Ford plans Next-Gen Focus RS

Artists rendering of the next-gen Focus RS

Amidst all sorts of speculations about what will go under the hood of the new Focus RS, Ford is consider a 2.0lt turbocharged motor with 300+ bhp coupled to electric motors at the rear. In simple terms, the next-gen Focus RS will be a HYBRID! The current RS 500 runs a 345bhp, 2.0lt turbocharged Volvo motor. The new car will have to produce more horses and for that matter, Ford will have to dump the Volvo engine this time around as it is not capable of producing any more power. The engine on the new model will be from Ford’s Ecoboost range of petrols which are kind to the environment. The electric motors and green-engines are all thanks to growing environmental concerns within the industry, said Jost Capito.

Ford has already explored this technology on the 2005 Reflex concept, and it’s just about to be adopted by Peugeot on the 508 executive saloon. It enables the use of a small-capacity engine with the instant torque from the electric motors providing a boost in performance. Secondly, and more importantly, the car does not loose its four-wheel-drive characteristics but manages to shed most of the components associated with this system(power take-off, propshaft).

However, it is easier said than done. Electric motors can be easily packed within the multi-link rear axle, but main challenge is to find space for the battery packs. Depending on the size of the battery pack, the RS hybrid would also be capable of running at zero emissions for short distances, a facility that is likely to become essential for American-market sales.

Capito told Autocar, “We certainly have to guard the RS badge and its motorsport heritage very carefully. We won’t put an RS badge on any type of car; it has to have a race or rally link.”

If at all, Fords plans of an electric rear axle fail, Team RS is also likely to look at Ford’s existing hybrid drivetrain, which is currently used by the Ford Fusion in the US. In its current form, the hybrid drive combines a 156bhp 2.5-litre engine and an electric motor to deliver 191bhp to the front wheels.

Image and news courtesy: autocar

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July 24, 2010 | By Tushar Kelshikar · Tags: Ford Focus RS

Comments

2 Responses to “Ford plans Next-Gen Focus RS”

John Peter on July 24th, 2010 10:08 am

Please let us have this next generation Ford Focus RS now.
Dud cars on August 11th, 2010 10:24 am

Tvs bikes are dull bikes

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