Next Level Performance
August 23, 2026 • 10 min read
Ford Focus RS carbon fiber body parts are direct-fit, OEM-mounting-point panels — hoods, wings, diffusers, and splitters woven from lightweight carbon composite — that shed weight off the 2016–2018 Focus RS and 2013–2018 Focus ST while sharpening their look. At our Tampa, FL shop we install more Anderson Composites carbon on hot-hatch Fords than any other exterior brand, and the reason is simple: carbon fiber is roughly one-fifth the weight of steel yet delivers a far higher strength-to-weight ratio, so a single hood swap can pull real mass off the nose of a 350-hp, 2.3L EcoBoost RS. This guide walks through the exact carbon parts we fit, what they cost, which years and trims they bolt to, and how each one is installed.
Our Verdict
Start with the Anderson Composites Type-SA carbon hood — it delivers the biggest weight savings and the most dramatic visual change for the money.
A carbon hood typically weighs 40–50% less than the factory steel unit, cutting several pounds off the front axle where it matters most. Pair it with the rear spoiler and Type-R diffuser for a balanced, track-ready aero look. Anderson Composites parts for the Focus RS and ST run roughly $1,079–$1,529 at NLP Performance.
Shop Our Top Pick →What Does Carbon Fiber Actually Do for a Focus RS or ST?
Carbon fiber replaces heavy steel and plastic OEM panels with a woven composite that is about 5 times stronger by weight than steel and roughly one-fifth its density. On a 2016–2018 Focus RS (350 hp, 350 lb-ft, AWD) or a 2013–2018 Focus ST (252 hp, 270 lb-ft, FWD), the practical payoff is threefold. First is weight: a carbon hood alone can remove roughly 10–18 lb from the very front of the chassis, lowering the polar moment and helping turn-in feel crisper. Second is aerodynamics — a rear wing, chin splitter, and rear diffuser add downforce and balance airflow front-to-rear at highway and track speeds. Third is appearance: exposed 2x2 twill weave under a UV-resistant clear coat is the single most recognizable performance styling cue on any hot hatch.
Every part in this guide is made by Anderson Composites, a US-based carbon specialist that hand-lays 3K carbon weave and finishes each panel with a protective clear-gel coat. All of them are bolt-on parts that reuse the factory mounting points — no cutting required for the direct-fit pieces — which keeps install times short and reversible.
Carbon fiber trims mass off the Focus RS while adding an unmistakable motorsport look.
The Carbon Parts We Install Most on the Focus RS & ST
Below are the five Anderson Composites pieces we fit most often in our Tampa shop, in the order we recommend building a carbon package: hood first (biggest weight win), then rear spoiler and diffuser (aero balance), then the front splitter (front-end downforce and stance). Prices shown are live NLP Performance pricing.
The Type-SA is our top pick. Its raised center section and functional heat-extraction detailing give the RS a purposeful, race-inspired nose, and because the hood is the heaviest single panel you can swap to carbon, it returns the largest weight reduction of any part here. We recommend adding hood pins — carbon hoods are light enough that aftermarket pins are cheap insurance at speed.
Prefer a cleaner, OEM-plus look? The RS-Style hood mirrors the factory RS hood shape in exposed carbon, so ST owners can pick up the RS profile and every buyer gets the weight savings without the aggressive center scoop of the Type-SA. Same $1,439.10 price, same 2015–2018 Focus fitment.
Anderson Composites finishes each panel in 3K 2x2 twill weave under a UV-resistant clear coat.
The rear spoiler is the widest-fitting part in the lineup — it bolts to 2013–2018 Focus ST hatchbacks as well as the 2016–2018 RS, so it is the entry point for older ST owners who want carbon before the RS-specific aero exists for their car. It reuses the OEM roof-mount spoiler holes, so it is a genuine bolt-on with no drilling on cars that already wear the factory wing.
The Type-R diffuser replaces the RS-specific lower rear valance in exposed carbon, adding aggressive vertical strakes that clean up airflow exiting under the car. It is RS-only (2016–2018) because it is molded to the RS rear bumper. Paired with the rear spoiler, it balances the car's aero look front-to-back.
At $1,079.10 the Type-AR front chin splitter is the most affordable entry into carbon and the one that most changes the RS's stance. It mounts under the factory front bumper lip and extends the leading edge forward for a more planted, motorsport look plus a touch of front-end downforce. It is RS-specific for 2016–2018.
Carbon Build Snapshot
Ford Focus RS/ST Carbon Fiber Parts Compared
Here is every part side by side, ranked by our recommended build order. All are Anderson Composites 3K carbon and reuse OEM mounting points.
| Kit | Part Type | Fitment | Install Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type-SA Carbon HoodTop Pick | Hood | 2015–18 ST / 16–18 RS | 1–2 hrs | $1,439.10 |
| RS-Style Carbon Hood | Hood | 2015–18 ST / 16–18 RS | 1–2 hrs | $1,439.10 |
| Carbon Rear Spoiler | Rear wing | 2013–18 ST / 16–18 RS | ~1 hr | $1,529.10 |
| Type-R Rear Diffuser | Rear diffuser | 2016–18 RS | 1–2 hrs | $1,439.10 |
| Type-AR Front Splitter | Front splitter | 2016–18 RS | ~1 hr | $1,079.10 |
The Type-R diffuser molds to the RS rear bumper for a factory-integrated fit.
How to Install Carbon Fiber Body Parts on Your Focus
Every part here is a bolt-on that reuses OEM hardware and mounting points, so most can be installed with basic hand tools in an afternoon. Below is our shop's process for each piece, plus realistic time and difficulty. We recommend professional installation for the hood and any part that needs alignment, but a competent DIYer can handle the spoiler and splitter at home.
Installing the carbon hood (1–2 hours)
With a helper, unbolt the factory hood at the two hinge points and disconnect the underhood insulation and any washer lines routed through it. Transfer the OEM latch striker and any hood props to the carbon panel, then set the new hood on the hinges finger-tight. Adjust for even panel gaps at the fenders and cowl before final torque. Because carbon is much lighter than steel, the factory struts may over-lift — test the open/close action and add hood pins for high-speed security. Budget 1–2 hours and a second set of hands.
Installing the rear spoiler and diffuser (1–2 hours each)
The rear spoiler bolts to the existing roof-line spoiler holes on the hatch — remove the OEM wing, transfer the mounting studs and gaskets, and torque the carbon unit down; expect about an hour. The Type-R diffuser replaces the lower rear valance section: remove the factory lower trim, test-fit the carbon diffuser against the RS bumper, and secure it to the OEM tabs and fasteners. Take your time dry-fitting the diffuser so the strakes sit square to the bumper.
Installing the front chin splitter (about 1 hour)
The Type-AR splitter mounts to the underside of the factory front bumper lip using the supplied hardware. Support the front of the car, offer the splitter up to the bumper, mark and pilot any mounting points that require it, then fasten. Keep clearance in mind — a front splitter lowers the effective approach angle, so drivers with steep driveways should account for the extra reach.
What We Like
- + Real weight savings — a carbon hood cuts 40–50% versus the steel OEM panel
- + Bolt-on to OEM mounting points; no cutting on direct-fit parts
- + Genuine 3K twill weave under a UV-resistant clear coat
Things to Consider
- – Premium pricing — $1,079 to $1,529 per part
- – Carbon needs UV care; clear coat can haze if neglected
Which Focus Trims and Years Do These Parts Fit?
Fitment splits along two lines. The two carbon hoods and the rear spoiler cover the widest range: the hoods fit 2015–2018 Focus (including ST and the 2016–2018 RS), and the rear spoiler fits 2013–2018 Focus ST hatchbacks plus the 2016–2018 RS. The Type-R rear diffuser and Type-AR front splitter are RS-only (2016–2018) because they are molded to RS-specific bumpers. If you own a 2013–2015 Focus ST, start with the rear spoiler and a carbon hood; if you own a 2016–2018 RS, the full five-piece package is available. Always confirm your exact year and trim against the fitment listed on each product page before ordering.
How to Care for Carbon Fiber Body Parts
Carbon fiber is durable, but the clear coat that protects the weave is what ages. Hand wash rather than using automatic brush car washes, keep the panels waxed or apply a ceramic coating for UV protection, and park in shade or a garage when possible — prolonged direct sun is the main cause of clear-coat hazing and yellowing over years. Treated well, an Anderson Composites panel holds its finish for the life of the car; neglected, the clear coat may need re-application. A quick ceramic coat at install is the cheapest insurance for the finish.
The Type-AR front splitter sharpens the RS stance and adds mild front downforce.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight does a carbon fiber hood save on a Ford Focus RS?
A carbon fiber hood typically weighs 40–50% less than the factory steel hood, removing roughly 10–18 lb from the front of the car. That weight comes off high and far forward, so it lowers the polar moment and can make steering turn-in feel slightly sharper. The hood is the single biggest weight-saving carbon part you can add to a Focus RS or ST.
Are Anderson Composites Focus carbon parts a direct bolt-on fit?
Yes. Every part in this guide reuses the OEM mounting points and hardware, so no cutting is required on the direct-fit pieces. The carbon hoods bolt to the factory hinges, the rear spoiler uses the existing roof-line spoiler holes, and the diffuser and splitter attach to factory tabs and fasteners. Professional installation is recommended for the hood and any part that needs panel-gap alignment.
How much do Ford Focus RS carbon fiber parts cost?
At NLP Performance, Anderson Composites carbon parts for the Focus RS and ST run from about $1,079 for the front chin splitter to $1,529 for the rear spoiler, with the carbon hoods and rear diffuser at $1,439 each. A full five-piece carbon package for a 2016–2018 RS lands in the $6,900–$7,000 range before any active promotions.
Will carbon fiber body parts fit a Focus ST as well as the RS?
Some do. The two carbon hoods fit 2015–2018 Focus including the ST, and the carbon rear spoiler fits 2013–2018 ST hatchbacks. The Type-R rear diffuser and Type-AR front splitter, however, are RS-only for 2016–2018 because they are molded to RS-specific bumpers. ST owners should build around the hood and rear spoiler.
Do I need hood pins with a carbon fiber hood?
Hood pins are strongly recommended. A carbon hood is significantly lighter than the steel original, so the factory latch alone provides less holding force at speed. Aftermarket hood pins are inexpensive and add a positive mechanical lock, which is cheap insurance for a panel that sits directly in the airflow.
How do you maintain carbon fiber so it does not fade?
Hand wash the panels, keep them waxed or ceramic-coated for UV protection, and avoid prolonged direct sunlight by parking in shade or a garage when you can. The clear coat over the weave is what ages, not the carbon itself. With basic UV care an Anderson Composites panel keeps its gloss for years; if the clear coat ever hazes, it can be re-cleared.
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