Ford Could Axe One of its Most Anticipated Models

Rumor has it the Ford Focus RS500 might not come to fruition.

According to Autocar, the hotter Ford Focus RS500 might not get the green light for production because its business case is looking weak. The project hasn’t officially been axed, but sources say it only has a 30 percent chance of heading to production.

That’s because the proposed 400-horsepower version of the Focus RS would tread on other existing models like the Ford Mustang GT. Although that wouldn’t be a major issue in Europe, Ford dealers in the U.S. are questioning whether they want the car, and without U.S. support, the RS500 is struggling to meet its internal project forecasts.

SEE ALSO: Ford Focus RS500 Could Pack 400 HP

The American automaker has already been spied testing the Focus RS500, and it’s understood that the company has considered an “RS500-lite” version more specifically for the European market, but is concerned it would dilute the RS brand. Either way, expect a decision to be made soon as the current Focus will end its production in late 2017.

[Source: Autocar]

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