Ford does not plan to abandon the iconic ST and RS nameplates for its cars even after such models with traditional internal combustion engines are discontinued. The head of marketing for Ford’s European division, Jan Herzog, promised that electric vehicles with the corresponding designations would sooner or later appear in the brand’s model range. Auto experts from the Indiana car dealership Indy Auto Man tell fans of charged Ford cars what they can hope for.
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Charged modification to revived
The most obvious future candidate for a charged modification of the ST can be considered the Puma Gen-E electric crossover. It is based on the current generation of Puma and was introduced to the brand’s lineup at the end of last year. Currently, this model has only a 168-horsepower engine. Such a crossover could compete with powerful versions of the Ioniq 5.
At the same time, the company already has experience creating sports electric cars: many concepts were presented, and the Mustang Mach-E crossover has a 480-horsepower version for asphalt and a special Rally modification.
In February, it was reported that Ford might have another sports car, but an unusual one. The concern is considering releasing a certain super SUV for high-speed off-road driving under the Raptor sub-brand. They want to release it as an independent model and not as a modification of one of the existing ones.
ST and RS in the Ford lineup
Unlike the popular Ford cars, models with the ST (Sport Technology) prefix have pronounced sporty, frankly aggressive colors. The Ford Focus RS (Rally Sport) is a high-tech version of the Ford Focus, positioned as a more advanced solution than the ST version. This modification has increased engine volume and power and redesigned and improved sports transmission and chassis.
However, after three generations, Ford abandoned the RS designation back in 2018. Tightening requirements for average CO2 emissions and threatening ruinous fines took their toll. In addition, the project was expensive and did not align with the business restructuring.
Only three Ford models currently wear the ST nameplate – the Explorer in the US, the Focus, and the petrol-electric modification of the Puma in Europe. The final version of the Ford Focus ST Edition was released right before the debut of the updated civilian Focus in 2021. Thus, the most driver-oriented special version of the hatchback became a model crowning the first half of the Focus’s life cycle because it is to end its assembly line life in 2025.
The farewell mood is supported by Ford representatives, calling the Focus ST Edition the most advanced hot hatchback.
Used ST and RS modification for true fans
Despite Ford’s policy and plans, true fans of sports Ford Focus versions can find RS and ST modifications in the secondary car market. Experts recommend a used Focus RS for petrol heads seeking an exhilarating hatchback with a manual transmission, perfect for long road trips or track days. It offers everything one could want, along with a robust engine.
On the other hand, the ST is ideal for those seeking a practical daily driver that still delivers excitement on commutes or weekend trips. Plus, it features a more spacious trunk, making Focus RS a great choice for families.
