The RS version of Ford’s new-generation Focus could be powered by both a turbocharged petrol engine and a torquey electric motor mounted on the rear axle, according to senior company sources.
The Focus RS will use ford’s 2.0-liter Ecoboost petrol engine that produces 250hp of power to drive the front set of wheels. The engine will be coupled with an electric motor setup mounted on the rear axle.
The advantages of the layout for a high-performance car are that it enables the use of a relatively small-capacity engine, but the strong torque from an electric motor gives the car a considerable performance boost.
It also makes it all-wheel drive without the complexity of a conventional set-up using a power take-off and propshaft. A hybrid Focus RS would most likely be able to match the performance of today’s RS500, but with much-improved economy and lower CO2 emissions.
Autocar