Future Ford Focus RS may get an electric infusion

The rumors of getting an electrified Ford Focus RS are hovering around in the US auto-market these days. As already known Ford has pulled the Focus hatchback and RS models from the country and is about to announce the upcoming RS. In a recent interview, Joe Hinrichs, Ford's automotive president has also given the hints of bringing a new RS model with some electric bits.

Hinrichs stated that this time the company may work more on its range of electrified powertrains in pursuit of performance. The world is changing and the company has new powertrain options. On the question of the hybridization possibility, he replied, "electrification could be in the cards”. Further, he clarified that a fully electric Focus RS probably won't happen, at least not for a few more years. The automaker also seemed enthusiastic about bringing the electrified Focus but also mentioned the problem of finding the right buyers.

He further appreciated the efforts of Toyota for launching a fully hybrid electric vehicle i.e. Toyota Prius. But the real challenge involved here is the response of consumers for hybridization, how they take it. The consumers should see it as a tried and tested technology and as a vehicle for its more efficient powertrain.

Moreover, the automaker has already planned Focus and Fiesta hybrid versions for Europe in the upcoming year. Both versions will include the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost paired with a belt-driven integrated starter/generator (BISG), with the Fiesta getting an approximately 48 miles per gallon and Focus getting up to 50 miles per gallon. Also, the mild-hybrid versions of the Transit and Transit Custom vans are to be unveiled soon. Thus, it can be concluded that the rumors may stand right and an electrified Focus RS can be the reality.