Ford may unveil an RS version of Ford’s new-generation Focus which would be powered by both a turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor to power its rear axle. This would provide the car an all-wheel drive setup. However, the Focus RS has not yet appeared on the auto maker’s confirmed future model cycle documents. The success of its current model has prompted the management at Ford to keep the project in the pre-development phase.
Derrick Kuzak, Global Development, Ford, had stated that the company would build a “global performance version” of the all-new Focus during the Geneva Auto Show earlier this year. Also, Autocar has reported that senior sources within Ford have confirmed that the Team RS has started early conceptual studies to match the 2.0-litre Ecoboost engine with an electric motor on its rear axle. This layout is tailor-made for a high-performance car as it enables the use of a comparatively small-capacity engine. However, the strong torque from the electric motor awards the car a great boost in performance. Sans the conventional set-up using a power take-off and propshaft, it is a great all-wheel drive.
The much-talked about hybrid Focus RS should be able to match the performance of the current Focus RS500. However, it would also come with much-improved economy and lower CO2 emissions. Team RS will look at the auto maker’s current hybrid drivetrain if the electrified rear axle makes it into Ford’s forward engineering plan. It is used by the Ford Fusion (Mondeo-sized) in the US right now. Currently, the hybrid drive a 156 bhp 2.5-litre engine and an electric motor, which delivers 191 bhp to the front wheels and the next gen system is expected to be more efficient.
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