We all knew the third-generation Ford Focus RS was coming soon, with four-wheel drive and a tweaked version of the 2.3-litre, four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, as seen in the Mustang. But, what we didn't know for definite was its peak power output. Well, now the Blue Oval has deigned to tell us what that will be.
Go on, I can't wait!
This madhouse Focus will punch out 350hp, backed up by 440Nm of torque from 2,000- to 4,500rpm. That second figure rises to 470Nm during a 15-second limited overboost phase. Nevertheless, the Volkswagen Golf R won't know what's hit it and even the Audi RS 3 Sportback and revised Mercedes-AMG A 45 will be in the Ford's crosshairs.
That is a serious amount of wallop. How has Ford gone about liberating it?
It's a 10 per cent power hike on the Mustang installation, courtesy of a low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger, a bigger intercooler, a freer-flowing air intake and a large-bore high-performance exhaust system.
Ford's good at dynamics - will it go round corners well?
We're extremely confident it will, if the brilliant ST model is anything to go by. The RS is the first application of Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring, selectable drive modes - including a 'Drift Mode' allowing for controlled oversteer - and Launch Control.
When will we get to see it in action?
If you're going to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, US superstar driver Ken Block is going to thrash a prototype model up the Hill Climb. If you can't make it, there's a teaser video of it to enjoy.
I don't want a teaser! What is the estimated ETA of this thing in showrooms?
One of 12 new performance vehicles Ford will unleash on the world between now and 2020, the Focus RS v3.0 will be available for delivery to European customers in early 2016. And can you imagine the prospect of a limited RS 500 model, with over 400hp? Because we can. And we're trying hard not to salivate at the mere idea.
Oh, I can't wait any more! Can I watch the video, please?
