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Ford Performance Reportedly Considering a Hotter Focus RS

(Credit: © Ford)

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Ford Performance Reportedly Considering a Hotter Focus RS

2017 Ford Focus RS in Nitrous Blue

2017 Ford Focus RS in Nitrous Blue (Credit: © Ford)

The Ford Focus RS is arguably the most hotly anticipated hatchback this year, and a new report from Autocar indicates that Ford Performance may not be finished with the hot-hatch. This new report indicates that Fords go-faster arm is contemplating an ever hotter version of the Focus RS.

According to insiders at Ford Performance, this red-hot hatchback will not be an exercise of how many ponies it can squeeze from the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, as the Focus RS is already near its max. Instead, Ford Performance will work on reducing the hatchback’s weight and improving the transfer of power from the engine to the pavement.

The weight-loss measures will include things like polycarbonate glazing, carbon-fiber body work, aluminum suspension bits, carbon-fiber brakes, thinned-out noise insulation, and a the removal of the unnecessary comfort bits in the cabin. Ford Performance anticipates it can remove up to 220 pounds from the RS with these measures.

The other side of the coin in creating a hotter Focus RS is an effort to get the power to the road as effectively as possible. Ford Performance plans to do this by way of an electronically controlled limited-slip front diff, and a dual-clutch auto transmission. One hurdle Ford Performance needs to clear is to rework its existing Getrag-sourced dual-clutch unit to handle the massive torque created by the RS – currently, it is rated to handle up to 332 pound-feet.

With all of this work in place, Ford Performance expects the hotter Focus RS to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in fewer than four seconds. With these improvements, however, comes a healthy price hike that will likely push the hot hatchback over the $40,000 mark.

The report indicates that Ford Performance will keep this idea in the planning stages until it sees just how popular the Focus RS is. Considering yours truly was bumped from the pre-order list for the RS multiple times, I think it is safe to say Ford will have no problem selling the hottest hatch of them all.

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