Tuned Ford Focus RS: RS370FR Expert Review And Track Insights

The Ford Focus RS has long been celebrated as one of the most exhilarating hot hatches ever produced, blending everyday usability with blistering performance. Taking this legendary model to new extremes, Graham Goode Racing (GGR) unveiled the RS370FR, a radically modified version that ditches all-wheel drive for a pure front-wheel-drive setup while boosting power to an astonishing 368bhp. This creation challenges conventional wisdom in performance tuning, proving that front wheels can handle supercar levels of power with the right modifications.

Genesis of a Front-Wheel Monster

The standard Ford Focus RS, powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, already impresses with 350 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. Its torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system excels on diverse surfaces, from snow to gravel, launching the car with ferocious acceleration despite its 3,400-pound weight. However, GGR sought to push boundaries further by converting the RS to front-wheel drive only, channeling a massive 368bhp and 460Nm (339 lb-ft) of torque solely through the front tires. This bold move prioritizes safety and raw driver engagement, creating a car that demands skill to unleash its full potential.

GGR’s approach stems from a passion for maximizing the Focus platform’s inherent balance and responsiveness. By removing the rear drivetrain components, weight distribution improves slightly forward, enhancing front-end grip when tuned correctly. The result is a vehicle that torque-steers noticeably more than its AWD sibling but remains predictable, with front wheels that never feel overwhelmed.

Engine Upgrades: From Potent to Explosive

At the heart of the RS370FR lies a heavily reworked 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. Standard RS models deliver linear power across the rev range, achieving 0-60 mph in around 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 165 mph (limited). GGR amplifies this with custom tuning, larger turbochargers, enhanced intercooling, and upgraded fuel delivery systems, extracting 368bhp without forced induction extremes that could compromise reliability.

• Turbo Enhancements: Twin-scroll turbo technology ensures spool-up from low RPMs, providing instant throttle response.
• Power Delivery: Peak torque arrives early, enabling explosive acceleration, though it requires precise throttle control to manage wheelspin.
• Cooling Systems: Oversized radiators and oil coolers maintain temperatures during prolonged track sessions.

This setup rivals rear-wheel-drive sports cars in straight-line speed, with estimates suggesting sub-4-second 0-60 times on a prepped surface, though real-world figures depend on driver expertise and tire choice.

Chassis and Suspension Mastery

Handling defines the RS370FR’s character. The stock Focus RS features adjustable drive modes—Normal, Sport, Track, and Drift—altering throttle mapping, stability control, and torque distribution. GGR refines this further with stiffer suspension bushings, lowered ride height, and recalibrated dampers that firm up dramatically in Track mode, offering phenomenal grip and cornering prowess.

Without AWD, the RS370FR exhibits more pronounced torque steer under hard acceleration, yet testers note the front end remains communicative, allowing drivers to predict and correct its behavior. A tighter 4.06 final drive ratio sharpens acceleration at the expense of top-end efficiency, enabling full 360-degree slides in Drift mode on just 37 feet of radius.

This table highlights the core differences, underscoring GGR’s focus on amplifying the front-drive thrill.

Braking and Tire Setup for Track Dominance

Brembo brakes with 350mm front discs provide stopping power worthy of circuit use, biting progressively without fade. GGR pairs these with sticky low-profile tires on wider 19-inch alloys, essential for taming the power surge. The wider body kit not only enhances aesthetics but also improves high-speed stability and cooling airflow.

In public road testing, the suspension in Track mode transforms the car into a corner-carving machine, with grip levels that “blow you away.” Slow-speed maneuvers feel typically front-drive torquey, but at speed, the chassis shines, outhandling expectations for its layout.

Interior Refinements and Driver Engagement

Inside, the RS370FR retains the Focus’s practical five-door layout with Sync 3 infotainment on an 8-inch touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Recaro sport seats hug occupants firmly, while the multifunction steering wheel and drive mode selector keep controls at hand. Climate control, cruise control, and auto start-stop add daily usability, though the firm ride suits enthusiasts over comfort seekers.

Soundtrack comes from a freer-flowing exhaust amplifying the turbo four’s rasp, lacking the five-cylinder growl of predecessors but delivering an intoxicating note under load.

Performance on Road and Track

Real-world reviews praise the RS370FR’s versatility. On highways, it matches the stock model’s 25 mpg, prioritizing fun over frugality. Spirited backroad blasts reveal its agility, with Sport mode ideal for roads—sharpening steering without overkill—while Track and Drift unlock full chaos.

YouTube testers highlight confidence-inspiring traction, noting it feels solid despite Ford’s characteristic interior quirks. Compared to rivals like Subaru WRX STI or Golf R, the RS370FR stands out for its manual purity and modifiable nature, cementing its future-classic status.

Customization Potential and Ownership

GGR’s tuning blueprint opens doors for owners to replicate or exceed these specs. Key upgrades include ECU remaps, hybrid turbo kits, and lightweight flywheels for quicker revs. Maintenance mirrors the stock RS, with robust components handling the extra stress when serviced properly.

Priced as a premium tuner package atop the RS’s base, it offers immense value for track days or canyon carving, though tire budgets will soar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the RS370FR street-legal?

Yes, it complies with road regulations in markets where the base RS is sold, with modifications focused on performance rather than emissions tampering.

How does it compare to AWD RS?

It’s more challenging to drive due to FWD but rewards skilled pilots with purer engagement and lighter weight.

What’s the reliability like?

GGR’s conservative tuning preserves engine longevity, with no major issues reported in early examples.

Can I drift it easily?

Drift mode loosens rear stability, enabling controlled slides on demand.

Fuel economy expectations?

Around 20-25 mpg combined, prioritizing power over efficiency.

Why the RS370FR Captivates Enthusiasts

This tuned marvel embodies the hot hatch spirit: accessible yet extreme. By betting on front-wheel drive at 368bhp, GGR has crafted a driver’s car that demands respect, delivering thrills unmatched in its class. Whether blasting laps or commuting, it proves the Focus RS platform’s boundless potential.