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Hennessey HPE400 packs 400 horsepower into the Ford Focus RS

Hennessey Performance Engineering might be more famous for designing the rather bonkers Venom GT and for offering high-end tuning kits such as the HPE1000 upgrade for the Cadillac CTS-V, but the company also produces more reserved and affordable products as well. After teasing us all with images of a shiny new Ford Focus RS, it seems that the tuning house is nearly ready to unveil its finished product.

According to John Hennessey, the HPE400 upgrade for the Ford Focus RS will be ready within the next 30 days. That’s good news for enthusiasts who feel that 261kW (350hp) in a hot hatchback simply isn’t enough. As you might have guessed, the HPE400 will make 298kW (that’s 400hp) from Ford’s 2.3L EcoBoost engine. That’s just at the top end of the rev-range too, with Hennessey claiming that power in the midrange is up by some 75 hp and 80 lb ft of torque, so the car should feel significantly quicker.

To make these gains, Hennessey is changing the engine management software, adding a high-flow air filter, and a new stainless steel mid pipe for the exhaust with an electronic dump valve. Of course, “HPE400” and “Powered by Hennessey” badges will come with the kit, which will cost US$2,995 for all the parts. Or Hennessey will perform the install, along with a dyno tune, for US$4,995.

Hennessey’s HPE400 kit is good news for US-based Focus RS owners, as the only other kit around is from UK based tuning company Mountune – and isn’t available stateside. Montune’s kit only adds an additional 25 hp, but is fully backed by Ford Performance – which means the car’s warranty isn’t affected.

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