An Even More Capable Ford Focus RS Is Under Consideration

According to the reports of several different outlets, an even hotter version of the 2016 Ford Focus RS is already under consideration.

The new RS, anticipated to start sale next spring, is a 350 HP, all-wheel drive hot-hatch from Ford’s newly-consolidated Global Performance division. It surpasses the ST-badged Focus in just about every objective measure.

Evidently, that’s not enough to stop an even more capable Ford Focus RS from being a consideration. The UK’s Autocar reports that any performance gains aren’t likely to come from the 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four, as that engine has already pushed to its practical limits. Instead, says Autocar, vehicle lightweighting and drivetrain improvements are the most likely sources of improvement; an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential on the front axle is a logical addition, as is the use of carbon fiber body work, forged aluminum suspension components, and a more stripped-down interior.

Mind you, much of this is speculative – or at least unsubstantiated by any concrete sources. Autocar‘s “Ford insiders” also mentioned the possibility of a dual-clutch transmission in-place of the 6-speed manual transmission on the 2016 Ford Focus RS. If all this ever comes to fruition, a sub-4.0-second 0 to 60 time ought to be possible.