The next version of the high-performance Ford Focus RS may use hybrid power to dominate its segment.
Ford of Europe is working on an all-wheel drive, hybrid version of its RS rally-inspired high-performance car. Could it be destined to show up in the U.S.? So far, the automaker isn’t saying.
“Rumors are fun, aren’t they?” a Ford spokesman said in response to a query about a U.S. version of the car. He also refused to add anything to those rumors.
Ford is readying a new Focus that will be shared by all global markets with the car going on sale in 2012.
The automaker wants to use the new RS to showcase technology, in this case a hybrid powertrain with the electric motors powering the rear wheels.
The new RS will use a 250-horsepower version of the 2-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost, which will also power the Ford Edge and new Ford Explorer beginning in 2011. Current versions of the RS use a 305-horsepower 2.5-liter five cylinder Volvo engine that drives the front wheels only.
For years, Ford has kept the RS version of the Focus out of the U.S.
Derrick Kuzak, vice president for product development, confirmed to Autocar that Ford is working on the new RS to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland, saying the automaker plans to build a “global performance version” of the Focus.
Current versions of the RS use a 305-horsepower 2.5-liter five-cylinder, so it has a big horsepower advantage compared to the 2.0 in the new version. But the electric motors powering the rear wheels could make up for the power deficit.
The car would go head to head with four-wheel-drive rally-inspired cars including the all-wheel drive Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Subaru WRX STi, as well as the front-wheel drive MazdaSpeed 3.
If it does show up in the U.S., it could come with a name other than RS. Ford has marked performance versions of its cars SVT, ST or XR in various parts of the world, in what is an ongoing lack of brand consistency at what is allegedly “One Ford,” according to Mulally’s rhetoric.
Ford explored the idea of electric motors driving the rear wheels in the 2005 Reflex concept.
Challenges for the hybridized high-performance “pocket rocket” include weight and packaging of the battery pack, although the arrangement would eliminate the complexity of sending power from the engine to turn it into an all-wheel drive car.
Ford may also consider using this electrically driven rear axle setup for future cars, including the next Fusion Hybrid.
Currently, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid uses electric motors at both the front and rear to provide all-wheel drive. The four-wheel-drive version of the Ford Escape uses a regular mechanical connection for the rear wheels.