Performance Ford started working on the generation Fiesta and Focus ST now that the Focus RS in production, but a hot version of the Mondeo now looks increasingly unlikely.
chief engineer Focus RS Tyrone Johnson told Autocar next job is to start working on a replacement for the Fiesta and Focus ST.
Although Johnson would not discuss the date of production, the new Focus and Fiesta are due in 2018-2019, suggesting a launch date for a version of the ST from 2019 to 2020.
Johnson said the two cars must maintain their mix of accessible performance and everyday usability but also must evolve to face competition from new rivals.
Johnson is less encouraging about Mondeo ST engineered to rival the Audi S4 / S6 and BMW M3 / M5.
"This is a car that is big enough and rivals now offering around 500bhp. I think it was a big ask for the Mondeo," he said.
At around 1800kg and a length of almost 4.9 meters, the Mondeo is closer in size to the BMW 5 Series 3 Series.
"Make a quick Mondeo by category HP2 we will be very difficult," said Johnson.
Ford Performance models have to fit into one of three categories - HP1, HP2 and Elite - the Ford defines the performance and handling of strict criteria.
The new GT is the Elite model, the Focus RS an HP2 and Fiesta / Focus ST is HP1s
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