The next RS is getting 400 hp and a mild-hybrid system. At least according to a new report from Autocar.

It makes sense that the next Focus RS will get more powerful, but automakers are also pushing to improve fuel economy. Even on performance models. Even if US fuel economy regs soften soon, EU regs won’t. Allowable CO2 emissions are coming down, and if the RS lives in both markets, it will likely only have a single powertrain option.

According to Autocar, the RS will get 400 hp. That’s 50 more, a nice big increase in power. Some of that will come from the 2.3L turbo four. In the UK, Ford tuner Mountune already offers a factory-approved upgrade to 370 hp, and Ford has a history of offering Mountune-like upgrades when the next generation of car comes along.

So if the engine offers 370 hp, where will the rest come from? Autocar says it could be thanks to a 48-volt hybrid system. Something like what Mercedes and Audi have recently introduced. It would add around 30 hp, and likely significantly more torque to the engine’s output. Improved stop-start performance and even some electric-only cruising could then be possible.

In short, expect the next Focus RS to offer more power, but cut fuel economy and CO2 emissions. Some enviro green to offset that Nitrous Blue. But don’t expect the next RS to get soft.

[source: Autocar]

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