Ford Focus RS to get full plug-in hybrid power

The replacement for the epic Ford Focus RS hyper-hatchis set for a full plug-in hybrid powertrain after Blue Oval bosses demanded a complete rethink about what should power it.

Originally, it was reported that the fourth instalment of the Focus RS would switch to a 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain in its pursuit for more performance and lower CO2 emissions, but according to

This, said a source speaking to the Brit mag, has forced engineers to begin working on a high-output full plug-in hybrid powertrain that will combine a petrol engine with at least one electric motor and a lithium-ion battery.

Unfortunately, the late-stage re-engineering job has pushed back the Focus RS launch from this year to 2022 at the earliest.

Currently, it's believed the engineers are working on developing the efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain that debuted in the new 2020 Ford Escape PHEV, which arrives here mid-year.

The advanced plug-in powertrain in the mid-size SUV combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with an electric motor and generator, in this case producing a total of 165kW

Crucially, the Escape features a 14.4kWh lithium-ion battery that can be charged by mains power via plug-in capability, offering “more than” 50km of zero tailpipe emissions travel.

Fuel consumption is listed at just 1.2L/100km and CO2 emissions at only 29g/km.

Upgrading the plug-in to produce at least 300kW is believed to be a huge challenge for Ford, especially since it needs to keep emission minimal and the Escape uses a CVT to blend electric and petrol power.

Top of the list is adding a turbocharger to the 2.5-litre petrol, plus beefier more powerful electric motors.

Another huge challenge is weight and the cost of developing an all-wheel drive system that can match the agility and playful drift mode of that in the current Focus RS.

The good news is that despite the setbacks and challenges facing engineers, the Focus RS no longer has to endure the 'One Ford' development constraints that required the outgoing hot hatch to pass every single global standard, simplifying its development.

According to Autocar, there's strong support within the car-maker to make the fourth-generation Focus RS happen. The Blue Oval's previous RS models were partly developed by engineers in their spare time and on weekends.