The new generation of the Ford Focus RS had been slated for launch later in the year, but was ultimately postponed a couple years due to the stiffening of emission standards in Europe.
Rumors used to claim that the hot hatch would hit the Europe market as a mild hybrid vehicle receiving assistance from an electric engine starter. However, later data has shown that this configuration would still exceed the CO2 emission quota of 95 g/km. Going PHEV would be more realistic in this respect.
A popular bit of conjecture also held that the new Ford Focus RS would end up with the 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder Mustang engine, but this is now also out of the question. A new rumor just emerged that the RS would share the powertrain with the latest Kuga SUV. If so, the company would have to find a way to boost the 2.5-liter mill to 400 or more horsepower (300+ kilowatts) in order to dethrone the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S as the world’s most powerful production hatchback. One way to achieve this would be by fitting it with a 300-hp (224-kW) gasoline engine and a 100-hp (75-kW) electric motor on the rear axle, with an advanced torque control system for better handling.
Ultimately, though, Ford might as well arrive at the conclusion that the Focus RS line is no longer feasible, and shut it down. Time will tell.