Photo: CarPix
Ford’s Focus RS, a hugely appreciated hot hatchback, is planned to receive a more powerful version.
Just like the previous generation of the Focus RS, Ford will call the limited-edition model RS500. Following the same criteria, the Blue Oval is expected only to build 500 units of the car, thus enhancing its desirability, value for collectors, and all-around resale value.
Ford’s Performance arm seems to have a passion for getting high resale values for the models they design, so they build less than demand would require.
The same insider revealed that Ford wants the RS500 to provide about 400 HP from the same engine. Torque will also be increased, but not as significantly as the hike in peak output.
The reason behind the modest increase in torque is linked to the all-wheel drive system, which would require further modifications to handle massive gains in this department.
The same insiders quote a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) of about 4.2 seconds instead of the current 4.7 seconds. The top speed of the Ford Focus RS is expected to increase slightly with the RS500 version, but its precise value is less relevant at this moment.
It is worth noting that Ford’s Performance division has targeted the facelifted variant of the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG as the benchmark for the Focus RS500, the insider claims.
The RS500 version of the third-generation Focus RS is expected to be launched as a 2017 model year vehicle. According to Ford insiders, the brand has not “genuinely green-lighted” the product, but the unnamed source has revealed to Autocar that the American company has a strong desire for a “star” in the RS and ST range.
Our spy photographers have already spotted a prototype based on the current Focus RS, which was being tested on the Nurburgring, as well as on surrounding roads. The vehicle featured a different hood, as well as a modified front bumper, and other changes.
Analysts expect Ford to increase the cooling capacity of its 2.3-liter EcoBoost unit, so that it could handle the power level expected from the Mk3 Focus RS500.
Ford’s Performance arm seems to have a passion for getting high resale values for the models they design, so they build less than demand would require.
The same insider revealed that Ford wants the RS500 to provide about 400 HP from the same engine. Torque will also be increased, but not as significantly as the hike in peak output.
The reason behind the modest increase in torque is linked to the all-wheel drive system, which would require further modifications to handle massive gains in this department.
The same insiders quote a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) of about 4.2 seconds instead of the current 4.7 seconds. The top speed of the Ford Focus RS is expected to increase slightly with the RS500 version, but its precise value is less relevant at this moment.
It is worth noting that Ford’s Performance division has targeted the facelifted variant of the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG as the benchmark for the Focus RS500, the insider claims.
The RS500 version of the third-generation Focus RS is expected to be launched as a 2017 model year vehicle. According to Ford insiders, the brand has not “genuinely green-lighted” the product, but the unnamed source has revealed to Autocar that the American company has a strong desire for a “star” in the RS and ST range.
Our spy photographers have already spotted a prototype based on the current Focus RS, which was being tested on the Nurburgring, as well as on surrounding roads. The vehicle featured a different hood, as well as a modified front bumper, and other changes.
Analysts expect Ford to increase the cooling capacity of its 2.3-liter EcoBoost unit, so that it could handle the power level expected from the Mk3 Focus RS500.
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