It appears the main difference is the GKN torque converter/diff. Is that something easily added to the 2016/17? Sounds like it makes a material difference.
http://www.evo.co.uk/ford/focus-rs/...letter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter
http://www.evo.co.uk/ford/focus-rs/...letter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter