Exciting News: Buzz Over Ford Filing Trademarks RS200 Surfaces

Mar 14, 2024 04:16 AM EDT

(Photo : PEXELS/ Julissa Helmuth)

News revealed that Ford filed applications for two trademarks, "RS200" and "Ford RS200," earlier this month. The company has taken a step by resurrecting a name linked to a popular rally car from the 1980s with these filings.

Trademark on the Process: Rebirth RS200

As reported by Motor1.com, the automotive industry's patent and trademark sphere is abuzz with the combination of two letters and a number: RS and 200. Recent revelations indicate that Ford has submitted an application for the RS200 trademark in Europe, sparking renewed excitement about the potential revival of the original rally-inspired homologation model. However, industry observers remain cautious about setting high expectations at this stage.

The renowned Ford RS200 emerged in the mid-1980s as a result of the Group B period, typified by the World Rally Championship's profusion of extraordinarily potent race cars driven like everyday vehicles. To be qualified to compete in this exciting event, manufacturers had to construct a specific number of genuine street-legal cars in order to meet the homologation standards for the championship.

This was the Ford RS200's original design. The 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the road version generated 250 horsepower. During a race the engine was tuned to generate about 450 horsepower.

These numbers might not seem significant right now. But the RS200 was not a typical car. This one was the definition of a real powerhouse on wheels. Consequently, the return of the Ford RS200 trademark captures the essence of this powerful car.

Currently, there are no signs suggesting any development from Ford regarding the production of an actual vehicle. As per AutoGuide, the initial RS200 was a rare production model created for homologation purposes. It was a mid-engined, all-wheel drive vehicle that emerged at the conclusion of the Group B era, precisely four decades ago.

It's evident that there is no vehicle in Ford's current range that aligns with this description, and it appears improbable that the brand would maintain the same ethos by developing a new model exclusively for motorsport competition.

Possibilities for Latest RS200

CarBuzz recently shared insights on the trademark, highlighting that only 200 units of these cars are in existence, commanding prices as high as $500,000 in the current market. Hence, it's evident why Ford is interested in resurrecting the name, but the question remains: what purpose could it serve?

There exist numerous potential avenues. Firstly, and perhaps most thrillingly, Ford may be considering the launch of a new compact sports car to complement the Mustang GT. This vehicle could be tailored for off-road capabilities, drawing inspiration from the new Mustang Mach-E Rally, or alternatively, Ford might opt for a low-volume supercar in the opposite direction.

If it would follow the original's limited run of 200 units, it would likely become a coveted luxury item for collectors and affluent enthusiasts. However, if it were an electric vehicle, production numbers could potentially increase significantly.

The electric motor of the Mach-E GT Performance Edition appeals to performance fans. It has 634 lb-ft of torque and 480 horsepower. While gasoline-powered engines may still be preferred by typical enthusiasts, an electric drivetrain offers significant performance.