The reports were true: Ford will not launch a new fourth-generation Focus RS as development was deemed too expensive for today’s market conditions.
Ford Motor has officially confirmed the news, saying that the cost of developing a new Focus RS can’t be justified by the model’s low-volume nature.
“As a result of pan-European emissions standards, increased CO2 taxation and the high cost of developing an RS with some form of electrification for a relatively low volume of vehicles, we are not planning another RS version of the Focus,” Ford told us in their statement.
“We remain committed to Ford Performance vehicles in Europe as part of our DNA with cars like the multi-award winning Focus and Fiesta ST as well as our Mustang and Ranger Raptor models.”
Read More: Ford Reportedly Ends Focus RS Development Program Due To Emission Regulations
2020 Ford Focus ST
It’s understood that Ford was planning a heavily electrified powertrain for the next Focus RS before pulling the plug. The engine would be a development of the hybrid 2.5-liter unit found in the new Escape/Kuga SUV, targeting a power output of at least 400 HP.
To achieve this, the all-wheel-drive system would probably have to employ an electrically-driven rear axle in a bid to keep emissions at bay, given that the new European rules demand a fleet average of less than 95g/km per company.
The death of the fourth-generation Focus RS leaves the Focus ST as the flagship of the range, offering 276 HP (280 PS) out of its 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. 0-62 mph (100 km/h) comes in 5.7 seconds while top speed is capped at 155 mph (250 km/h).
European customers can also have a Ford Focus ST with a diesel engine, namely a 2.0-liter EcoBlue four-cylinder with 187 HP (190 PS).
Opening CGI Credit: X-Tomi Design