We could soon be seeing a high-performance Ford SUV wearing the coveted RS badge, according to Ford Performance global director Dave Pericak.
Speaking at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, Pericak said that there was definitely “an opportunity” to make performance SUVs in the way that manufacturers like Audi, Porsche and Jaguar have.
He said: “I think customers love performance. I think the definition of what that means for an SUV might be different than what it means for a Focus or for a Fiesta.
“But I think that we’ve seen, even in the US, and globally, that people like aggressive-looking cars, they like sporty, they want the power and pick-up and engine improvement, so I think the answer is yes. SUV customers would appreciate performance, for sure.”
Performance SUVs have been rising in popularity for several years now, with Porsche offering the likes of the Macan and Cayenne, while Audi makes several hot SUVs including the RS Q3, S Q5 and S Q7.
However, Pericak hinted that he isn’t too impressed with many current performance SUV models, and stated that if Ford was to give it a go, it would be a performance car first and an SUV second.
Last year, Ford’s executive vice president of global marketing, sales and service, Steve Odell, apparently confirmed that a string of new RS-badged models are in the pipeline.
Speaking to Auto Express, he said: “The RS brand is really valuable. People race it. People collect it. I believe there is room to expand.”
Among the cars rumoured to get the RS treatment is the Kuga mid-sized SUV, while Ford is also exploring the possibility of fitting other models with the Focus RS’ innovative four-wheel drive system.
