Ford Focus RS is on the way
According to a report it would appear that the third version of the Ford Focus RS hot-hatch is almost signed off by Ford.
In the spring of 2012 it was thought that the development of the next-generation RS was delayed, however it would appear that the model is now back on track for a 2015 launch. It was initially put on hold so the company could focus on completing the entire range of derivatives that were and still are being produced off the Focus platform. It appears that they have changed their minds to a certain degree.
According to the report from the Autocar, the UK magazine, the new Ford Focus RS will see a change of engine from Volvo’s 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo engine to a 2.3-litre four-cylinder direct injection turbo which will also power the 2014 European version of the Ford Mustang – one can only see this as an upgrade since the power is rumored to increase from 224kW to about 243kW.
According to older reports Ford is still looking to avoid using an all-wheel-drive system to transfer that power to the ground because it would add significant weight to the Focus, and the car is already relatively heavy for a car in its segment.
However Ford has indicated rather strongly that it will most likely continue using the clever front suspension set-up it has called Revoknuckle, previously employed in the latest Ford Focus RS in combination with a limited-slip front differential to help limit torque steer – with great results.
As far as we can surmise the 240kW-plus output would also give the new RS a power advantage over the Ford Focus ST hot-hatch that was released in 2012 capable of producing only 184kW from its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo.