If the attached spy images are any indication, it seems Ford has green-lighted a go-faster version of the already quick RS. Set to be the culmination of the current generation, the variant in question will likely be called “RS500” and will be available in limited quantities, just like the previous RS500 based on the second-gen Focus RS which was built in 500 examples. That one came with a 15-percent horsepower increase and a 4.5-percent torque hike, along with a sinister matte black look and other tweaks.
Getting back to the car at hand, it looks pretty much the same as the regular RS version, but the hood now has some air outlets to help cool down the turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine which is likely being massaged to deliver more power over the current 350 hp & 350 lb-ft.
Company insiders cited by Motor Mag said a while ago the mega-hatch will get carbon fiber reinforced plastic bodywork, carbon fiber brakes, and forged aluminum suspension parts to shave off weight. For the same purpose, Ford apparently plans to remove some of the sound insulation for what will be a stripped-out cabin.
It’s unclear at this point how much fat will be removed over the 1,599 kg / 3,525 lbs regular RS, but there was a rumor a while back referring to a diet of up to 100 kg (220 lbs). All of the changes are expected to give birth to what is being described as the “fastest-accelerating hatchback in history.”
That’s a rather bold statement made by sources close to Ford and it remains to be seen whether it will actually materialize. The standard Ford Focus RS runs to 62 mph (100 kph) in 4.7 seconds and maxes out at 165 mph (266 kph), so the hardcore limited-run version will improve upon these already impressive figures.
While details about the special edition’s reveal are not available at this point, chances are Ford will launch it early 2017 taking into account the Focus IV will be out probably in the second half of next year.
Gallery: Ford Focus RS500 spy photos
