Ford Working on New Focus RS, Could Offer 350 HP from 2.0L EcoBoost

We have to admit that for a while now, we were afraid the Focus RS had sung its swan song with the “current” generation. The monster is a growling, snarling brute of a car that seems to belong in a cage fight, not in the world of electric vehicles. That’s why we thought it would go the way of the dinosaurs... and the Evo, either being phased out or being changed into a strange hybrid.

Our hearts jumped with joy when we heard that Gunnar Herrmann, Ford’s global boss for small cars told Drive magazine, the Blue Oval is working on... drum roll please... the RS version of the 2012 Ford Focus. What’s more, it will be even more of a hand-full, as it will have even more power, but will keep the front-wheel drive configuration.

“I think [more power for the next RS] is sustainable. With the limited edition RS500 [sold only in the UK] we went up to 350 horsepower [261kW] and some of our development units we have them up to 380hp [283kW]. And we even moved torque [upwards]. And then you really get into engine durability. But [the car] can handle it,” Herrmann said.

Power will most likely come from the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine that’s replacing the Volvo-sourced 2.5-liter block. In the Focus ST that’s about to be revealed in production form soon, the 2.0L puts out 250 horsepower, but reinforced innards, a bigger turbo (or more turbos), and better breathing could boost the figure to 350 horsepower. That seems a bit extra, almost rally-spec, but it’s doable.

In our opinion, 320 hp would be enough if Ford manages to fix a number of other key elements, like the delivery (differential) and especially the gearbox, which limits torque from the engine in first gear.

The new Focus RS, scheduled to arrive in time for the mid-life facelift in about 2014, will keep using a Revoknuckle’ suspension that currently allows the car to put down 300 hp through the front wheels, while keeping torque steer in check.