Next Ford Focus RS Could Be A 400HP Electric Beast

Ford will unveil the new generation Focus in April, but details about the range-topping RS version have already started to come out despite the fact that the range-topping hot hatch is still some time away from us.

According to AutoInternationaal, the next Focus RS will use a hybridized powertrain with a 48V electrical system and an integrated starter-generator.

This will result in it having around 400 horsepower and some 600Nm (443lb-ft) of torque, if the information turns out to be correct. That’s about 25hp and 100Nm (74lb-ft) of torque more than the current RS with the Mountune upgrade, and would put it in the same league as the Mercedes-AMG A45 and Audi RS3 Sportback.

What’s more impressive is that the 0 to 100km/h (0-62mph) sprint time might drop to as low as 4.0 seconds, which is a couple of tenths of a second quicker than its two premium German rivals.

The new powertrain will reportedly work in conjunction with a six-speed manual transmission. However, since the next-gen Focus RS is expected to be a hit in North America and China, a dual-clutch automatic transmission is said to be in the works as well.

Buyers will have to wait some time before getting their hands on the upcoming hot hatch, but the lesser Focus ST might debut as early as this fall at the Paris Auto Show with up to 275hp.

The ST will follow the regular versions of the compact hatch, which will be launched at a standalone event next month.

Note: 2019 Ford Focus prototype pictured