The RS would tune the 2.3-liter turbo-four-cylinder for more power, and include an integrated starter generator.
The current Ford Focus RS is out of production April 6,. However, there may not be a long waiting list for the next one. According to Autocar, the Blue Oval’s most popular hatchback could be available as early as 2020. The report also confirms the rumors that the new RS could be equipped with a hybrid powertrain.
2020 Focus RS will reportedly retain the existing model’s 2.3-liter turbocharged four cylinder. Additional tuning may slightly increase its output. A mild hybrid system that consists of a 48-volt electric system and an integrated starter-generator would offer the greatest improvement. The system is said to produce over 400 horsepower (298 Kilowatts) as well as 425 pound-feet (576 Newton meters) of torque. However, a dual-clutch auto might be the only available gearbox.
Other driving benefits could also be possible with the hybrid system. Autocar suggests that Ford may engineer the hybrid system to provide a boost in power during gear changes so there is no lag in torque delivery. A launch could add some extra power to the car’s engine with an integrated starter-generator.
The new Focus will weigh approximately 110 pounds (50 kg) less than its predecessor. The hybrid equipment might make the new Focus lighter than the current model, but it would still add weight to the RS.
These rumored specs will be identical to Mercedes-Benz’s next-generation A45 Focus RS, if they are true. Hot hatch from the German brand will feature a new 2.0-liter turbo-four-cylinder with more than 400 horsepower. A redesigned all-wheel drive system will allow for rear-wheel drive mode.
The fourth-generation Focus standard version will be available on April 10th, and will start sales in Europe by the end of 2019. It will not arrive in the United States before mid-2019. Production for these examples will be done in China.