Ford's new version of the Focus RS comes equipped with Quaife's traction enhancing automatic torque biasing (ATB) differential as standard equipment, marking a significant OEM success for the Kent based transmission specialist.
The contract for 8,000 ATB differential units is the result of two year's close liaison between Quaife, Getrag and Team RS in Germany, although the production unit has required remarkably little redesign for the Focus RS application.
Indeed, the main changes required were adding an extra planetary pinion into the ATB unit, thus allowing for larger, stronger driveshafts to be fitted to the RS model.
Commenting on the project Quaife Engineering Director Michael Quaife said "We've enjoyed an ongoing dialogue with Ford and we're very pleased with the end results as they were a particularly good team to work with. Quaife has long been associated with the Ford brand and we're delighted that this is set to continue."
"Naturally we're pleased that the initial press reviews of the car seem to be overwhelming positive. Even with 300bhp and 320lb.ft of torque being pushed through the front wheels the combination of the Quaife ATB differential and Ford's patented Revoknuckle front suspension is highly effective," Quaife remarks.
The Focus RS ATB differential project marks the culmination of Quaife's investment in a state of the art robotic CNC machining facility in Gillingham, a huge asset for a company that enjoys ISO9001 and TS16496 compliance.
The Focus RS project represents 18 months work for the company, which employs 65 staff across two sites and exports 55% of its product.
Over the last 15 years we've used Quaife diffs on numerous project cars. No amount of electronic gizmos can replicate the performance of a well built sport differential. Glad to see Ford shares our views.