Less is more, they say. Enough is enough. Well, whoever said that probably wasn’t a gearhead, because when it comes to output, we know that more is more, and enough is never enough. The folks at AMS Performance know that, and clearly kept it in mind when developing these enhancements for the Ford Focus RS.
The aftermarket modifier has come out with an electronic tuning kit and a high-flow air filter for the Blue Oval hot hatch that, in combination, can yield an extra 60 horsepower and 70 lb- ft of torque. So equipped, the 2.3-liter turbo four will yield 410 hp and 420 lb-ft, putting it out ahead of the likes of the Mercedes-AMG A45 and Audi RS3.
The AMS E-Tune isn’t a simple chip job, though. Customers are put in touch with an expert calibrator who takes the owner’s usage into account and comes up with not just one, but several engine calibrations – like one for everyday use, one for track, one for valets, and even calibrations for different fuel grades.
Calibrated for race fuel, for example, AMS says it can squeeze out an extra 96 hp and 116 lb-ft of torque for a total of 446 hp and 466 lb-ft… in a Focus. That’s more than a Mustang GT, BMW M4 or Porsche 911, for crying out loud!
The remapping is affected via a COBB AccessPort – a little remote control that plugs into the engine and mounts on the dashboard. Once calibrated and installed, you just select the right engine mapping and you’re set to go. The device costs $650 (if you don’t already have one), the AMS calibration another $500, and the optional air filter an additional $80.
Photo Gallery
