In what way? Please post an example of improvement.

I didn’t edit much after the fact, if anything sharpened it more than it came out. Lens is not the best either, its not a prime, Nikon 18-105mm VR and at relatively slow shutter speed 1/60 without a tripod. I’m no professional just shoot for fun when I get the opportunity.

I drove it there, it just so happened that road was right off a paved section, so it does look very remote.

Ah yea, the new Focus RS will have an exhaust valve at the muffler, but not a switch to turn off/on. Not a whole lot other hot hatches/sedans with active exhausts yet. What is a big block I4 btw? I would say a mitsu 4g64 counts ;)

Not factory, its an electric exhaust cutout.

Thank you for them deets. I work for Ford and helped develop the powertrain on the EcoBoost mustang, so its great to see it being used properly! A Focus RS might be a better fit next time ;)

Need deets on this! It is too epic to pass up

It’s been advertised for 310HP w/ premium fuel only. On regular gas, what most of the dealers keep in them, only makes about 275-280HP at the crank, so about 250HP at the wheels.

How could pricing for the RS be more reasonable than this? A loaded ST goes for about $30k MSRP, add in all that content and its doubtful it will retail less than $35k.

Agreed, seems like they are overcomplicating things by adding a 3.0 when an existing 3.6 already exists and makes more power, at less specific output, more durability (arguably).

All Jalop pseudo-journalists apparently don't like big badges, see here

Enjoy your perfection then.

Good points, I agree with all of that. That was my point, the more amazing feature of the wrx is its AWD system and not subframe tech, though interesting.

Your train of thought is reason for the death of manual transmission cars. This is a road car, NOT a race car or rally car no matter how much your narrow mentality suggests. This is the same misdirected thought that has pushed 0-60 times and peak HP numbers as king over performance feel and true drivability.

Please explain how well the low speed drivability is with a DCT.

I agree, if you live on a test track and lap times are all that matter, then by all means a DCT is better technology. On other other hand, an auto is nice for city driving but typical DCTs have rather horrible low speed/power drivability. At least you don't have a clutch I guess?

Agreed, Subaru is the only mfr with "true" AWD out there, just watch this for proof:

Also, they didn't specify in WHICH conditions this is possible. Certainly on a low-mu surface it is possible to send "100%" of torque to one wheel using the RDU unit, and brake control / traction control.

Good clarification, I agree 100%.

Or more ;)