What is the highest performance Ford Focus?
The peak-performance Ford Focus in factory, street-legal form is the limited-edition Focus RS500 from 2010, which delivered 350 PS. In regular production, the fastest Focus is the RS Mk3 (2016–2018), also rated at 350 PS.
Ford has used the Focus platform to showcase hot-hatch performance across several generations, culminating in two standout models that sit at the top of the power chart. This article examines those contenders, what makes them fast, and how “highest performance” can be interpreted beyond raw horsepower.
Top horsepower Focus models
Before listing the models, here is a concise look at the two most powerful Focus variants that Ford sold for road use.
- Focus RS500 (2010): A limited-edition version with 350 PS and about 470 Nm of torque, produced in a run of 500 cars. Its top speed was around 165 mph, and it featured a tuned drivetrain designed for high-speed performance with a manual transmission.
- Focus RS Mk3 (2016–2018): The regular production fastest Focus, equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine producing 350 PS and about 470 Nm, paired with all-wheel drive and advanced chassis tech. It offered brisk acceleration and strong on-road dynamics, with a similar top speed to the RS500.
These entries represent Ford’s apex for Focus performance in street-legal form. The RS500 stands out for its rarity and power bump, while the RS Mk3 emphasizes a balanced, modern performance package suitable for everyday driving and track use.
How to interpret “highest performance”
Power alone isn’t the only measure. Handling, weight, traction, and drivetrain efficiency shape real-world performance. The RS500 is the power king among limited editions, but the RS Mk3 offers a more refined, accessible performance package with modern electronics and AWD that many buyers judge as the more practical “fast Focus.”
Summary
In brief: Ford’s highest-maximum-performance Focus variants are the limited-production RS500 (2010) and the later RS Mk3 (2016–2018), both delivering 350 PS. No factory Focus has surpassed 350 PS in street-legal production through 2024, making these two models the pinnacle of Ford Focus performance in the modern era.
