https://www.carthrottle.com/post/the-next-ford-focus-rs-has-reportedly-been-cancelled/  

They can’t even get an Auto ST to comply with emissions so a new RS doesn’t stand much chance. 

13 hours ago, alexp999 said:

They can’t even get an Auto ST to comply with emissions so a new RS doesn’t stand much chance. 

I was surprised the new ST had the 2.3 from the old RS purely for emission reasons,
Thought the new Focus ST would follow the Fiesta ST and get similar power from a smaller engine,
Something like 265bhp from a new 1.8 with a better turbo.

So a new RS would obviously have the same 2.3 engine, putting out 375bhp like the Heritage RS with Mountune Kit.
Apart from AWD there would far less difference between a Mk4 ST vs RS than there was in the Mk3 ST vs RS.

Exactly, or make it hybrid like half the supercars are these days.

I wonder if it is more to do with the fact that an AMG A45 or a Golf R, is affordable these days for a lot more people.  And badges count.

9 minutes ago, Guy Heaton said:

Exactly, or make it hybrid like half the supercars are these days.

I wonder if it is more to do with the fact that an AMG A45 or a Golf R, is affordable these days for a lot more people.  And badges count.

They have to balance the cost of developing a hybrid power train suitable for it.

The RS just doesn't sell in enough numbers and Ford needs to be more affordable than those two, so Ford can't put the price up to compensate for the development.

Given current world situation it probably canned any hope the project had as they'll be trying to sure up finances even more so than before.

28 minutes ago, Guy Heaton said:

Exactly, or make it hybrid like half the supercars are these days.

I wonder if it is more to do with the fact that an AMG A45 or a Golf R, is affordable these days for a lot more people.  And badges count.

Everybody knows the next RS should have been a 400bhp AWD monster to rival the AMG A45,
But the RS will always struggle with the 0-60 times because it's a manual, probably never get below 4 seconds regardless of power.

In an ideal world a new RS would have nearly 425bhp with the 2.3 tuned to 375bhp with an Electric Assist of 50bhp to fill turbo lag.
But I really can't imagine any hybrid system would come with a manual gearbox, effectively ending the RS as a 'drivers' car.

The new Mk4 ST costs more than an Mk3 RS did at launch,
Now add AWD, Hybrid Power and Shift Paddles and you're looking at silly money ☹️

19 minutes ago, alexp999 said:

Given current world situation it probably canned any hope the project had as they'll be trying to sure up finances even more so than before.

 

Yes, I agree. I would imagine the current situation will have a significant effect on the motor industry. I wouldn't be surprised to see planned i/c engined performance versions canned, and the future of several plants which were already marginal, must now be in serious jeopardy.

One very noticeable effect of the various lockdown measures worldwide has been the massive and surprisingly rapid reduction in pollution levels which can only provide further impetus to the move towards zero emission vehicles. It will be interesting to see what is (and isn't) in the 2021 model ranges.

Ladies & Gentlemen,

Just found out there will be no Ford Focus MK4 RS 😕!

https://www.topgear.com/car-news/hot-hatch/ford-not-planning-another-focus-rs

https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/spy-shots/ford/focus-rs/

You die hard RS fans will no doubt be aware of this, but for the rest, this may be a passing interest...

https://www.topgear.com/car-news/hot-hatch/ford-not-planning-another-focus-rs