Often enthusiasts would choose a certain car not because of its factory capabilities but its tune-able potential in the aftermarket - plus points if it has an established community of like-minded folk to pool recommendations and swap advice from.
A car that both offers great performance in stock form and delivers even more if you’re brave enough to venture outside its out-of-warranty territory is the third-generation Ford Focus RS. A new version based on the new Focus Mk4 isn’t expected for another few years, but Mountune clearly demonstrates there’s plenty left to enjoy in the meantime.
The UK-based tuning company has recently announced a new upgrade pack for the all-wheel drive RS dubbed the M520 MRX that would basically boost power well past even Mustang GT levels for less than £6000 (about $10,700 in AUD).
Specifically, once Mountune has had its way with it, the 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder would then be able to produce a nutty 383kW and 700Nm at their respective peaks, building on their popular M450 and M400 packages.
Achieving such high numbers and in relative safety to the point of being able to offer it as an upgrade kit required Mountune to seek out bespoke components. Chiefly, it was through a collaboration with BorgWarner that the new EFR 7163 turbocharger was specified.
From there, there are other changes was were required to ensure the engine would handle the increased boost. Therefore, the M520 MRX package includes a recalibrated ECU, more robust fuel pump, new camshafts, valvetrain, as well as a high-flow exhaust, downpipe, and sports catalytic converter.
So far at least, no acceleration or top speed figures have emerged but we suspect that an M520 MRX-equipped Focus RS will have no trouble giving supercars cold sweats as they line up for a drag race, even leaving them in the dust as they carve through a series of bends.
It’s also perfect for wiping the smile off a smug new owner of an Audi RS3 or Mercedes-AMG A45+, which is reason enough to commit to the upgrade, we reckon.
For more on Ford cars, check out our Showroom.
