk3 also featured an overboost function that temporarily increases torque to 470 Nm, enhancing acceleration in certain conditions.
Summary
Across its three generations, the Ford Focus RS evolved from roughly 212 bhp in the Mk1 to about 301 bhp in the Mk2, reaching around 345–350 bhp in the Mk3 (with market variations). As of the current lineup, there has not been a fourth generation released, so the Focus RS remains a three-generation badge with those power figures. The numbers reflect differences between PS and bhp and highlight the model’s progression from a hot hatch to a high‑performance all‑wheel‑drive icon.
