Rumormill: 350-hp Focus RS Clubsport coming, next-gen RS to get hybrid power

[armthehomeless]

It's no secret that we openly covet the Ford Focus Rallye Sport. Unfortunately, the Blue Oval never found it in its heart to let the hottest version of its Focus hatchback into the United States... or any version of the European Focus for that matter. As such, we're certainly not expecting to see the rumored Clubsport model that Auto Express claims will be the current car's swan song before the new version is unveiled based on the all-new Focus.

Too bad, as the idea of 350 horsepower from Ford's highly lauded 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine sounds just peachy, as do the lightweight racing seats, lowered and stiffened suspension and suitably sticky rubber. If there's any truth to all of this, expect the run to 60 to be dispatched in just about five seconds flat. Don't be too saddened by the news, though.

The next juicy bit of internet rumormongering is that a new version of the RS has been greenlit, based on the new Focus platform that was recently unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show. This model would seemingly have a much better chance of coming Stateside, being that the next Focus will be a true global vehicle.

If you're the type that likes to save fuel while scorching asphalt, you'll like the rumored inclusion of a hybrid powertrain centering on Ford's 2.0-liter Ecoboost four cylinder. That boosted mill would reportedly drive the front wheels while an electric motor would send torque to the rear, resulting in an all-wheel drive arrangement, estimated 0-60 run of (again) five seconds and a top speed of 155 miles per hour.

Interestingly, AE reports that this is the same powertrain Peugeot used in its SR1 concept, and the French automaker is said to have co-developed the hybrid drivetrain with Ford. We won't know whether or not any of this is accurate for quite some time, as the car reportedly won't be ready for another three years, but a 240-horsepower Ecoboost Focus ST may be on the way within the next 18 months. We'll see...

[Source: Autoblog]

[Mr Nasa]

so hot rite now soo hot

[Nirvandan]

Ohhhhh a worthy replacement to the MPS Gen I!!!!!!

*drools*

[240MPS]

Originally Posted by Nirvandan

Ohhhhh a worthy replacement to the MPS Gen I!!!!!!

*drools*

Look around the $60,000k price Al it's in the lastest Wheels mag...

[Nirvandan]

Originally Posted by 240MPS

Look around the $60,000k price Al it's in the lastest Wheels mag...

So worth it!!!!!!!

its got the looks, the performance and still an underdog as still a FWD!

AWD????? get outta here!!!!

[Mr Nasa]

haha. .tru.. buut.. an expensive FWD!!
who cares for the hybrid.. meh!!

[armthehomeless]

The only problem is that Ford announce a Focus facelift every other week!

[Mr Nasa]

Lmao

[ZedN]

Very nice, I like it.
Much prefer the Ford facelift over the Mazda GenII's "Big cheesey grin" style. That thing above looks grumpy and I wouldn't want to get in its way. hehe.

[spastic]

Originally Posted by Nirvandan

Ohhhhh a worthy replacement to the MPS Gen I!!!!!!

*drools*

OMFG lol your converted

[MISSMPS]

Originally Posted by Nirvandan

Ohhhhh a worthy replacement to the MPS Gen I!!!!!!

*drools*

[Mr Nasa]

ohh yeahhh!!

[Nirvandan]

Originally Posted by spastic

OMFG lol your converted

Just look at it...its perfect, except for the dash and the steering wheel style.

give me! give me!

[duglet]

Ford’s new RS twins

We reveal how firm is taking current hot hatch out with a bang – and bring you early glimpse of the sensational hybrid that will replace it.

It's the future of the hottest Focus ever – but ‘R’ you ready for it? Feast your eyes on the two cars that will get every fast Ford fan salivating in anticipation!

According to Auto Express sources, the firm is planning a pair of new RS models. First up is a stripped-out Clubsport, designed to wave farewell to the current car in spectacular style. And then there’s a brand new RS, based on the Focus unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show.

The RS Clubsport (opposite) will arrive before the end of the year. Limited to 500 models and priced at around £35,000, it will get a 350bhp, 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo. There will also be lightweight racing seats, lowered and stiffened suspension and sticky tyres, plus a dramatic paintjob. With that extra punch but fewer kilos to carry around, it should sprint from 0-60mph in five seconds. As with Renault’s previous Mégane R26.R, it will be a fitting send-off for one of the best RS models in history.

Its replacement, the all-new RS (above), will be crammed with technology, and offer fans a totally different experience to the current car. A revolutionary hybrid system will give it the option of four-wheel drive.

The outgoing RS’s much-loved 2.5-litre unit will make way for a 2.0 EcoBoost direct-injection turbo in the new car. This will be teamed with an electric motor to offer more muscle, and cut emissions and fuel consumption.

In short, the RS will reinvent the hot hatch. So, where will this hybrid powertrain come from? Well, it’s already been revealed – in Peugeot’s SR1 concept (Issue 1,097). Although Ford is remaining tight-lipped at present, the French maker recently let slip to Auto Express that it will co-develop the new system with the blue oval.

While the SR1 uses the same 218bhp 1.6-litre turbo as the MINI JCW, augmented by a 95bhp electric motor, the Focus RS EcoBoost will be mated to a slightly less powerful unit in order to ensure reliability.

Total output should be 300bhp, and with the engine driving the front wheels while the electric motor feeds the rears, the Focus RS will have incredible traction. Expect 0-60mph in five seconds and a 155mph top speed. What’s more, thanks to the torque-vectoring system from the regular Focus, a development of the existing RS’s RevoKnuckle suspension set-up and dynamic cornering control, the RS’s grip, stability and adjustability will really set the driving experience alight.

In addition, the car will have the ability to juggle electric assistance according to road conditions, a stop-start system, brake energy recovery and a dual-clutch Powershift box. This means it could return 40mpg and emit 150g/km of CO2.

The new model will look the part, too, enhancing the striking lines of the fresh Focus with a sporty bodykit. The front boasts extra air intakes – with bonnet vents which hark back to those of the Escort RS Cosworth. And at the rear, a dramatic venturi-style bumper and huge roof-mounted spoiler complete the head-turning looks.

Inside are Recaro sports seats and carbon fibre trim. These will complement a sat-nav and Wi-Fi touchscreen, radar cruise control and voice activation.

Unfortunately, the Focus RS won’t arrive for at least another three years. In the meantime, the next 18 months will see the debut of a high-performance non-hybrid ST with a 240bhp 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo.

Source: Autoexpress
by Dan Strong

[pockets]

looks like a good version of Daves car

[Nirvandan]

Ford succeed what Mazda failed to do, and that was make an awesome car out of the base looks of the XR5.'

My god did they do good!!!

*jizz in my pants*

lol

[DISIMS3]

"save fuel while scorching asphalt"
What a fantastic concept I'm in

[3mpsblack]

hmmm mayb off topic but wat r ppls thoughts on the toyota FE86? i think thats wat they gonna call it... a subaru engined toyota RWD turbo...

[TheJunglist]

i want one. they look hot!!!!!

[MPShiv]

If i wanted a 2 door hot hatch i would have skipped over the pond and got a clio 187 and then had it turbo'd for under 65k. RS = fail in 2 door form. Hate the styling too, looks like a F&F car