The Dutch seem to think so.
After bowing out of the North American market following a limited-edition run of 2018 models, Ford Focus RS production is expected to wrap up in April. The final versions see a special tune, adding an extra 20 horsepower to the the grippy hatch’s already healthy 350 hp rating. Officially, there’s been no word on a replacement.
Unofficially, how does 400 hp sound?
That’s what Dutch publication Auto International claims we can expect from the next-generation Focus RS, due out in 2020. The rumored release date places a model year between it and the next-gen Focus, which debuts this spring as a 2019 model.
Taking credit for some of the 2.3-liter EcoBoost’s newfound power is a 48-volt mild hybrid system. Allegedly, the system employs a starter motor capable of adding 25 hp and 44 lb-ft to the rig’s output, aiding acceleration and fuel economy. While extra power is nice, it’s the latter virtue Ford needs most. European emission regulations demand it.
Supposedly, this electrically assisted EcoBoost propels the car to 100 km/h (62 mph) in four seconds flat, some seven-tenths of a second quicker than the previous-gen model. A six-speed manual remains the go-to transmission, though Auto International claims a dual-clutch automatic in the works for American and Chinese customers. (Is nothing pure anymore?)
Ford going big on electrification, so there’s no reason to think it wouldn’t use the technology for Focus RS power gains. Should the rumors pan out, we’ll see the mild-hybrid FoRS sharing showroom space with a hybrid Mustang and F-150.
[Image: Ford Motor Company]
A starter? Hmmmm… This made me wonder about how ofters customers would end up replacing starter drives that wear out, but I guess it won’t be any worse than cars with stop-start technology.
If I recall, weren’t these things killing head gaskets and cracking blocks? I would probably be less concerned about the starter motor!
Not that it’s really more comforting, but Ford recalled them stating the wrong part was installed. Correcting that should fix the problem.
+1, SlowMyke – Though I’d actually say it *is* more comforting. I guess I’d rather have the wrong part and know it can be swapped out rather than a design flaw with which to contend. Still a really embarrassing screw-up by Ford, even if it’s understandable on a certain level (the EcoBoost Mustang’s and the RS’s engines’ being fraternal twins).
http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/buying-maintenance/a14510137/ford-focus-rs-head-gasket-issues/
Don’t worry, the RDU is still plenty iffy.
400 HP toy car…..just what the world needs.
18 year old driving on the Interstate playing cowboy :=)
Mustangs, Camaros, and challengers have existed for a while now. All of them play in the $35k+ range now for that kind of power, so if an 18 year old is getting them, it doesn’t really matter if it’s just a toy with that power or an M5.
Seeing as how they probably learned to drive in their parents’ 300+ hp minivan, or pickup truck, they’ll be well-suited to cowboy duties.
Eventually 18 year-olds will have used Hellcats, probably no worse than an 80 year-old driving a Sequoia in terms of public safety.
It depends on the 80 year old. At age 86, journalist and Le Mans winner Paul Frere test drove the previous year’s Le Mans winning Audi R8 over the Le Mans course. His speed at the end of the long Mulsanne straight was only 3 mph slower than that of the team drivers one third his age.
Not many 18 year olds can drop this kind of money on a car.
Quality improvements don’t increase sales of a current-gen vehicle.
“Think Ford First”, LOL!
I’m glad the RS is being continued. After all it came in towards the end of this gen.
I’d rather they spend some $$ on fixing the drivetrain/overheating diffs/etc..
The RS didn’t include a diff cooler?
Quality improvements don’t increase sales of a current-gen vehicle.
“Think Ford First”, LOL!
Hybrid? I’m done.