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Rumors and whispers indicate that Ford is preparing a faster, more dynamic version of the vaunted Focus RS. American tuner Hennessey Performance is catering to enthusiasts who don't want to wait any longer by introducing a hot-rodded version of the Blue Oval's latest hot hatch.
The model is called Hennessey HPE400. And as its name loosely implies, it boasts 405 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque, generous increases of 55 horses and 75 pound-feet of twist over the stock model. Hennessey achieved the bump by upgrading the engine management software, fitting a high-flow air filter, and installing a new stainless steel exhaust with an electronic dump valve. Performance specifications haven't been announced yet; for what it's worth, an unmodified RS hits 60 mph from a stop in about 4.5 seconds.
There are no mechanical modifications to report, meaning the RS continues to use a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual transmission spins all four wheels via a sport-tuned all-wheel drive system capable of sending up to 70 lb-ft. of the engine's torque to the rear axle.
Hennessey Performance will soon sell the parts needed to turn the Ford Focus RS into a HPE400 as a complete kit that will retail for $2,995. Alternatively, buyers who aren't mechanically inclined can ask the tuner to install all the parts and run the car on a dyno for $4,995.
What's next?
The Ford Focus RS has plenty of potential, and it sounds like Hennessey won't stop at 405 horsepower. The company has hinted that it's working on additional tweaks to upgrade the intercooler, the turbocharger, as well as the wheels and tires. We don't know how much more power the RS' four-banger can handle, but odds are brake and suspension upgrades will be part of the package, too, in order to keep the additional grunt in check.
Read more on Digital Trends.
