Ford Focus RS to embrace electricity

Thursday, 13 February 2020

Here's what Ken Block can do with a manual gearbox and a really good handbrake (it's called the Drift Stick).

Ford's next-generation Focus RS is going green. Not fully electric, mind, but expect an extra filler flap on the new hot hatch. According to new reports, Ford's bosses have told the engineers to go back to the drawing board and create a new plug-in hybrid powertrain for the Focus RS.

Originally, it was thought the refreshed RS would get a 48-volt mild hybrid system to increase performance and lower emissions. Now it looks like a more radical PHEV solution has been requested by the Blue Oval bosses.

While that should result in yet more power and even lower emissions, it does mean the Focus will go without a flagship model until 2022 at the earliest.

As for what that new PHEV powertrain could resemble, it is believed that Ford's engineers are trying to adapt the unit found in the plug-in Escape. There, a 2.5-litre inline-four Atkinson-cycle engine is paired with an electric motor and a generator to offer 165kW of power.

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Ford is said to be considering adapting the Escape PHEV's hybrid drivetrain for use in the Focus RS.

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This wouldn't quite be enough for the RS badge, given the existing model makes 257kW. Ford is apparently looking to boost output to around 300kW, which is proving difficult as the automaker is trying to add a turbocharger to the 2.5-litre engine as well as pumping up the electric side of things.

All of these add weight so additional work will need to go into shedding kilos wherever possible.

Another problem is that the Escape uses a CVT transmission. Ford will likely pair the Focus RS with a dual-clutch unit and (hopefully) a manual option, which will require yet more re-engineering.

With any luck we'll get some more news on the RS's future this year. Until then, folks wanting a fun Ford hatch will want to cast their eyes over the rorty little Fiesta ST.