As Ford attempts to build the world’s fastest hot hatch, it has emerged that the impending Focus RS500 should deliver around 400 hp.
While Autocar suggests that the recently-spied model has yet to been green-lighted for production, chances are we will see the car announced and launched sometime next year.
If the previous RS500 is anything to go by, production will be limited to 500 units and neck-snapping performance will be the name of the game.
In standard guise, the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine of the Focus RS delivers 345 hp. With some tweaking however, that figure could conceivably rise to nearer the 400 hp mark, beating the Mercedes-AMG A45 and Audi RS3 Sportback to be the most powerful production hot hatch.
As with the immensely popular yet somewhat controversial current car, power will be sent through all four wheels courtesy of the American marque’s advanced torque vectoring system and GKN active rear differential. There is also a chance that an electronically controlled limited-slip differential at the front could be employed to increase grip further.
Debate still remains about what transmission the 2017 RS500 will use. Some say that the six-speed manual ‘box will remain while conflicting reports say a dual-clutch auto could be fitted to provide the best possible performance.
Given the cost of developing a new gearbox for a limited-run model however, we’re betting on the stick shift remaining the only transmission choice.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops
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