Ford has officially confirmed that an RS version of its latest Mk4 Focus is coming, and it will be leading the charge for a dozen new performance models that the American company describes as a new line of “vehicles for enthusiasts” that will form a “Ford Performance” sub-brand by the year 2020. Included in this new line will be the Fiesta ST, Focus ST, Shelby GT350 Mustang, and the F-150 Raptor.
The Ford Focus RS will be sold globally for the first time ever in order to take on the likes of Honda’s forthcoming Civic Type R. Details are, as usual, pretty scarce, but many expect the vehicle to come equipped with the same 2.3-litre unit found in the four-pot Mustang. In the RS, however that could be boosted to as much as 350bhp.
As for the other vehicles in the Ford Performance sub-brand, the automaker has formed a new global team that comprises of Team RS, Ford SVT, and Ford Racing. The team will help the company grow its presence in niche markets by developing sporty Fords under the new banner, and will helps increase innovation while also reducing costs.
“Ford still races for the same reasons Henry Ford did in 1901: to prove out our products and technologies against the very best in the world,” said Raj Nair, the vice president of global product development at Ford, as quoted by Jalopnik. “The Ford Performance team will continue to pursue performance innovation, ensuring we can deliver even more coveted performance cars, utilities and trucks to customers around the world.”
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