Ford News: Rumorpile: Ford Focus RS500 Might Not Happen

[William Maley]

There might not be a Focus RS500 as a final swan song for the current Focus. Autocar has learned from sources at the blue oval that the chances of the RS500 entering production stands at about 30 percent at the moment. This is because the business case for the model is becoming very weak.

Part of the issue lies with where the Focus RS500 would sit in Ford's performance lineup. Sources say the model "could be treading on other cars’ toes," such as the Mustang GT and Shelby GT350. This isn't an issue in Europe where Ford's European office sees a market for both models. The U.S. is another story as some see the RS500 stealing sales away from Mustang - especially when the model could produce just a hair under 400 horsepower. There is also the question on whether or not Ford dealers in the U.S. want this model.

Without the U.S., the business case for the Focus RS500 begins to fall apart. Ford has looked at doing a watered-down version for Europe only, but it might cause damage for the RS brand.

The clock is ticking down on making a final decision as Ford will be wrapping up production of the current Focus late next year.

Source: Autocar

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