Ford to expand RS range?

[Wretched]

With the Focus RS release yesterday, and persistent rumors of a Fiesta RS floating around, it's safe to say that the air has been saturated with RS-speculation and interest. Which is why I wasn't too surprised to receive a leaked slide of Ford's upcoming RS plans. But I was very surprised at what I saw.

This morning, a courier knocked on my door with a package. It was special diatetic liverwurst that I, apparently, agreed to review. I didn't recall agreeing to this, but I agree to almost anything people ask me, so it was possible. When I opened the wax-paper package to try and spread the liverwurst on a 3x5 card (I'm out of bread) I found a lump. That lump was a USB drive with the Ford logo on it.

I plugged the USB drive into my computer, and found two files: a JPG and a text file. I opened the JPG and found a slide, which the text file said was from a much larger PowerPoint presentation from Ford's RS team. The file also told me there are more cars (they hinted at the Fiesta RS, but wouldn't confirm), but the anonymous sender felt this slide showed best the incredible work the RS team is doing. And I can't help but agree. Here's the slide:1

Wow, right? It looks like the RS guys have really figured out the formula. What's impressive here is the range of vehicles they're giving the RS treatment to — the C-Max Energi Plug-in RS will be the first plug-in RS car ever, and, as I was told in the text file, the car is designed to "yank that plug right out of the goddamn wall."

The E-Series Cutaway is also a very interesting RS car. It seems it was originally picked due to the Cutaway's inherent low weight, but it's also being produced with an eye to a new line of RS-spec motorhomes, with both full living conditions and track-ready gear. I think that means there's a full-camper-box roll cage and a seat belt for the toilet.2122

The Transit RS will be available in high-roof spec as well, and Ford is planning, we're told, an exhibition race series of Transit RS church buses and airport shuttles to build interest. The Lincoln MKZ is a smart move as well, injecting some excitement into a brand that could really use it.

There's no specs just yet, but I think we can assume high-output turbocharged engines are expected, with a bump of at least 100HP from the models stock forms. Uprated brakes, suspension, and other equipment is pretty much a given as well.

This is all very exciting. More manufacturers could learn a thing or two from these leaked documents that I probably didn't just make up and crudely Photoshop. I hope no one gets in trouble for this leak, because, Ford, listen — there is only positive press to be gotten from this.

http://jalopnik.com/exclusive-leaked...s-m-1683765247

Surely they jest? I am ok with some expansion of the range but what they have in mind is a little silly.

[Polyal]

Yeah I couldnt imagine any of them really happening, although NISMO seem happy to have a crack at almost anything.

The Fiesta makes sense, so does the MKZ but I wouldnt use the RS name as such but Lincolns certainly could do with some more agro.

[FPV GTHO]

C Max, Transit and E series could do the same job with ST badges and upset a lot less people at the same time. So I'll be very surprised to see anything like them.

A Ford badge on a Lincoln doesn't seem Luke the best decision also

[DJM83]

Fiesta RS i can stomach but the rest i cant and i doubt the rest would happen anyway. I do think that maybe a Mondeo might see an ST badge.

When you look at the Ford performance ladder. The RS badge sits in the middle with a high performance tag, i cant see any of the cars in that pic getting anywhere near it. Except for the Fiesta RS which isnt there.

[Moby Vic]

Ha! Clearly a joke. The only RS I could see being added is Fiesta.

Maybe they'll do a Fusion/Mondeo ST.

[FalconXV]

Transit RS makes sense. It has a reputation as the driver's van and they could hold the world record for the Nordschleife. Twin Turbo Ecoboost from the 2016 Raptor, 6 speed manual and race-tuned suspension. The new Transit Sportvan is the only vehicle to get a 10/10 on Fifth Gear.

[Dash_XR]

Doesn't RS stand for Rally Sport? I thought it was saved for cars that are or could be used to Rally competitively. Lots of companies seem to be doing this now days, throwing their prestige badges on anything for a quicker sale.

[Franco Cozzo]

**** yeah RS Transit, I'd have one lol.

Also the E series has been replaced by the Transit I believe so I don't think thats correct.

Ah well if only, RS Transit FTW.

[simon varley]

Mondeo had an ST badge for years in the UK. I had a mkII ST200 and a mkIII STtdci. The ST24 even made it here didn't it? so a new ST mondeo is pretty reasonable, but even with BTTC there has never been an RS Mondeo so I'd say it's unlikely we'll ever see one now

this is the transit to have https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qg6WdboK1nY

[xr8territory]

Sounds bogus to me.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by simon varley

Mondeo had an ST badge for years in the UK. I had a mkII ST200 and a mkIII STtdci. The ST24 even made it here didn't it? so a new ST mondeo is pretty reasonable, but even with BTTC there has never been an RS Mondeo so I'd say it's unlikely we'll ever see one now

this is the transit to have https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qg6WdboK1nY

Yes ST24 was sold here, poorly mind you, good car though.

I have driven a ST220 and its a mint little car. A Mondeo Wagon ST would be a nice car to have on our shores...not fussed on a RS version of it.