Hot Focus to close Ford RS chapter?

By Mat Watson

27th February 2009

It looks like it could all be over for the RS! Auto Express can exclusively reveal that the new Ford Focus RS is likely to be the last model ever to wear the firm’s legendary performance badge.

The current financial crisis, plus future emissions laws, mean developing such high-powered petrol cars in future is no longer viable
for the company.

The news will come as a shock to the legions of fast Ford fans in the UK, as it spells the end of a long line of hot blue oval cars, which started with the Escort RS1600 in 1970. A Ford insider told us: “The new Focus RS is special – not just because of its incredible performance, but because it’s likely to be the last car of this type you will see from Ford.”

He explained the economic downturn meant there was “absolutely no business case” for any new RS models at the moment, and that the situation was unlikely to change. Once recovery begins, the firm will switch its focus to making vehicles that are economical and environmentally friendly.

Our insider added: “People should enjoy cars like the Focus RS while they can. It’s unlikely we will see such focused high-performance hatches ever again.”

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