Drive Modes

Summary

The Ford Focus RS is a special kind of car. It’s designed to give you an amazing experience, whether you’re driving to work, going for a spirited drive on backroads, or pushing the limits on a racetrack. What makes it so unique is its Drive Modes and an advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.

What Are The Drive Modes?

Think of drive modes as different personalities for the car. With the press of a button near the gear shift, you can switch between four modes that change how the car behaves. Each mode adjusts things like the steering, suspension, engine response, and even how much noise the car makes.

Drive Mode Accessibility

  • Easily selected via a button near the gear lever, with the active mode displayed in the central instrument cluster.

Normal Mode

Perfect for daily driving. Everything is set up for comfort and smoothness.

  • Settings: All parameters (AWD, dampers, steering, engine, ESC, exhaust valve) are set to Normal.

  • Purpose: Smooth driving for daily trips and long journeys.

Track Mode

Designed for serious performance on a racetrack. It sharpens everything for maximum speed and control.

  • Settings: All parameters set to Sport, with options for dampers and ESC in Normal.

  • Features: Aggressive handling and optimized control for fast lap times.

Sport Mode

Great for when you want a more exciting drive. The car becomes more responsive, louder, and gives you more feedback.

  • Settings: Steering, engine, and exhaust valve set to Sport; optional Sport dampers (40% stiffer).

  • Features: Enhanced sound, quicker throttle response, and increased feedback.

Drift Mode

This one’s just for fun on a track. It makes it easier to slide the car around corners in a controlled way, thanks to a unique setup of the AWD system.

  • Settings: AWD set to Drift, ESC, engine, and exhaust valve to Sport, and dampers and steering to Normal.

  • Features: Enables controlled slides by directing maximum torque to the outer rear wheel and equalizing torque to sustain the drift.

How Does It Work?

When you choose a drive mode, the car adjusts six key systems to match. Here’s what changes:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

  • Sends power to different wheels depending on the mode. For example, in Drift Mode, it sends up to 70% of the power to the rear wheels to help you slide.

Suspension (Dampers)

  • In Normal Mode, it’s soft for comfort. In Sport or Track Mode, it becomes firmer for better control on smooth surfaces.

Steering

  • Becomes quicker and more responsive in Sport and Track Modes.

Engine

  • Reacts faster to your gas pedal in Sport and Track Modes for a thrilling feel.

Stability Control (ESC)

  • Keeps the car steady. In Sport or Track Modes, it allows more playful handling, and in Drift Mode, it’s adjusted for controlled sliding.

Exhaust

  • Becomes louder and more aggressive in Sport, Track, and Drift Modes.

What Makes Drift Mode Special?

Drift Mode is the standout feature of the Focus RS. It’s made for drivers who want to experience controlled slides (like what you’d see in motorsport) on a closed track. The AWD system plays a key role by:

  • Sending extra power to the outside rear wheel to start the slide.

  • Adjusting power to both rear wheels to maintain a smooth, controlled drift.

  • Launch Control: Ensures optimal acceleration by coordinating AWD, torque delivery, and traction.

  • Drive Mode Accessibility: Easily selected via a button near the gear lever, with the active mode displayed in the central instrument cluster.

Why are these important?

These features make the Ford Focus RS adaptable for any situation. No matter your experience level, the Focus RS ensures that driving is always engaging and tailored to your preferences. You get:

• Comfort for daily drives.

• Fun and excitement for spirited driving.

• Precision and speed for track days.

• Playful drifting capability for advanced track enthusiasts.

The Ford Focus RS combines road-friendly versatility with track-ready precision, allowing drivers to tailor their experience to suit varying driving conditions.