[gymratter]

We don't have to wait for the numbers to leak onto Ford's website again because the Blue Oval is now officially confirming that starting price of the 2016 Focus RS at $36,605 in the US, which includes $875 for destination. That money buys quite a quick hot hatch too – the RS with at least 345 horsepower can sprint to 62 miles per hour in mere 4.7 seconds and eventually reach a top speed of 165 mph.

The 4.7-second blast bests the 0-60 times from lower-powered competitors like the Subaru WRX STI (5.1 seconds) and the Volkswagen Golf R (4.9 seconds). A few high-horsepower Europeans could outrun it, though, including the newly upgraded 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG (4.1 seconds) and Audi RS3 (4.3 seconds to 62 mph).

A combination of launch control, all-wheel drive, and torque vectoring at the rear axle might make that quick acceleration consistently achievable, too. Drivers just select the option from a menu, put the hot hatch into first gear, floor the gas pedal, and let off the clutch. The car rockets away, and a shift light on the instrument cluster illuminates at 5,900 rpm. It starts blinking at the 6,800 rpm redline.

We just need to get through the winter to see which car wins in a real-world drag race. The Focus RS is being built in Saarlouis, Germany, and the first North American deliveries are expected in the spring of 2016. Ford isn't talking options yet, but the previous leak suggests things like navigation, leather seats, a sunroof, and 19-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires will be available.

http://www.autoblog.com/2015/09/16/2...0-36605-price/