Ford Focus RS launch delayed

Originally planned for next year

Ford's European chief Stephen Odell has announced the Focus RS won't come out in 2015 as originally planned.

In an interview given to Autocar, Stephen Odell said "there's nothing to talk about" concerning the Focus RS' launch, even though the car was believed to come out next year. Maybe the Blue Oval company has decided to wait and see how the all-new Mustang will do in Europe once it goes on sale early 2015.

The Ford Focus RS is expected to borrow the Mustang's 4-cylinder, 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine which in the pony car delivers more than 305 bhp (227 kW) and 406 Nm (300 lb-ft). In the hot hatch it is believed the engine will be tuned to somewhere around 330 bhp (246 kW). Previous rumors have indicated it will be available only as a five-door hatchback body style with a front-wheel drive system.

In related news, Stephen Odell said the new Mondeo will reach Europe late this year, almost three years after the Fusion came out in United States. Ford will be adding a more premiumVignale trim in 2015 which will sit on top of Mondeo's range.

Source: Ford via autocar.co.uk