Ford Could Axe One of Its Most Anticipated Models
Rumor has it the Ford Focus RS500 might not come to fruition.
According to Autocar, the hotter Ford Focus RS500 might not get the green light for production because its business case is looking weak. The project hasn’t officially been axed, but sources say it only has a 30 percent chance of heading to production.
That’s because the proposed 400-horsepower version of the Focus RS would tread on other existing models like the Ford Mustang GT. Although that wouldn’t be a major issue in Europe, Ford dealers in the U.S. are questioning whether they want the car, and without U.S. support, the RS500 is struggling to meet its internal project forecasts.
SEE ALSO: Ford Focus RS500 Could Pack 400 HP
The American automaker has already been spied testing the Focus RS500, and it’s understood that the company has considered an “RS500-lite” version more specifically for the European market, but is concerned it would dilute the RS brand. Either way, expect a decision to be made soon as the current Focus will end its production in late 2017.
[Source: Autocar]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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i heard the next Fister ST is gonna be a 1.0 Ecoboost. Maybe the next Fockus will be a 1.6T ;)