Ford Focus RS Clubsport On The Way - report

Anonymous sources have confirmed to Auto Express the existence of two new Ford models: the Ford Focus RS Clubsport and the all-new Ford Focus RS.  The Clubsport is due to hit some markets by the end of the year, but the RS will not show up until 2013, according to the periodical.

The Clubsport could be the send off for the current-generation RS.  The car will use a five-cylinder turbocharged 2.50-liter engine producing around 350 bhp (261 kW).  0-60mph time could improve to 5.0 seconds.  The car will see a significant weight reduction, in part thanks to new competition seating.  Other upgrades include a stiffer suspension that brings the car lower to the ground, new exterior paint options, and sticky tires.  It will be produced in a limited edition of 500 units, with pricing set in the UK around £35,000.

Although it is a bit far into the future to guarantee a production run, Auto Express sources claim the next Ford Focus RS will come to market in three-years-time as a hybrid.  It is expected the car will use an EcoBoost 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder turbocharged engine, possibly being co-developed with the Peugeot SR1.  The engine could be mated to an electric motor producing under 95 bhp (70.8 kW), bringing the 0-60mph sprint to 5.0 seconds or less.  Top speed would be around 155mph, reports the magazine.

Using the new engine, start/stop, and regenerative braking, expect a car that produces lowered emissions of 150 grams of CO2 per kilometer.  Fuel economy could reach 40mpg with the dual-clutch Powershift transmission.