A fresh report out of the United Kingdom suggests that the next-generation Ford Focus RS will employ a mild-hybrid set-up to boost peak power past 300 kW and allow the hyper hatch to take on the upcoming version of the Mercedes-AMG A45.
According to Autocar, the Blue Oval brand will reveal its new Focus RS in 2020, complete with a 48-volt mild hybrid system expected to boost both power and efficiency.
The report suggests that the upcoming version of the hottest Focus will make in excess of 300 kW and around 575 N.m, putting it squarely in line to compete with the likes of next-generation versions of Mercedes-AMG’s A45 and Audi Sport’s RS3 Sportback.
Autocar adds that the Focus RS will retain the familiar 2,3-litre four-cylinder petrol unit, likely hiked from the current 257 kW to around 275 kW thanks to upgrades to the turbocharger, induction system and more. The 48-volt mild hybrid arrangement will, of course, provide the additional grunt.
In addition, the British publication speculates that the new outputs and added low-down torque will see the claimed zero to 100 km/h sprint time fall from the current 4,7 seconds to somewhere around 4,2 seconds. A dual-clutch transmission (in addition to the expected six-speed manual) could also be on the cards, says Autocar.
