Mk4 Ford Focus RS 'highly unlikely'
Next-gen super hatch had emissions limits to worry about - but coronavirus might have delivered the final blow
Ford’s troubles are well documented, with the American car maker’s efforts to cut costs on both sides of the Atlantic the hard evidence of its adaptation to challenging times. As part of the process, the Blue Oval is closing factories and trimming its line-up to the most profitable models, with the focus on ensuring it remains competitive through what’s fast becoming the industry’s most complicated decade yet. High volume cars like the all-electric Mustang Mach-E are vital, whereas cars like the comparably traditional Focus RS are not. The hotly anticipated next-gen super hatch has, reports will have us believe, therefore been canned.
Officially, a Ford spokesperson told PH that no future product details are being communicated at this stage, but a source has told French website Caradisiac that the European 95g/km limit for manufacturer fleets means the long-awaited successor to Ford’s 350hp five-door is no longer viable. PH has its own sources, and while none have disagreed with that verdict, it seems it’s a combination of that regulation and – surprise, surprise – coronavirus that has sealed the Mk4’s fate.
It seems plenty of Ford execs have remained fond of the idea, not least because the Focus RS arguably did just as much as the Mustang and GT supercar to inject some real desirability to the brand. So while it’s always been an uphill struggle thanks to those emissions, the project was genuinely still on the table. There was talk of hybrid power and electrifying the rear axle to help it duck under the limits, and power was supposed to surpass 400hp. But Ford’s ongoing troubles meant that even with the launch of the latest Focus having taken place two whole years ago, the RS was still on the shelf.
So, with coronavirus providing an enormous, unprecedented blow to almost all car businesses, projects that looked difficult have become nigh on impossible. We should add that with no official word from Ford, there remains a chance that another drifting hatchback could still be on the horizon. Even the most optimistic Blue Oval fan has to admit, however, that it would somewhat go against Ford’s latest, EV-focussed efforts.
Let’s not forget that Ford does still sell some pretty handy hot hatchbacks, though, affirming that it knows how to make attainable driver’s cars. The Fiesta ST is sublime and the Focus ST proved its talents by winning our group test against the likes of VW’s GTI TCR and Renault Sport’s Megane Trophy last autumn. We’ll be sad not to have another bonkers all-wheel drive offering to top them off but, realistically, not even the most astute manufacturer could have foreseen the troubles that 2020 had in store.
Also emissions thing I find odd.... some manufacturers seem to be cancelling small fast cars but proceeding with monster engined SUVs ?!
Ford went nuts on the MK3 Focus by constantly feeding the press. So much so that when it was 'launched' I actually thought it'd been out for 6 months. They then went on and subsidised it into the larger YouTube channels. So there was a constant buzz, despite the actual car being somewhat of a disappointment one you'd actually been in it.
Exposure to the marque has to be worth something.
How can the A45s and future rs3 exist under new emissions laws then...I am sure its fords finances other this as the key reason..
The market seems to be changing too with fast SUV’s replacing fast hatchbacks and estates. I’d imagine that the R&D costs just aren’t worth it.
They could probably bring a car to market but if they haven't even started yet, it is probably 2 plus years away. Who knows what will be happening then?
They really don't need to risk the development money at the mo... Ford is in survival mode.
I’d argue they could develop something epic with no effort. They’ve teamed up with Mountune before, as they’ve included their stage 1 upgrades on a few limited run models (Mk2 RS500, Mk3 RS heritage & Mk7 Fiesta ST200 I think?). Mountune have already got a range of power levels for Mk3 RS (375PS, 380, 400, 450 & 520!!), and its the same engine in the Mk4 ST. So they could do a Mk4 RS with the current 2.3 Ecoboost engine, and simply pick and choose a a suitable ready prepared mad power level courtesy of Mountune. Stick on some bonnet vents and big flared arches, a massive exhaust and job done! Easy peasy
RS styling already taken care off too, just copy the new BTCC ST:
Ford, if you’re reading this you’re quite welcome to this idea in exchange for a Mk4 RS500 down the line. Ta!
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