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Ford Could Bring Back the Focus RS By 2016

There's nothing in the world of hot hatchbacks quite like the manic yet focused Focus RS (pun intended). For almost four years now, the Blue Oval stopped offering the RS-badged model, to much boo and hiss from enthusiasts of the breed. But there's a saying that goes like "good things come to those who wait"…
Ford Focus RS500 1 photo
Photo: Ford
The former generation RS lineup topped with the beastly RS500, which packed a 2.5-liter inline-five under its bonnet, developing 345 horsepower and 460 Nm of torque. It's no wonder the most hardcore Ford Focus ever made sold out in just 12 hours when order books opened back in 2010.

Unfortunately, those 500 units of the ultimate Focus marked the last hurrah of Ford RS models. But that will change as soon as 2016 according to recent inside info provided by Ford officials to British motoring publication Auto Express.

Barb Samardzich, who fills the role of chief operating officer at Ford's European arm, told the aforementioned publication at a recent company event in Italy: “I can’t give you any confirmation today, but let’s say there’s a strong desire. Something like that makes a great halo car.”

Of course, that declaration is a bit vague, but Barb is backed up by another Blue Oval spokesman, who said: “We have a rich heritage of RS cars, and we’re not about to let any competitors overtake us in that respect. You can rest assured that Martin (Smith, the director of design at Ford Europe) and his team are fully focused on the future of our performance strategy.”

This latest bit of good news is sure to make enthusiasts go "Good golly, Miss Molly!" Little Richard references aside, the next-gen Focus RS will most probably take its oomph from a 2.3-liter four-pot EcoBoost mill with modern tech such as direct injection and high-flow turbocharging.

Offering no less than 304 horsepower on the entry-level 2015 Ford Mustang pony car, the all-new engine will surely undergo a few modifications to offer more performance on the 2016 Ford Focus RS. If it will churn out 350 horsepower, the former generation and similarly powerful RS500 will quite possibly become obsolete.

Come on, Ford! Make it already! Make it now! Until then, scroll down to enjoy some fly by scenes of the RS500.

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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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