Rumors: The new Focus RS500 will produce 400 hp

Ford is preparing the Focus RS500 and according to rumors, if the model gets the green light, it is expected to be presented at the Geneva auto show, next March, a few months before the new generation of the Focus is presented.

The same sources claim that the car will be equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers 400 hp, with Ford to not increase the engine torque much, in order not to make any drastic changes to the 6-speed manual gearbox.

Ford will put great emphasis on the image of the model. If the Focus RS is wild, the RS500 will be even more fierce, having a big front spoiler, wide fenders, carbon bonnet with vents, an adjustable rear spoiler and new bumpers, to create a dynamic and sporty image.

The RS500 will not have sound-insulating materials, to save weight with the windows being made of plastic/polycarbonate, with Ford to use more carbon (CFRP) in various parts of the car. These changes will make the model weigh about 100 kilos less than the simple RS.

Finally, the car will have larger carbon-ceramic brakes and a tougher suspension made of aluminum. Ford’s goal for the RS500 is to produce the fastest hatchback ever built, in terms of acceleration.