Focus RS

Make
Ford
Segment
Hatchback

The Ford Focus RS is plenty powerful on its own, but Australian outlet Motor is reporting that the automaker may be prepping an even hotter version of the already hot hatch. Anonymous sources inside the automaker told the outlet that the added oomph will likely come via subtraction, as in weight, and through a modified drivetrain. So why aren't the engineers just tweaking the powerplant? Apparently there isn't enough room for additional cooling capabilities.

Motor lists a variety of possible mods a hotter RS could get, including a larger front bumper and air vents as well as an electronically controlled limited-slip differential on the front axle. That LSD would be paired to the existing GKN all-wheel-drive system. Weight could be dropped by as much as 220 pounds thanks to the use of forged aluminum suspension components, carbon brakes and of course carbon fiber on the body. Apparently the mad scientists at Ford are targeting the 0-60 mph times of the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG and Audi RS3, 4.1 seconds and 3.9 seconds respectively. Neither of those cars are sold in America, though, which makes us curious as to which cars Ford will benchmark a hotter Focus RS against.

Maybe we could have a Mustang GT350/GT350R situation on our hands, where one is the daily driver and the other lacks basic creature comforts in the name of performance. We don't know how it will play out but one thing we do know is that more Focus RS models isn't a bad thing.