Ford Focus RS Engine Built With A Team Of Trained “Listeners”

Ford Focus RS Listener
Ford Focus RS Listener /
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The Ford Focus RS is built with a team of trained “listeners.”

We are big fans of the new 2016 Ford Focus RS and have been watching its release closely. But did you know that Ford has actually hired a team of trained “listeners” to test every Focus RS engine?

Because when it comes to tuning an engine, sometimes nothing beats the subtle human touch. Check out what we mean by watching Ford’s video on this special skill below.

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Our friends from across the Pond at the Ford Focus RS engine plant in Valencia, Spain have released a video showcasing the attention to detail they are taking with every new Focus RS engine. The video explains how the Focus RS engine has a team of specially trained “engine listeners” performing special checks to identify the tiniest engine issues as part of the rigorous quality control tests for the new hot hatch.

The crew of specially trained engineers tests every 350hp 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that comes out of their factory in Valencia, Spain.

“This team knows what a perfectly calibrated engine sounds like and they know the tiny sounds to listen for in case there is a problem,” said Gunnar Herrmann, vice president, Quality, Ford of Europe. “Think of it like a doctor who has the most advanced diagnostic technology but still uses a stethoscope to gather vital clues to a patient’s health.”

If one of the engineers detects a problem with the engine, the engine is immediately removed from the soundproof testing room, and the problem is addressed. Although this is not an entirely new concept and has been applied to other Ford vehicles, it’s nice to know that Ford is taking the same level of commitment to the engine’s production that is typically found in higher priced performance vehicles. It is also a way that Ford engineers ensure that the quality of the manufacturing process can be continuously improved.

More cars: Matt Farah Is Getting The First 2016 Ford Focus RS In Los Angeles

Art of Gears is waiting patiently to see the first couple hot hatch’s cruising the streets in the next couple months, and we look forward to bringing you any new info we have on the Focus RS.