Next Generation Focus RS Cancelled

[Franco Cozzo]

New report suggests Blue Oval has killed off plans for a new Focus RS due to emissions struggles

Plans to introduce a fourth-generation Ford Focus RS have been scrapped after engineers failed to find a high-performance powertrain that could meet tougher EU emissions, according to Caradisiac.

As carsales reported in February, Blue Oval bosses sent Ford Performance back to the drawing board in search of an ultra-low emission solution to power its white-hot hatch, with rumours suggesting it was re-engineering the 2020 Ford Escape PHEV hybrid powertrain.

Sadly for hot hatch fans, it appears those attempts have failed and the Focus RS project had been canne, says a source speaking to the French car mag.

The issue facing engineers was the introduction of European Union fleet emission targets that require a car-makers to lower their average fleet emissions to just 95g/km of CO2 or face huge fines.

The insider hinted that Ford engineers were successful in finding a plug-in powertrain that could deliver the 300kW-plus needed, but the cost of doing so was exorbitant for the small number of Focus RS vehicles sold globally.

https://www.carsales.com.au/editoria...KBpo4XEG9KB2A8

Death to the EU