Ford has been rumoured to have been working on a juiced-up RS500 version of the new Focus RS for some time now, but according to a new report the super hatch’s future could be in jeopardy.
Earlier this year, test mules of the RS500 had been spotted testing at the Nurburgring, and it was expected that the car could get as much as 390bhp, a 45bhp increase over the standard RS.
However, Autocar cites sources close to the project, who say that although the RS500 project hasn’t officially been canned yet, they reckon there’s only a 30 per cent chance of it reaching production.
Fears it could step on Mustang's toes
The reason, according to the sources, is that Ford is worried about where the RS500 would fit into the rest of its range, in particular how it would fit with the 410bhp Mustang.
Although that isn’t such a problem here in Europe, given the ‘One Ford’ plan where all new Ford cars are sold around the entire world, Ford is worried it could threaten the pony car's sales.
Autocar’s report claims that the manufacturer has considered a less powerful version of the RS500 manufactured specifically for Europe, but bosses worry that it would dilute the RS brand too much.
370bhp Mountune kits available
The current Focus is due to reach the end of its lifespan late next year, meaning that Ford is also under pressure to reach a decision soon before production closes to make way for the next model.
Ford has yet to officially acknowledge the RS500 project, but if you’re in the market for a go-faster Focus RS, you can now order Mountune kits for the car that boosts power to up to 370bhp.
