Exported To Detroit: Next Ford Focus RS Won't Be Built In Michigan

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

Fans of fast Fords will be glad to know that our sources at the Blue Oval have confirmed that the Ford Focus RS is on its way for a 2016 debut. It will be (relatively) affordable, provide a measurable performance boost above a Focus ST, and it will be imported from Europe.

According to our source, the 2.3L Focus RS will be equipped with all-wheel drive and be priced a couple of thousand dollars higher than a loaded Ford Focus ST3. But getting your hands on one will be tough.

The Focus RS will have to be imported from Europe, since it apparently won’t fit down the production line at the Michigan Assembly Plant that builds our Focus. This means a very limited run of cars, serving as a halo car for those who want something more rally-inspired than a Mustang.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Chopsui Chopsui on Oct 20, 2014

    Any clues as to why it wont fit down the production line?

    • Benders Benders on Oct 20, 2014

      Probably track width + tire width. They're likely wider than the standard Focus which means wider fenders for the RS.

  • Hummer Hummer on Oct 20, 2014

    Some people sure don't mind spending big money on an economy car it seems. Alternative idea 1) Buy a normal economy car 12-16k 2) build a track able go cart with a big (relative) engine and heavy(strong) roll cage, max 10-12k if you wanna get insane but still do it yourself. More fun, and you still have to same car to return to everyday. All over V8 Mustang prices but without decent proven drivetrain, and room to fit people.

    • Power6 Power6 on Oct 20, 2014

      You have a viable plan there, really depends on what you want from your motoring experience. I could flip this around...as a Boston dweller this is a typical conundrum, why build a sweet track ride you have to stuff in the garage half the year and drive a penalty box most of the time. Not looking to start another one of those damn AWD face offs, but the rally cars are a lot of fun no matter what the weather or road surface so you get to drive the thing you paid too much for all the time at least. The rally recipe makes a great all year sports car for the crumbling frozen northeast infrastructure.

  • Mags1110 Mags1110 on Oct 20, 2014

    I love idea on paper but almost 40k for a hatchback, rough everyday ride, hard seats, premium gas and a awful infotainment system, eh no thanks... this car will come and go before we know it.

  • ErRoc ErRoc on Feb 03, 2015

    This really appeals to me... depending on price point. Rumours are swirling the web at $40k CAD for this. I am hoping that FCA continues its plan to make an SRT Dart with 300+HP and AWD. A bonus would be if they can still make it at SHAP in Michigan with some volume and value. Say low 30s and use something from the upcoming FCA parts bin (9-spd & turbo 2.4 or 3.2) Heck, they can even put the Hellcat/Scat Pack Charger front end treatment on it!

    • Bball40dtw Bball40dtw on Feb 03, 2015

      I thought the Dart was made in Belvidere, Il? If they make a 200 SRT at SHAP, that would be fine with me too.

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