An RS-badged car from Ford is a rare and enthusiast-focused thing. As such, it requires perhaps more discernment and expertise than your run-of-the-mill family commuter.
That’s why, for the 2016 Ford Focus RS, the automaker brought on Gymkhana star and rally racing driver Ken Block as a consultant.
Mr. Block is no stranger to Ford, of course; almost all of his specially-modified Gymkhana machines have worn the Blue Oval badge, and he has driven a Ford in Rally America and the World Rally Championship since 2010. His next Gymkhana machine is a rear-wheel drive, 1978 Mk. II Ford Escort.
In short, some might say that the professional driver’s input during the development of the 2016 Ford Focus RS is invaluable. In the video above, constituting the fourth episode of Ford’s ongoing “Rebirth of an Icon” documentary about the new hot-hatch, Ken Block drives the Ford Focus RS around the test track with Ford Performance Vehicle Dynamics Specialist David Put.
It’s serious work, pushing an unfamiliar car to the limits of adhesion and taking note of its response, but someone’s got to do it. We’re just glad that the folks at Ford Performance tapped the great Ken Block to help out with the enticing new Ford Focus RS.
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