The current generation of the Ford RS has been around for not more than a year now, but it seems tuners are already finding ways to make it more powerful. American tuner Hennessey Performance has introduced a more powerful version of the Ford Focus RS dubbed HPE400.
The HPE400 retains the RS’ turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, but Hennessey has upgraded the engine management software, added a high-flow air filter, and installed a stainless steel mid pipe with an electronic dump valve.
The modifications bump the turbo four’s output up to 302kW and 576Nm of torque, increases of about 41kW and 101Nm of twist over the stock model.
Performance specifications haven’t been announced yet. Hennessey’s hot-rodded RS retains the stock model’s six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive system, which is capable of sending up to 70 percent of the engine’s torque to the rear axle.
The parts required to turn the Focus RS into a Hennessey HPE400 are bundled into a kit that retails for $2,995 / R50 000. Alternatively, Hennessey will install the parts in-house and run the car on a dyno for $4,995 / R75 000.
Buyers who want more than 298kW are in luck, because it sounds like Hennessey is developing more performance parts for the RS. These include upgrades to the intercooler and turbo systems, as well as new wheels and tyres. Brake and suspension modifications will likely join the catalogue of aftermarket parts, too.
To refresh your mind a bit, Hennessy performance revealed its Venom GT back in 2010 which lurks an engine that generates about 927kW of power and weighs 1,244 kg. It is also the fastest street legal car in the world, with a speed of 434km/h.
