A spokesman from Ford, who spoke with AutoExpress, revealed that the prototype models seen testing in recent months were developed to test high-performance parts for other future products and that at no point was there ever a business case for an RS-badged Focus.
Initial predictions for the new RS claimed that it would feature a potent turbo motor pumping out more than 300bhp, with drive sent to all four wheels.
Other reasons for nixing the model was due to a lack of interest in markets outside of the UK but the source has not ruled out a potential RS version of the next-generation MkIII Focus that’s due in 2010.