The Edge ST is a performance-oriented version of the Edge ST. It features even more tech and a manual gearbox. The result is the RS.

Ford plans to leave the traditional car market, except for the Mustang or GT. The Blue Oval sees a market in vehicles like the Edge ST, which combines performance and crossovers. In a recent interview with , Ed Krenz, Chief Function Engineer at Ford Performance, imagined what the Edge RS would look like.

“We’d be able to create kind of that segment of non-premium, ultra-high-performance SUVs. What would you like it to look like? The RS would need to have more power. The RS will bring more vehicle dynamics. This could be achieved by using more aggressive tires, a more rigid suspension, active dampers and torque vectoring,” Krenz explained to Motor Trend.

The new Edge ST is powered by a 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 335 horsepower (249 Kilowatts) as well as 380 pound-feet (515 Newton meters) of torque. All models come standard with both an all-wheel drive and an 8-speed auto transmission. Prices start at $42,355, but each option increases the price to $55,005, plus the $995 destination fee.

Krenz believes that an Edge RS would not necessarily require an automatic gearbox. He told Motor Trend that he believes there is a manual transmission enthusiast group. It’s a Mustang product we couldn’t leave, and it’s the manual transmission. It’s a feature that has been present in the Focus STs and Fiesta for a long time. We’ll learn more about whether this segment actually requires it.

Krenz is only speculating about the Edge RS. However, it’s clear that he has a rough idea what such a vehicle might look like. It is fascinating to imagine a world in which speedy crossovers would take over hot hatches or performance sedans. The higher-riding models may not look as low-slung and race-ready, but might be more rugged and off-road-ready.